Lady Gaga emerged into the music scene in 2008 with her debut single, “Just Dance," which became a chart-topping hit and a frequent on road trip playlists. She would continue to produce pop anthems like, “Paparazzi” and “Telephone,” that came with music videos that were a certain form of art. Gaga seemed strange and interesting and to some, trashy and provocative. But in less than ten years, she’s made a transformation that can only be deemed stunning by everyone watching.

At the 2016 Golden Globe Awards, Lady Gaga made a stunning entrance in a sleek, formfitting black gown. She stole the show with her simple elegance, deciding against the theatrics she's used in the past. With natural glam makeup and a wrist full of diamonds, Gaga looked utterly transformed. Her fashion sense has become increasingly glam and beautiful over the past few years, so this wasn't a first.

The same night, Lady Gaga won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Limited Series, Series or Motion Picture. This was for her role in "American Horror Story: Hotel." The 29-year-old pop star beat out Queen Latifah and Kirsten Dunst to claim the prize. Not only has Gaga proved herself in her style, she's made her mark in front of the camera. In the past, she's taken roles in various films, but this was her true breakout as an actress. Taking the role as the Countess really paid off.

In 2014, Lady Gaga released a jazz album alongside famed singer Tony Bennett entitled "Cheek to Cheek." The record debuted at number one and won an Academy Award at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. This was Lady Gaga's first deviation from her usual pop-centric sound and it showed fans that she can dominate more than just one genre.

Another important aspect of her career is giving back. Lady Gaga has been influential from the start, but recently she's become more involved. In 2013, the singer created the Born This Way Foundation, an organization empowering youth and targeting bullying. This year, the foundation partnered with Intel, Vox Media and Re/code in order to battle online harassment. In 2015, Gaga signed a petition by the ONE Campaign, a project urging female political leaders like Angela Merkel to focus on women's issues during that years UN summit.

Aside from her career, her personal life has also been on display. Lady Gaga has been pretty public about her mental health, saying that she's suffered with depression and anxiety her entire life. It seems as though the 29-year-old has found a light in the darkness. Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney, an actor on "Chicago Fire," first started dating in 2011. They met on the set of Gaga's "You & I" music video, with Kinney playing her on-screen boyfriend. The two hit it off soon after filming and have been together ever since. Recently, the couple got engaged and seem incredibly happy. This is kind of like the bow on top of a new and improved Gaga.

So whether or not you're a fan of the expressive-chart-topper-turned-award-winning actress, you have to admit that Lady Gaga's about-face is one for the books.

Maybe the insane fashion choices and the out of this world music videos of the late 2000s were a phase, maybe not. It doesn't matter. Lady Gaga has truly risen to the top and the best of her is yet to come.