History
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, known professionally as Lady Gaga, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress born on March 28, 1986, in New York City. Recognized for her consistent reinvention and musical versatility, Gaga began her career performing at open mic nights and acting in school productions. She attended the Collaborative Arts Project 21 through New York University's Tisch School of the Arts before leaving to focus on her professional music career.
Early Career and Breakthrough
After an initial contract with Def Jam Recordings was canceled, Gaga worked as a songwriter for Sony/ATV Music Publishing. In 2007, she signed a joint deal with Interscope Records and KonLive Distribution. Her debut studio album, The Fame (2008), brought her immediate international success, producing chart-topping singles "Just Dance" and "Poker Face."
The album was later expanded as the EP The Fame Monster in 2009. This release further solidified her status as a pop icon, featuring the hit singles "Bad Romance," "Telephone," and "Alejandro." During this era, Gaga became known for her provocative fashion choices and elaborate music videos.
Musical Evolution and Chart Success
Gaga's subsequent studio albums all debuted at the top of the US Billboard 200. Her second full-length album, Born This Way (2011), explored electronic rock and techno-pop, selling more than one million copies in its opening week. The title track set a record as the fastest-selling song on the iTunes Store at the time.
Genre Exploration and Collaborations
Following the EDM-influenced Artpop (2013) and its lead single "Applause," Gaga shifted her musical direction. In 2014, she collaborated with legendary singer Tony Bennett on the jazz album Cheek to Cheek. She continued to diversify her sound with the 2016 release of Joanne, a project that leaned into soft rock and country influences.
Acting Career and Critical Acclaim
Gaga successfully transitioned into acting, earning a Golden Globe for her role in the television series American Horror Story: Hotel (2015–2016). Her most significant cinematic role came in 2018 with the musical drama A Star Is Born. Her performance and contribution to the film's soundtrack, specifically the single "Shallow," led her to become the first woman to win an Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Grammy in the same year.
In 2021, she starred as Patrizia Reggiani in the biopic House of Gucci, further establishing her presence in Hollywood.
Recent Projects and Return to Dance-Pop
In 2020, Gaga returned to her dance-pop roots with her sixth studio album, Chromatica, which included the number-one single "Rain on Me." She followed this in 2021 with Love for Sale, her second collaborative jazz album with Tony Bennett.
Legacy and Business Ventures
With estimated sales of 170 million records, Lady Gaga is one of the world's best-selling music artists. She is the only female artist to have four singles sell at least 10 million copies globally. Her career honors include 13 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes, and 18 MTV Video Music Awards.
Beyond entertainment, Gaga is a dedicated activist. She founded the Born This Way Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on youth wellness and mental health awareness. In 2019, she launched Haus Labs, a vegan cosmetics brand. Her influence extends into fashion, where she was recognized by Time magazine as one of the All-Time 100 Fashion Icons.
Discography
