by Lady Gaga is an iconic singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful vocals, catchy melodies, and theatrical performances. Throughout her illustrious career, Gaga has shown an appreciation for all genres of music and has collaborated with artists from many different backgrounds. When asked about her own musical inspirations, Lady Gaga has consistently named several contemporary artists that she admires. These musicians represent a diverse range of styles and influences, showcasing Gaga’s eclectic taste. In examining her favorite contemporary artists, we gain insight into the musical vision behind Lady Gaga’s constantly evolving sound.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has frequently been cited by Lady Gaga as one of her biggest inspirations. Gaga has praised Beyoncé’s incredible vocal abilities, mesmerizing stage presence, and bold fashion choices. She admires how Beyoncé empowers women through her music and how she brilliantly incorporates themes of feminism and social commentary into catchy pop songs. Gaga aspires to make music that is both wildly entertaining and culturally impactful like Beyoncé consistently does. She also appreciates Beyoncé’s work ethic and meticulous attention to detail during live performances. The two superstars have collaborated several times over the years, creating huge hits like “Telephone” and “Video Phone.” Their mutual admiration is evident through glowing comments about one another in interviews. Gaga has called Beyoncé “the queen” and considers it an honor whenever they work together. It’s clear that Beyoncé’s confidence, talent, and barrier-breaking success have greatly motivated Gaga throughout her career.
In addition to Beyoncé, Lady Gaga has frequently cited Rihanna as another major influence. She admires Rihanna’s effortless coolness and ability to constantly reinvent her musical style. Gaga loves Rihanna’s knack for merging genres like pop, R&B, hip-hop, and reggae. She also appreciates Rihanna’s daring fashion sense and how she uses style as a form of self-expression. Gaga has commended Rihanna’s versatility that allows her to release edgy uptempo tracks and vulnerable ballads with equal success. In interviews, Lady Gaga has called Rihanna the “coolest chick in the game” and said she taught her to be fearless with music and fashion. It’s evident that Rihanna’s chameleon-like artistry empowers Lady Gaga to take more risks and experiment with her own image. The two stars joined forces to record the hit song “Princess of China,” which blended Gaga’s theatrical pop style with Rihanna’s rhythmic R&B sound nicely. Rihanna’s influence is all over Lady Gaga’s colorful, ever-changing career.
In addition to her fellow pop divas, Lady Gaga admires the artistry of Adele and her soulful songwriting. Though their musical styles are different, Gaga is moved by the raw emotion in Adele’s lyrics and vocals. She strives to create vulnerable songs that connect deeply with audiences the way Adele’s hits do. Gaga has praised how Adele’s timeless voice and relatable themes appeal to music fans across all generations. She called Adele “a true musician’s musician” and cited her songwriting as brilliant in its simplicity. Gaga also admires Adele’s classy persona that lets the music speak for itself without relying on outrageous spectacle. Though Lady Gaga’s performances are avant-garde, she recognizes the beauty in Adele’s stripped-down approach. Gaga has said that Adele’s honesty and vulnerability give her the courage to get personal in her own songwriting. The two legends have performed together multiple times, including a moving tribute to George Michael at the Grammys. Audiences can hear Adele’s influence in Gaga’s jazz standards albums and her endeavors to create pure, heartfelt pop.
In addition to her fellow female artists, Lady Gaga has expressed admiration for rapper Kendrick Lamar numerous times. She is a huge fan of the complexity of Lamar’s lyricism and his progressive social commentary. Lamar’s albums tell cogent stories exploring racism, inequality, self-love, spirituality and more. Gaga loves how he packages profound messages in catchy hip-hop beats. She has called Lamar “a remarkable lyricist” and said his work, especially the album To Pimp a Butterfly, inspired her immensely. Though their musical genres are different, Gaga recognizes Lamar shares her desire to make meaningful art that impacts culture. She admires his willingness to take political stands in his music even if it costs him fans. Gaga collaborated with Lamar on “La La La,” a song promoting racial harmony and defying discrimination. Lamar’s courage and lyrical brilliance motivate Lady Gaga to be bolder and more intentional with her songwriting.
Finally, Lady Gaga has cited Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine as a favorite contemporary artist. She loves how Welch blends alternative, pop and rock into a distinctive sound. Gaga admires the mystical quality of Welch’s lyrics and her ability to captivate with her voice. She has called Welch “inventive” and “ethereal” in her musicality. Though their styles are different, Gaga responds to the raw vulnerability and feminine energy of Welch’s music. She also appreciates how Welch experiments with fashion and imagery to complement her songs. Welch’s fearless musicality motivates Lady Gaga to keep pushing boundaries. Gaga has frequently praised Welch’s vocals and cited seeing Florence + The Machine in concert as an amazing experience. The two icons have performed together many times over the years, showing mutual appreciation for one another’s artistry. It’s clear that Welch’s uniqueness inspires Lady Gaga to stay true to her own creative vision.
The artists that Lady Gaga admires reveal much about her perspectives on music, art and life. Gaga is clearly drawn to strong, bold artists especially women who push limits and make bold creative choices. She respects musicians with something meaningful to say who leverage their platform to impact culture. Though Gaga appreciates many genres, the artists she most admires tend to blend genres and defy easy categorization. Gaga also seems to admire artists like herself who complement their music with powerful imagery, fashion and performances. Most of all, she is inspired by authentic, sincere artists who connect through vulnerable songwriting. The singers Lady Gaga praises show who she aspires to be as an artist – someone who empowers others, challenges norms, takes risks and speaks truth through music.
Though Lady Gaga has established herself as one of the best-selling artists of all time, she continues looking to her contemporaries for inspiration. Gaga has said she constantly learns from new artists and that observing their work pushes her creativity to new heights. She has an undeniable gift for discovering talent – many of the contemporary acts she has praised over the years have gone on to achieve great success. Gaga’s fans love her willingness to collaborate with up-and-coming artists and give them a platform. Her outspoken support of musicians she admires helps propel their careers while also shaping the direction of pop music. For instance, Gaga’s early endorsement of artists like Kesha and Ariana Grande helped cement them as next generation superstars. As an established icon, Lady Gaga’s praise offers validation that creates buzz for rising stars.
Over a decade into her era-defining career, Lady Gaga continues to dominate charts and culture. Though she easily could rest on her laurels, Gaga still eagerly praises contemporary artists who inspire her sound. Her willingness to constantly evolve and experiment with new styles is one of her greatest strengths. Gaga’s passion for music of all genres drives her desire to collaborate with a diverse array of artists. By sharing her favorite contemporary musicians, Gaga provides a window into what moves and motivates her. The singers she admires offer a road map of where she might take her music next. With Lady Gaga soon releasing a new album, fans can expect her to channel the influences of her favorite artists into exciting new directions. She has never been an artist content to remake the same sound. As the praise she offers contemporaries showcases, Lady Gaga still has so much more ground to cover. That pioneering creative spirit will undoubtedly continue driving Lady Gaga’s iconic career for years to come.
