by Lady Gaga’s Musical Journey: The Artists That Shaped Her Sound
Lady Gaga burst onto the music scene in 2008 with her smash hit debut single “Just Dance,” introducing the world to her unique brand of dance-pop fused with electronic and rock influences. Since then, she has become one of the most prominent and best-selling artists in pop music history, selling over 150 million records worldwide.
Gaga’s music is often described as theatrical, flamboyant, and boundary-pushing. She is known for constantly reinventing her image and sound, challenging social norms through her lyrics and visuals. This innovative approach to pop music can be traced back to the wide array of artists who have inspired Gaga throughout her life and career. While she has developed her own distinctive style, many iconic performers have served as influences for the multifaceted pop star.
Madonna
Perhaps Gaga’s biggest inspiration is the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna. Gaga has frequently noted Madonna’s influence on her, once stating, “I don’t want to sound presumptuous, but I’ve made it my goal to revolutionize pop music. The last revolution was launched by Madonna 25 years ago.” Like Madonna, Gaga pushes the envelope with sexually provocative lyrics and imagery in her music. She also emulates Madonna’s constant reinvention, changing her sound and style dramatically with each album release. From the dance-pop tracks of The Fame to the rock and electronic vibes of Born This Way, Gaga takes cues from Madonna’s eclectic career evolution. Even the flamboyant alter egos and costumes that Gaga has crafted, like Ziggy Stardust-esque Jo Calderone, can be traced back to Madonna’s boundary-breaking personas in the 80s and 90s.
David Bowie
The late legendary David Bowie has also profoundly shaped Gaga’s musical style and aesthetic. She has frequently spoken about Bowie’s influence, once saying “I always felt like I was meant to be a performer, though I felt scared and shy doing it. Bowie helped me to be okay with being different.” Gaga takes inspiration from Bowie’s flair for theatricality, his genre-bending experimentalism, and his ability to create mesmerizing on-stage personas. Traces of Bowie’s avant-garde style can be seen in the futuristic costumes and set designs of Gaga’s Monster Ball tour, as well as her diverse musical palette spanning pop, electronic, and glam rock. Like Bowie’s pioneering alter ego Ziggy Stardust, Gaga constantly takes on new visual styles and personas in her music. Her collaboration with Bowie on the 2013 single “Dope” underscores the kindred creative spirit the two artists share.
Freddie Mercury
As a powerful vocalist known for her show-stopping live performances, Lady Gaga also draws inspiration from Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. She has called Mercury “the greatest performer of all time” and aims to emulate his charismatic energy and four-octave vocal range in her own singing and on-stage presence. Gaga’s Super Bowl LI halftime show, with its Queen-inspired costumes and choreographed routines, paid homage to Mercury’s legendary 1985 Live Aid performance. Like Mercury, Gaga knows how to command the stage and stadium with her voice and deliver pop anthems imbued with rock theatricality. From ballads like “The Edge of Glory” to arena-rock influenced tracks like “Heavy Metal Lover,” Gaga channels Mercury’s dynamism and vocal prowess.
Michael Jackson
The late King of Pop has also been a monumental influence on Lady Gaga. She has said that she was fascinated by Jackson’s music videos as a child, and that “[he] changed the world and changed pop forever.” Traces of Jackson’s pop legacy can be heard in Gaga’s dance-driven megahits like “Poker Face,” “Just Dance,” and “Bad Romance.” Her vocals and choruses seem precision-engineered to get people dancing, much like MJ’s iconic tracks. Gaga also mirrors Jackson’s boundary-pushing music videos and live performances, channeling that same energy to create her own visually stunning spectacles. From eye-popping choreography to sequined gloves and hats, Gaga incorporates subtle nods to Jackson’s signature style. Most significantly, Gaga has said she hopes to carry on Jackson’s legacy of uniting the world through inspirational pop music.
Elton John
Sir Elton John is another seminal influence on Gaga, impacting her piano playing and songwriting. She has performed numerous times with the pop icon, even joining him in a rendition of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” on a divan surrounded by crystal chandeliers at the 2010 Grammys. Gaga has praised Elton John’s timeless songcraft, saying “He’s a master of melody and lyrics.” On tracks like “Speechless,” “You and I,” and “Hey Girl,” Gaga exhibits Elton-inspired piano balladry, showcasing her ability to captivate through emotive lyrics and music. Her talents as a singer-songwriter with a flair for showmanship can be traced back to Elton’s iconic style. The two artists clearly share a love and respect for bold, heart-on-your-sleeve pop music.
Kanye West
Lady Gaga has also been inspired by rapper/producer Kanye West’s musical innovations. She collaborated with West on “Fame Kills” and other tracks, praising his genre-bending creative vision. “Kanye is one of the greatest artisans in the business,” Gaga has stated. “He’s also a big influence as an artist…the way he breaks boundaries.” West’s adventurous use of sampling, abrasive beats, and industrial textures has influenced Gaga’s own hybrid pop/electronic/urban sound. Songs like “Scheiße” and “Aura” reflect West’s impact through their bold sonic experiments and varied influences. Gaga also admires West’s artistic risk-taking and willingness to shake up conventions in hip-hop and pop. Their shared desire to push creative boundaries unites their musical talents.
Beyoncé
As a powerhouse singer and mesmerizing performer, Beyoncé has also made an impact on Lady Gaga’s work. Gaga has described Beyoncé as “a force of nature” and “a sister to me.” She covered several Beyoncé songs on her pre-fame club sets and continues to praise the inspiration of Queen Bey’s commanding vocals, iconic songs, and confident persona. Gaga emulates Beyoncé’s signature fierce energy in tracks like “Dance in the Dark” and “Manicure,” belting and slaying with passion and attitude. She also channels Sasha Fierce’s alter ego vibes in her own character creations. While the two stars have distinct styles, they share an ability to deliver pop spectacle through their commanding voices, charisma, and confidence.
Britney Spears
Lady Gaga’s label boss early in her career, pop princess Britney Spears, also served as an early inspiration. Gaga has said, “I used to hang posters of her on my wall. She’s an icon, she’s a legend, and she is the pop queen.” Spears’s late 90s/early 2000s reign atop the charts with hits like “Oops I Did It Again” and “Toxic” clearly influenced a young Stefani Germanotta (Gaga’s real name). Gaga’s ear for catchy melodies and hooks, dance-pop beats, and sexually liberated lyrics mirrors Britney’s trailblazing teen pop style. She even appeared in Spears’s “Quicksand” music video in 2008. Though Gaga eventually developed her own eclectic sound, those early bubblegum pop roots à la Britney Spears were formative.
Cher
Lady Gaga has frequently spoken about the inspiration of pop legend Cher, who paved the way for strong, independent female solo artists. She covered several Cher songs in her early live shows, and even sang with the diva herself at a 2010 VMAs tribute medley honoring Cher’s legacy. Gaga aims to emulate Cher’s one-of-a-kind voice and her fearless sense of fashion. She also is inspired by Cher’s constant evolution over decades in the spotlight, shifting from folk and pop to disco to 80s power ballads to dance music. Like Cher, Gaga shows an incredible vocal range, making her an heir apparent to Cher’s chameleonic legacy. Whether belting on the arena-rock influenced “The Edge of Glory” or the disco throwback track “John Wayne,” Gaga channels the spirit of Cher’s eclectic career.
Rihanna
Since rising to fame in the late 2000s alongside Lady Gaga, Rihanna has also become an influence on Gaga’s sound. Gaga has praised Rihanna’s cool style and called her “the coolest chick in the game.” Rihanna’s fusion of EDM, reggae, and hip-hop flavors can be heard in some of Gaga’s edgier dance tracks. Songs like “Swine” and “Scheiße” seem to take cues from Rihanna’s dark, aggressive electronic anthems like “S&M” and “Only Girl (In the World).” Both divas share an affinity for mixing harsh electronic textures and Caribbean vibes with catchy melodic hooks. Gaga also seems to draw fashion inspiration from Rihanna, rocking similarly bold and futuristic looks in her videos and stage outfits. Though Gaga’s art pop universe remains distinct, Rihanna’s urban energy has seeped into her sound.
Björk
As one of pop’s true innovators, Icelandic siren Björk has also been hailed by Lady Gaga as a major influence. She has described Björk as “a kindred spirit,” captivated by her otherworldly vocals and avant-garde musical approach. Traces of Björk’s experimental indie-electronic style can be heard in some of Gaga’s more eclectic work, like Artpop’s surreal soundscapes. Gaga’s far-out fashion ensembles, weird musical textures, and even her alien-like vocal affectations seem Björk-inspired at times. Both artists share a passion for turning pop conventions upside down with their singular artistic visions. Björk has pioneered the fusion of electronic and avant-garde pop in a way that clearly resonated with Lady Gaga as she developed her own futuristic fusion sound.
Beethoven and Classic Composers
Perhaps most surprisingly, Lady Gaga has frequently cited German composer Ludwig van Beethoven as a major lifelong influence. She has praised the emotional power and complexity of his compositions, noting how he has “influenced her entire career.” Gaga studied classical piano intensely as a youth, developing an appreciation for the artistry of Beethoven and other composers like Mozart, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. The grand, complex quality of classical music comes through in her elaborate album concepts and layered song arrangements. Gaga even samples Beethoven’s “Für Elise” in her song “Speechless.” For such a pop artist, she has an impressive classical background that shapes her musical approach. “I would analyze all of [Beethoven’s] pieces, as I’m sort of a maniac about chord structures,” Gaga has said, demonstrating her deep connection to classical music.
Conclusion
From pop icons like Madonna and Michael Jackson to rock pioneers like Bowie and Mercury to classical genius like Beethoven, Lady Gaga has drawn inspiration from a staggeringly diverse array of artists. She has fused together all of these influences to create her own brand of dance-pop theatricality that feels retro and futuristic all at once. The many provocative performers who paved the way for Gaga serve as her guiding creative forces as she constantly reinvents her image and music. After over a decade of stardom, Lady Gaga continues to honor her influences by evolving as an artist and putting her own spin on the types of boundary-pushing work created by her heroes. She has cited an eclectic list of artists, from RuPaul to Bruce Springsteen to Blondie, as sources of inspiration for various projects. There is no telling who may inspire Lady Gaga next as she embarks on her next era. But one thing is certain: she will continue to transform pop in her own groundbreaking way, all while paying homage to those who opened the door for her evolution. Lady Gaga’s musical journey has only just begun.
