Lady Gaga, born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, is a multi-talented American artist who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Born on March 28, 1986, in Manhattan, New York City, Gaga was raised by her parents, Cynthia Louise (Bissett) and Joseph Anthony Germanotta, Jr., who are both entrepreneurs.
Gaga's early life was marked by bullying at school due to her appearance and eccentric habits. However, she found solace in music and began performing at open mic nights in clubs and bars at the age of 14. She gained early admission to New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where she honed her songwriting skills and composed essays on art, religion, and social issues.
At the age of 19, Gaga withdrew from her studies to pursue a career in music. She formed a band and began to gain local attention. After a brief partnership with talent scout Rob Fusari, Gaga was signed to Def Jam Records, but was later dropped from the label. She went on to experiment with drugs and become fascinated with neo-burlesque shows.
Gaga's big break came when she met performance artist Lady Starlight and was signed by Vince Herbert to Streamline Records, an imprint of Interscope Records. She subsequently signed with Sony/ATV Music Publishing and began writing songs for other artists. Her unique vocal abilities caught the attention of Akon, who convinced Interscope-Geffen-A&M Chairman and CEO Jimmy Iovine to form a joint deal with Gaga.
Gaga released her debut album, 'The Fame', in 2008, which was met with lukewarm radio play. However, her first hit single, 'Just Dance', exploded onto the music scene in 2009, and she went on to release several more successful albums, including 'Born This Way' and 'ARTPOP'.
Gaga has won numerous awards and nominations for her music, including multiple Grammy Awards. She has also become known for her eccentric and often bizarre style choices, which have drawn both praise and criticism. In addition to her music, Gaga has also made a name for herself in the acting world, starring in films such as 'Machete Kills', 'Sin City: A Dame to Kill For', and 'A Star Is Born', for which she received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Throughout her career, Gaga has been open about her struggles with mental health and has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for various charitable causes. She has also been recognized for her philanthropic work, including her support for the LGBTQ+ community and her advocacy for mental health awareness.