Lady Gaga's originality makes star quality

The argument

Lady Gaga broke into the pop world in 2008 with her debut album, The Fame. Citing iconic, genre-defying artists like Michael Jackson, Queen, the Grateful Dead, and Madonna as musical influences, Gaga made it her ultimate goal to “revolutionize pop music” as a singer-songwriter. She was at the forefront of the rise in popularity of synth-pop in the 2010s. Gaga’s exploratory lyrics and themes “were worlds away from the virginal bubblegum of the late Nineties”, according to an article published by Rolling Stone, and some songs - such as Paparazzi - contained more complex metaphors and storylines. The songs paired well with critically acclaimed (although sometimes controversial) music videos, which feature eccentric dancing, outlandish costumes, and erotic visuals. What set Gaga miles apart from other pop artists, however, was her for her bold, bizarre sense in fashion that abandoned all traces of conventionality and traditional gender roles; every day, it seemed, she was photographed wearing a new outfit - each one more outrageous than the last. Her most iconic outfits include a dress made entirely of raw meat (which entered the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 2015), a jacket made of Kermit the Frog dolls, and a dress made of plastic bubbles. Gaga actively tries to not only to set herself apart from other pop artists but herself as well. While her career has only spanned a decade, each of her six albums experiments with different themes, imagery, genres and ideas. The electronic rock and techno music of 'Born This Way', which explores themes of sexuality, drugs, and identity, is entirely different from the country-and-funk-influenced 'Joanne'. Lady Gaga’s originality and influence on pop culture have been so far-reaching that a course called “Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame” has been offered at the University of South Carolina. She was named the “queen of pop” by Rolling Stone in 2011. Lady Gaga's immense fame and popularity in the music and fashion worlds can be attributed to her own originality and uniqueness.

Context

Since 2008, Lady Gaga’s electropop music and eclectic wardrobe have simultaneously shocked and inspired many audiences across the globe. In today's entertainment industry, her constantly evolving singing and acting career are a lasting testament to her dazzling originality.

Premises

Counter-arguments

Lady Gaga may be a self-made, original music artist, but when Gaga's overall success comes down to it, her voice is primarily what made her the star she is today. Lady Gaga's natural singing voice has incredible range and stability that puts many other singers who sing live to shame. No matter what outfit or song Gaga may be wearing or singing, it is her voice that makes her a musical powerhouse. Lady Gaga has a powerful image filled with unique attire and captivating lyrics-- both of which are a testament to her originality-- and yet her voice is the most vital part of what makes Gaga star quality.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] The criterion is stipulated, and each competing position stipulates its own. Originality does not obviously outrank talent, drive or charisma unless something independent settles the ranking. [Rejecting P2] The originality claimed is partly inherited, as the argument itself shows by naming the predecessors. Theatrical reinvention, deliberate provocation and costume as statement run through glam rock and earlier pop stardom, so what is on offer is a difference of degree. [Rejecting P3] Influence does not isolate the cause. A university course and a magazine title record impact, which many things can produce. The competing account is that without the voice the same costumes would not have sustained a career, and the premise offers nothing against it.