Lady Gaga, arguably the most controversial singer of current times, celebrates her 28th birthday today (March 28). Here's a detailed look at her humble beginning, her journey to fame, what she's worth and how her love life is progressing.
Lady Gaga has been a prominent figure of the music industry. Her bizarre dressing sense and weird hairdos have managed to create trend setting fashion statements as well as make her a much loved celebrity. This American singer has been in quite a few controversies but has always managed to overcome them with flying colors. Gaga started her journey in the field of music by first writing songs for other musicians until singer AKON discovered her. The "Applause" singer believes in living life "Queen Size." Take a look at her humble beginning, her journey to fame, what she's worth and how her love life is progressing.
Early Life
Lady Gaga was born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. She was born on the 28th of March, 1986 in Yonkers, New York. Her parents Cynthia and Joseph Germanotta came from lower class families and she was the eldest of two sisters. At the young age of 4, she learnt how to play the piano. She started her schooling in Convent of the Sacred Heart despite being accepted to the Juilliard School in Manhattan when she was 11 years old. She studied music and art and wrote her first ballad in 13. A year later, she gave her first public performance in a New York nightclub.
A few years later, Gaga became one of the only 20 people in the world who were granted early entrance to New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. She studied music there while also enhancing her skills as a songwriter. Unfortunately, she didn't finish her course and pulled out to seek "creative inspiration" in the real world. She took up three jobs to make ends meet.
Career
Gaga has seen many ups and downs in the road to stardom. In 2005, she was signed by Def Jam Records, only to be dropped a few months later. This forced the singer to take up jobs performing at night clubs and other events. In 2007, she took her first steps into the music industry but not as a singer. Interscope Records signed her on as a songwriter, where she wrote songs from eminent singers including Britney Spears, The Pussycat Dolls and New Kids on the Block.
Things finally took a turn for the best when R&B singer AKON took note of Gaga during one of her burlesque shows named "Lady Gaga and the Starlight Revue." Immediately, the established singer signed her on under his label Kon Live which was part of the Interscope umbrella.
She began recording her debut album "The Fame" in 2007 and released it in August 2008. Prior to the release of the album, her debut single "Just Dance" was released on radio. The track was nominated at the Grammies for Best Dance Recording. Though it didn't win, the track did manage to top many mainstream pop charts for the year 2009. The second single from the album "Poker Face" was an even bigger hit. The song was ranked number one in every single's category across all countries.
In November 2009, Gaga released her second studio album "The Fame Monster", comprising of 8 tracks. The grand success of the album led Gaga to take her second World tour named "The Monster Ball Tour."
Her next album "Born This Way" was released September, 2011. The album received positive reviews from music critics who praised her for her various styles and strong vocals.
Recently, in November 2013, the singer released her third studio album "Artpop." The album was included in Billboard's "15 Best Albums of 2013."
Personal Life
Lady Gaga's love life hasn't been as turbulent as her professional life. The singer has only had one linkup and is currently dating Vampire Diaries star Taylor Kinney. The duo met in 2011 on the sets of Gaga's "You and I" music video. Ever since, they have been in an off and on relationship but continue to stay together. The two are not married but if recent rumors are to be believed there just might be wedding bells pretty soon.
Net Worth
According to the latest 2013 Forbes report, Gaga has a current net worth of $190 million. She owns two properties. She became the proud owner of the most expensive mansion in Scotland when she bought her East Lothian. The property is spread across an area of 200 acres and claims to have 60 rooms. The price of this mansion is a whopping $13.9 million.
Her New York home is rather modest compared to her Scotland castle but is very spectacular. Apart from her homes, Gaga prides herself of her unique car collection comprising of 6 spectacular models.