by Cindy Shanks

Created on: July 30, 2010   Last Updated: November 07, 2010

When Joseph Germanotta and Cynthia Bissett had their first child Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta on March 28th 1986 they could never have imagined her success as Lady Gaga. Flamboyant and exciting, Lady Gaga lights up the stage with her performances. Her catchy songs, unique image and dedication are the ingredients to her success. Her diversity wins her support. How did it all begin? How did an ordinary American girl make her stratospheric rise to fame?

When the singer was only 4, she learned how to play the piano,  then progressed to writing songs and performing when she was only 14. She performed in High School Musicals at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, all of these factors became the stepping stones to her professional singing career but it wasn't easy.

She attended the Tisch School of the Arts, New York University but left early to concentrate on her singing, determined to become famous. Success didn’t come immediately as she was signed up for the record label Def Jam Recordings but then ditched. Craving for success, Lady Gaga began taking drugs to the shame of her father and they didn’t speak to each other for a few months.

When she met Rob Fusari her life changed. She changed her name to Lady Gaga and they wrote some songs together. He sent some of the songs to Vincent Herbert and she was signed up to Streamline Records. At first Lady Gaga wrote songs for other people such as Britney Spears but when Akon noticed her singing ability this changed. She worked with RedOne and the song “Just Dance” her debut single released in 2008 became number 1. This song, according to Gaga, was life changing. “Just Dance” wasn’t destined to be a one hit wonder as “Poker Face” was even more successful. It seemed that the pop enigma who captured everyone’s imagination couldn’t do any wrong as her career blossomed.

What stands out is not only her music, but her fashion that brands her as unique. She doesn’t just offer music, she offers a bold statement. For example her hair ranges from long, short, dark pink and blonde. Her clothes range from nothing to colorful costumes. Her makeup is contemporary and like a work of art on her face. She personifies glamour.  

Whilst she is wealthy, popular and successful, she hasn’t been without controversy. Her music video Alejandro has been criticised because of the sexual and religious imagery within it. Lady Gaga also received complaints from Katy Perry in twitter.

In essence Lady Gaga’s rise to fame wasn’t immediate. What she has achieved in a few years with countless awards, a selection of number ones and a huge volume of wealth is inspiring. The fact that she did it herself, calving out her own career rather than winning a contest has given her greater control over the kind of music she loves performing. Most of all it has given her the respect of her fans.

Websites

http://www.ladygaga.com/default.aspx

Article referring to Katy Perry views about Lady Gaga's video.

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