I know what you're thinking. I can practically see your "why-are-we-talking-about-an-out-of-style-excessively-glamorized-pop-star" grimace. I'm sure you've had a taste of her performance style through a television, caught a glimpse of her eye-grabbing outfits in "Best" or "Worst Dressed" (sometimes both in the same week), and heard "Poker Face" playing at a shopping mall, which led to your immediate conclusion that she is just another attention-seeking celebrity who achieved fame through a few catchy beats. This is an understandable assessment at first glance, but past the flashing cameras and strategic product placement is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, a dignified, intelligent woman who is not a celebrity, but rather an artist.
"In the deepest hour of the night, confess to yourself that you would die if you were forbidden to write. And look deep into your heart where it spreads its roots, the answer, and ask yourself, must I write?" Those are the words of German philosopher Rainer Maria Rilke, which are tattooed on the left arm of the Lady, central to describing her effervescent creativity.
From her instrumental mastery, brilliant lyricism, and breathtaking stage presence to powerful vocals, this acoustic performance will show you why "Poker Face" is more than just a Top 40 hit. When the synthesizers and hard-hitting beats are stripped away, her clever words are brought to the spotlight. Witty lines like "Love Game intuition play the cards with spades to start, and after he's been hooked I'll play the one that's on his heart," contribute to her use of poker as a metaphor for keeping secrets from a significant other, which is interwoven throughout the song.
Most notably showcased in her jazz album with Tony Bennett, "Cheek to Cheek," Gaga's musical versatility is unparalleled. Whether she's performing an eclectic mix of David Bowie songs at the Grammy's, a track from her chaotically electronic album "Artpop," or this classy, vocally striking rendition of Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life," her talent is chameleonic, with boldness as its only constant.
Perhaps the most important reason that Lady Gaga is more than just a typical pop star is her wisdom. Provided above is her "Brave Speech," one of the many inspiring moments in which she shares personal stories and powerful words. Speaking to a crowd over 18,000 at Madison Square Garden, she stays true to her most well-known mantras: work hard, never give up, and be yourself.
"Whatever it is you want to be, you have to know it inside, and you have to knife-fight your way to your dream." Lady Gaga.
