GAGActober: Waiting for LG7
Lady Gaga, born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta in 1986, is one of those names that cannot be ignored in the world of music and entertainment. With an explosive mix of vocal talent, charisma, a chameleonic style, and a rebellious spirit, she has transformed the music industry and captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world.
Lady Gaga at the 2011 Grammy's - Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images via Vanity Fair
But how did she become a global icon?
Lady Gaga made her musical debut in 2008 with the album The Fame: an irresistible mix of electro-pop and dance that immediately caught attention. From this work emerged hits like “Just Dance” and “Poker Face,” songs that topped global charts and established her eccentric and provocative style. It was clear from the start: Gaga would not be just any pop star. Her unique aesthetic and theatrical performances marked a turning point, blending fashion, art, and music into a package that was anything but conventional.
In 2009, Gaga solidified her status as a superstar with the EP The Fame Monster. The track “Bad Romance” became one of her most iconic songs, and with it came some of her most memorable performances. Who could forget her performance at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, where she staged a theatrical spectacle that culminated with a bloodied Gaga hanging from the ceiling to the notes of “Paparazzi”? That performance shocked and mesmerized, confirming her reputation as an artist unafraid to take risks and push the boundaries of pop.
With her third album, Born This Way (2011), Lady Gaga embraced themes of self-acceptance, diversity, and inclusion, becoming an icon for the LGBTQ+ community. The title track became a global anthem, and once again, Gaga raised the bar with her live performances. Her performance at the 2011 Grammy Awards, where she "hatched" from a giant egg, remains etched in the collective memory as one of the most bizarre and brilliant moments in pop.
In 2018, Lady Gaga surprised everyone with a shift in direction that showcased another side of her talent: acting. In the film A Star Is Born, alongside Bradley Cooper, Gaga portrayed Ally, an emerging singer, delivering a touching and intense performance. The song “Shallow,” from the soundtrack, became a global phenomenon, earning her an Oscar for Best Original Song. Who can forget the electrifying performance of “Shallow” with Bradley Cooper at the 2019 Academy Awards? It was a performance filled with emotion and chemistry that made the entire world dream.
Another unforgettable milestone in Gaga's career was her performance at the 2017 Super Bowl Halftime Show. In one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, Gaga literally took flight. Yes, you read that right: the artist began her performance by jumping off the roof of the stadium, then went on to sing a series of hits without missing a beat. From “Poker Face” to “Born This Way,” it was a showcase of energy, control, and pure spectacle.
Lady Gaga performing at Super Bowl Show - Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
In 2020, Lady Gaga returned to her roots with Chromatica, a dance-pop album that brought her sound back to her early hits but with a whole new artistic maturity. “Rain On Me,” the duet with Ariana Grande, became one of the most streamed songs of the year. Beyond music, Gaga continued to stand out for her activism, fighting for women's and minority rights, mental health, and social justice.
Lady Gaga has proven to be much more than just a pop star: she is a creative force, an extraordinary performer, and a cultural icon. After making waves in cinema with her new role as Harley Quinn in the film Joker: Folie à Deux, alongside Joaquin Phoenix, anticipation for her upcoming album, tentatively titled LG7, is already sky-high.
There is great curiosity about what artistic direction she will take this time: will she return to her pop roots, or will she surprise us once again with new musical experimentation? Whatever path she chooses, one thing is certain: Lady Gaga will continue to redefine the boundaries of art and entertainment, pushing us to dream and reflect with every move she makes. As we await the next chapter, one thing is clear: with Lady Gaga, the unpredictable is the only certainty.