by Lady Gaga’s music has been a source of inspiration and strength for so many people around the world, including myself. Her powerful anthems about self-love, acceptance, and chasing your dreams have gotten me through some very tough times. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve blasted “Born This Way” or “The Edge of Glory” to help motivate me and remind myself that I’m beautiful and strong just the way I am.
The first time I heard Lady Gaga was back in 2008 when her smash hit “Just Dance” was released. I was going through a really difficult breakup at the time and was feeling pretty down. But then I heard this crazy, pulsing dance song about letting go and having fun on the radio. It immediately lifted my spirits. From that point on, I was hooked on Lady Gaga.
When The Fame Monster came out in 2009, I practically wore out my CD listening to it over and over. Songs like “Bad Romance,” “Alejandro,” and “Dance in the Dark” helped me escape into Gaga’s world where being an outsider was something to be celebrated. During those high school years when I was struggling to figure out my identity, Lady Gaga made me feel like it was okay to be different.
In 2011, Lady Gaga released Born This Way. The title track is still one of the most empowering songs I’ve ever heard. The lyrics “I’m beautiful in my way, cause God makes no mistakes, I’m on the right track baby I was born this way” filled me with so much confidence and pride in who I am. That whole album served as a bold anthem for outsiders and misfits, and it came at a time when I really needed that message.
When Lady Gaga was gearing up to release her ARTPOP album in 2013, she said something that really stuck with me. She said “My ARTPOP could mean anything.” I loved the idea that art and music can mean something different to everyone. We all view it through our own unique lens. This really hit home for me since Lady Gaga’s music already meant so much to me personally.
ARTPOP was released during my freshman year of college, and it saw Lady Gaga experimenting with different styles and sounds. While the album was divisive among critics and some fans, I absolutely loved tracks like “Applause,” “Venus,” and “Gypsy.” The high energy and thematic style of the album really spoke to me and matched where I was in life at that time as I adjusted to college and became more involved with the school’s theater program.
By 2014, Lady Gaga was dealing with a hip injury that required surgery, and she was going through a lot of emotional struggles. She channeled those experiences into her intimate 2016 album Joanne. Songs like “Million Reasons” and “Joanne” paint a portrait of both struggle and hope. When life gets difficult, Lady Gaga’s music motivates me and gives me the strength to believe that things will get better.
One of my favorite memories involving Lady Gaga’s music was seeing her live in concert for the first time during The Fame Ball tour in 2009. She put on such an incredible, high energy show, performing songs like “Poker Face,” “Paparazzi,” and “LoveGame.” She also really connected with her fans, taking their letters and bringing some up on stage. Seeing her live was a magical experience that I’ll never forget.
I also loved following Lady Gaga’s journey to the Super Bowl in 2017. She performed the halftime show and it was incredible seeing her on that huge stage absolutely owning it. From her high-flying entrance to her medley of hits to her stage dives, she put on an unforgettable show that was so perfectly Gaga. The message of inclusion and equality that she sent during the performance resonated with me and so many others. It was a proud moment to be one of her fans.
Most recently, Lady Gaga’s 2020 album Chromatica spoke to me a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic. It came out at a time of fear and uncertainty, but the vibrant energy and themes of community on the album lifted my spirits. Tracks like “Rain On Me” and “911” are like danceable anthems about overcoming adversity and traumatic experiences. Lady Gaga continued to inspire me even during those difficult days in quarantine.
Over the years of listening to Lady Gaga, I’ve found myself growing more comfortable in my own skin and proud of who I am. She gives a voice to those who feel different or marginalized. Through the diversity of her artistic vision and her commitment to causes like LGBTQ and mental health awareness, she spreads a message of inclusivity, compassion and strength.
Lady Gaga is a one-of-a-kind artist and person. From her catchy pop songs to her gorgeous jazz duets, her music spans genres and moods. She has shown such resilience and passion. Every time she releases new music or performs, it feels like a cultural event. No matter what she does, she puts her entire self into it. That devotion and fearlessness is so inspirational to me as both a fan and person trying to figure out my own path.
The way Lady Gaga champions the marginalized and empowers her fans to find their own voice has always deeply resonated with me. She encourages all of us to challenge conventions and defy expectations. To be seen, heard, and loved for who we are.
In my darkest moments when I struggled with anxiety, doubt, heartbreak, or identity, Lady Gaga’s music was a source of light to help me push through. It made me feel less strange and gave me confidence. I truly believe her songs have saved and changed lives.
Lady Gaga is more than just a pop star to me and countless others. She’s a radiant voice in the chaos, reminding us of how special we all are. An icon marching to the beat of her own drum and asking us to march beside her. A friend when we feel we have none. A role model for never compromising who you are. An inspiration to realize our potential and abilities.
I will forever be grateful for the gift Lady Gaga has given me and fans worldwide – the courage to be ourselves and chase our dreams. Whenever I need a boost of confidence or motivation, I know that I can always count on her music to lift me up. I hope one day I can tell Lady Gaga in person how much her unwavering spirit means to me and others. She is absolutely irreplaceable. Lady Gaga, thank you for the inspiration, the strength, and for always reminding me to keep going.
