by Cindy Shanks

Created on: July 30, 2010

Madonna released her first album, “Madonna” in 1983 before Lady Gaga (Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta) was born. Yet as Lady Gaga’s storms the music industry with flair and flamboyance, comparisons have been made between her and Madonna. With wealth, awards and a legion of fans she like Madonna is one of the most popular artists in the world. Both of them are as follows:

*Ambitious

 Both singers are hungry for success. Madonna was a young child when her mother passed away. Belonging to a large family, Madonna wanted to succeed. Driven, she will allow nothing to stop her from achieving. Even though some of her films such as “Shanghai Surprise” have been considered flops she doesn’t dwell on it, instead she will move on to her next project. Not only is she an actress and singer but also an author.

Lady Gaga has developed her work ethic from her family who worked hard to send her to a private school and give her the best start in life. She learned the piano at an early age and like Madonna worked hard at school. When she was a teenager she began performing in front of crowds before being signed up by a record label. At first she wrote songs for other famous pop stars such as Britney Spears before achieving success in her own right.

*Dynamic

 Madonna and Lady Gaga are both dynamic. When you hear them sing you notice them. With Madonna it is her lyrics. Songs such as “Take a Bow” and “This Used to be My Playground” are filled with depth. They are words that people can relate to that resonates with the listener. Lady Gaga’s songs such as “Just Dance” and “Poker Face” have a catchy melody that make people want to dance.

*Flamboyant and Controversial

Both artists wear flamboyant costumes. Lady Gaga lights up the stage with colour and fashion. Her unique style is very important to her Lady Gaga persona. Madonna has the power to change from blonde, black, short, straight and curly hair with a variety of fashions to suit the moods. The change of image is pertinent to her success.

Both have had controversial videos. Lady Gaga’s “Alejandro” has been criticised because of the religious and sexual imagery used in the video. This is probably considered less shocking due to the times we live in compared to Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” and “Like a Prayer” which was more controversial for the time.

*Hugely Popular

 Both Madonna and Lady Gaga are extremely popular. Lady Gaga has a huge following on sites such as Facebook. Madonna is popular with a huge range of ages, from the people who remember her in the 1980s to the children who love reading her books. Madonna has had 13 number 1 singles in the UK.. Click here to view them. Lady Gaga has not achieved as many yet but is hot on Madonna’s heels to catch up.

Overall there are many similarities between the two pop sensations. It will be another decade before we can decide whether Lady Gaga has the iconic status of Madonna or is just a passing phase. Whatever the outcome both women have made history.

Lady Gaga’s official website

Madonna’s official website

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