Lady Gaga is the Greatest Pop Star of All Time
From chart-topping albums and groundbreaking fashion moments to iconic film roles—here’s why Gaga’s versatility makes her the blueprint.
Following the release of her absolutely, insanely perfect album MAYHEM, Lady Gaga just headlined Coachella. While I’d give my left rib to have been there, I sadly wasn’t. But every social media platform I have was flooded with clips of her jaw-dropping performance, with everyone calling it “the best Coachella set in history.” That’s actually insane.
There’s so much to unpack about Lady Gaga’s nearly two-hour set—from paying homage to Alexander McQueen, to performing “Poker Face” as a dance battle on a chess board against a dancer in a blonde wig and white lace outfit (almost like new Gaga battling old Gaga)—but that's not why we’re here.
We’re here because I genuinely believe Lady Gaga might just be the greatest pop star of all time.
Being a pop star is about more than just singing. It requires innovation, style, and cultural influence—qualities Gaga has in abundance.
Musically, Gaga is a chameleon. She transitions between sounds with ease while maintaining a sound that still feels so authentic. She debuted in 2008 with her album “The Fame.” One that defined my childhood. Filled with pop classics like “Just Dance” and “Poker Face,” it’s immensely impressive that a 22-year-old released an album so defining of an era. (I remember sitting on the floor of my living room watching the “Poker Face” music video in awe. I’m never getting over it.
In 2009 she released “The Fame Monster,” which was equally as phenomenal and featured bangers like “Telephone” featuring Beyonce, producing one of the greatest music videos of all time. If you haven’t seen that video, go watch it right now and come back after!!!
And Gaga…Bey…girls, we’re still desperately waiting for that promised continuation!
“Born This Way” (2011) was an album centered around self-love and inclusion, becoming a soundtrack for the LGBTQ+ community. Gaga went more experimental in 2013 with “ARTPOP,” and then jazzy in 2014 on “Cheek to Cheek,” a collaboration album with jazz icon Tony Bennett. She really is just that versatile.
“Million Reasons” was her biggest hit off of her 2016 album “Joanne,” which took an almost country-rock influence. And she went back to her dance-pop roots with her HIGHLY UNAPPRECIATED album “Chromatica” which took us into this totally other world–a Gaga fantasy land. It was a pop-house music dreamland.
Later, Gaga reunited with Tony Bennett for another jazz album, “Love For Sale” (one of my favorites to listen to on vinyl), and in 2024, she introduced us to “Harlequin,” connecting us to her role as Harley Quinn in Joker: Folie à Deux.
Lady Gaga gave us the gift of “MAYHEM” just this year. Marking a return to her dance-pop roots, it blends theatre with personal themes. It’s stunning. For those who may have strayed away from Lady Gaga in the past few years (well, shame on you. Kidding. Not kidding.), I think that “MAYHEM” has reminded them why we all fell in love with Lady Gaga in 2008.
Fashion is central to Gaga’s identity. It tells stories, pays homage, and turns heads. Remember her iconic meat dress at the 2010 MTV VMAs? Designed by Franc Fernandez and styled by Nicola Formichetti, it was a powerful political statement against the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in the armed forces.
Another is her bubble dress on the Fame Ball Tour. It was a replica of a piece by Hussein Chalayan in 2007. She performed “Poker Face” while playing it at a matching clear piano filled with bubbles.
When she arrived at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, Lady Gaga was being carried onto the red carpet inside a giant egg. As a symbol of an "embryonic state," Gaga was hatched as she performed "Born This Way." It was equally camp and poetic.
At the 2019 Met Gala, themed "Camp: Notes on Fashion," Lady Gaga delivered one of the most theatrical red carpet appearances ever. Unveiling four different outfits while on the carpet, she started in a hot pink Brandon Maxwell gown and ended in black fishnets and platform boots. This performance showed us just how camp Lady Gaga really is. She embodied Susan Sontag's definition of camp: artifice and exaggeration. It was truly the moment that crowned Gaga the queen of modern camp.
Gaga’s long-standing friendship and creative collaboration with Donatella Versace further highlight her fashion legacy. Versace even called her “the embodiment of the Versace DNA”—what a compliment!!!!! Together, they released a capsule collection in 2021 celebrating the 10th anniversary of “Born This Way” and LGBTQ+ Pride. Gaga’s love for Alexander McQueen is symbolized best by the groundbreaking 12-inch Armadillo shoes she wore in her “Bad Romance” video. Their impracticality is a testament to Gaga’s commitment to breaking boundaries, taking risks, and expressing herself through fashion.
Apart from music and clothes, Lady Gaga has even pulled the iconic pop star move and transitioned into acting. Gaga won her first Golden Globe in 2016 for her portrayal of The Countess in American Horror Story: Hotel (I’m actually watching this season right now, and if you haven’t watched it, you need to). Like her fans, she describes her role in AHS as a monster, but in the most kind of grand, amazing, glamorous kind of way.”
In 2019, she played the role of Ally in A Star is Born. For that film, Gaga won an Academy Award for co-writing and performing "Shallow,” which was a massive hit. In 2021, Gaga played Patrizia Reggiani, the ex-wife of Maurizio Gucci, in the film House of Gucci, earning both Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations. Her most recent acting experience was in Joker: Folie à Deux in 2024. She starred alongside Joaquin Phoenix as Harley Quinn in a musical sequel to Joker. It was equally theatrical and eerie–much like Gaga herself.
With 14 Grammys, numerous chart-topping albums, and a legacy defined by empowerment and creativity, Lady Gaga is the blueprint. Her career epitomizes longevity, versatility, and influence. Gaga’s unparalleled ability to adapt across genres, create iconic fashion moments, and seamlessly transition to acting makes her a true cultural icon. She might just be—no, she definitely is—the greatest pop star of all time.