Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga
Carlos M. Vazquez II · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Lady Gaga
Caption	At the 2019 Academy Awards
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta
Birth date	March 28, 1986
Birth place	New York City, Manhattan, Upper West Side
Origin	New York City
Genres	Pop, Dance-pop, Electronic, Art pop, Jazz
Occupations	Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Record producer, Activist
Years active	2001–present
Labels	Streamline, KonLive, Interscope, Haus of Gaga, Republic Records
Associated acts	Tony Bennett, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Elton John, Bradley Cooper, Mark Ronson

Lady Gaga (born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta; March 28, 1986) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her theatrical performance style, eclectic musical experimentation, and high-profile fashion. Rising from the New York University Tisch School of the Arts scene to international pop stardom, she has crossed into film, philanthropy, and advocacy while earning multiple major awards. Her career spans collaborations with prominent musicians, appearances at cultural institutions, and influence on contemporary pop and performance art.

Early life and education

Born in Manhattan to Cynthia and Joseph Germanotta, she was raised in the Upper West Side and Yonkers, New York. She attended Convent of the Sacred Heart and New York University's Tisch School of the Arts intermittently before studying at Collaborative Arts Project 21 and performing in Off-Broadway venues. Influenced by early exposure to Stevie Wonder, Madonna, David Bowie, Queen, Michael Jackson, and The Who, she participated in local church choirs and classical music training, performing at venues such as CBGB and collaborating with peers from LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.

Career

She began as a songwriter and performer in the Manhattan club scene, signing with Def Jam Recordings briefly before joining Streamline Records and Interscope Records. Her debut album, The Fame, featured singles produced with RedOne and collaborations that propelled her onto the Billboard Hot 100 and MTV Video Music Awards stages. Subsequent releases—The Fame Monster, Born This Way, ARTPOP, Cheek to Cheek (with Tony Bennett), Joanne, and Chromatica—showcase partnerships with producers such as Fernando Garibay, BloodPop, Mark Ronson, and Josh Homme. She expanded into acting with roles in American Horror Story, which earned a Golden Globe Award, and the film A Star Is Born alongside Bradley Cooper, leading to Academy Award recognition. Her Las Vegas residency, Enigma, and world tours have played major arenas and festivals, including performances at Super Bowl LI and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Artistry and influences

Her music blends elements of pop music, electronic dance music, jazz, and rock music, often incorporating theatrical elements from cabaret and performance art. She cites influences including Madonna, David Bowie, Queen, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Freddie Mercury, Prince, Tony Bennett, Björk, Marilyn Manson, Cher, and Kurt Weill. Collaborations with Hans Zimmer and reinterpretations of standards with Tony Bennett illustrate her range across genres represented in institutions such as Lincoln Center and on stages like The Grammy Awards. Her songwriting often addresses themes tied to identity and fame, informed by contemporary movements reflected at events like the Grammy Awards and the Academy Awards.

Public image and fashion

Known for avant-garde costumes crafted with designers from Haus of Gaga, she has worked with Alexander McQueen, Donatella Versace, Gareth Pugh, Marc Jacobs, Nick Knight, and Thierry Mugler. Iconic looks—such as the meat dress worn at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards and elaborate headpieces—have been displayed in exhibitions at institutions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and featured in publications including Vogue (magazine), Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and Time (magazine). Her visual presentation draws from performance art traditions and references designers and artists across contemporary and historical movements celebrated at venues such as Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibitions.

Philanthropy and activism

She founded the Born This Way Foundation with Yale University-affiliated initiatives and partnered with organizations including GLAAD, Human Rights Campaign, and AmFAR to support youth empowerment and LGBTQ rights. She has participated in benefit concerts for Hurricane Sandy relief and collaborated with health organizations during public health campaigns, working alongside figures from institutions such as Harvard Medical School and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services initiatives. Her advocacy includes mental health programming and campaigns in partnership with UNICEF and American Red Cross affiliates.

Personal life and relationships

She has maintained collaborative and personal relationships with artists and public figures including Bradley Cooper, Tony Bennett, Elton John, Renee Zellweger, and Beyoncé. Reports concerning her partnerships and health have been covered by outlets like The Washington Post, The Guardian, and BBC News. She has discussed medical procedures and injury recovery publicly, including interactions with medical professionals from institutions like Cedar-Sinai Medical Center during tour-related incidents.

Awards and legacy

Her honors include Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, BAFTA nominations, and recognition from institutions such as Billboard (magazine), MTV, and People (magazine). Her cultural impact is cited in academic analyses and exhibitions at venues including Museum of Modern Art and Smithsonian Institution-adjacent programs. She is frequently listed in rankings by Forbes, Time (magazine), and Rolling Stone for influence in music and popular culture.

Category:American singers Category:American actors