- Opinion
- 31 Aug 22
"Where she goes next will be anyone's guess, although what's a little earlier to pin down is her legacy."
In Lady Gaga: Applause Annie Zaleski takes a deep dive into the many facets of iconic pop superstar Lady Gaga's career, impact and influences. This astonishingly well-researched piece details everything from Gaga's conception as a pop star, to her entry into the film industry, and her dedication to both her fans and the world.
It begins with an introduction to pop music: with Zaleski crediting Elvis, Bowie, Madonna and Prince for their "constant creative reinvention" which taught Gaga how to be a superstar. Born Stefani Germanotta, Gaga was destined for stardom since childhood where she gravitated toward her family's piano before she could walk.
This biography is written through the lens of both an admirer and friend of the five-time Grammy award winning artist. It is an inspirational tale of hard work and perseverance through a difficult-to-navigate industry. Many may not know that Gaga faced countless setbacks on her rise to the top- including getting dropped from her label Island Def Jam before she could even release her debut album. Whether told she was too theatrical for labels, or too pop for theatres, she had to work long and hard to prove herself.
Zaleski shows Gaga for what she truly is; a cultural icon, fashion trendsetter, performance artist, activist, as well as a record breaking musician. This book is a must for any Little Monster, and will easily turn a casual listener into a devoted fan. It's filled with quality photos, making it both a literary and visual experience.
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Filled with insights into Gaga's mind through collections of quotes from interviews, the book is an intimate look into what makes a star. She said it best herself: "When I wake up in the morning, I feel just like any other insecure 24-year-old girl. But I say 'Bitch, you're Lady Gaga, you better fucking get up and walk the walk today.'"
Lady Gaga: Applause by Annie Zaleski is out September 1st 2022 via Pallazo Editions.