Lady Gaga's originality makes star quality

Lady Gaga broke into the pop world in 2008 with her debut album, The Fame^[1]. 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”^[2] as a singer-songwriter. She was at the forefront of the rise in popularity of synth-pop in the 2010s ^[3]. 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^[4], and some songs - such as Paparazzi - contained more complex metaphors and storylines^[5]. 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)^[6], a jacket made of Kermit the Frog dolls^[7], and a dress made of plastic bubbles^[8]. 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^[9]. She was named the “queen of pop” by Rolling Stone in 2011^[10]. Lady Gaga's immense fame and popularity in the music and fashion worlds can be attributed to her own originality and uniqueness.

[P1] Lady Gaga debuts her iconic Fame era and brings a fresh face, attitude, and wardrobe, to modern pop culture. [P2] Pop culture itself was conceptually and literally embedded within many of Gaga’s famous hit songs, only increasing her newfound stardom in Hollywood. [P3] Over time, Gaga’s stardom remains intact as she explores her acting career as well, ultimately crafting a unique legacy in the entertainment industry which separates her music and style from all other entertainers. [P4] Gaga’s incredible career success proves that star quality stems from creative innovation and individuality.