by Lucy Maguire

Created on: August 01, 2010

A result of enhanced DNA cloning 27 years post-Madonna? Unlikely. But the resemblance is striking to that of Madonna in the Mid-1980's, an era in which she courted much controversial press for her erotic, post-feminist music and style.

Indeed, Lady Gaga has cited Madonna as one of several contributing inspirations toward her musical style, as well as the glam rock influence of David Bowie and Queen. Her brief website biography describes how she grew up singing along to both Michael Jackson and Cyndi Lauper. The significance of all icons is apparent in Gagas' music and theatrics, which incorporate sartorial couture, eroticism, glam rock and feminism. Hardly unique then you may conclude, however it is only elements of these inspirations that have gone into the melting pot and created Gaga. She is as much her own unique creator and stylist as Madonna was in the 80's.

Lady Gaga and Madonna are both of Italian-American descent, which transcends into both the early up-bringing and musical creativity of both artists. Madonna, cites her Italian heritage as the prominent contributor to her strong work ethic, her father having worked to the bone to move the family from it's origins in Naples, Southern Italy to Bay City, Michigan where Madonna grew up.

Similarly, Lady Gaga's Italian-American roots have also contributed to the work-hungry, show-woman apparent today. Her father, Joseph Germanotta is a self-made and highly successful internet entrepeneur who staunchly supported his eldest daughter in her drive to "make it".

Madonna and Gaga both applied themselves to their studies, however both displayed signs of rebellious intent. Madonna, due to her father remarrying some years after the premature death of her beloved mother, and Gaga because she "didn't fit in" and "felt like a freak". Madonna gained a reputation for outlandish behavior which included the performance of gymnastics between classes and lifting up her skirt "so the boys could see her knickers".  Both clearly courted attention, often wanting to be the centre of it from an early age, and perhaps they were the subtle indications of the theatrical idols they would later become.

Madonna's post-school life was spent pursuing a dance career in New York, where she'd relocated and led a hand to mouth existence in order to pursue her dream. Gaga's story doesn't come anywhere near in comparison in terms of hardship. She attended the Tisch School of Arts for a short period before deciding to drop out and concentrate

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