LADY GAGA

THE READING / TAPESCRIPT

Of course, Lady Gaga isn’t her real name. She was born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta on March the 28th, 1986. Lady Gaga is her stage name. She is an American singer-songwriter who has become one of the biggest names in music – for her songs, performances, fashion and politics. She became famous in 2008 and just two years later was included in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Lady Gaga had a musical upbringing. She learned to play piano from the age of four and was singing in public by the time she was 14. She also loved acting in musicals at school. She went to a New York art college at the age of 17 where she wrote a research paper that focused on "music, art, sex and celebrity”. She concentrated on songwriting and singing in New York clubs. She got her name from the Queen song “Radio Gaga”.

Gaga was inspired by David Bowie, Blondie and Madonna. She hit the big time following the release of her debut album The Fame in 2008. The singles "Just Dance" and "Poker Face" became international hits. The album reached number one on the record charts in six countries. Her second album Born This Way (2011) also enjoyed spectacular success. The single "Born This Way" was the fastest-selling single in iTunes history.

Gaga is also outspoken when it comes to politics. She has spoken at military meetings in support of gays and lesbians in the US Army and shocked the world by wearing a dress made from meat, to draw attention to human rights. She is also a philanthropist and raised $500,000 for the Haiti earthquake from a concert performance. Gaga also designed a Japan Prayer Bracelet which raised $1.5 million for Japan’s tsunami relief fund.