Since her meteoric rise to fame 16 years ago, Lady Gaga has consistently pushed boundaries, embracing shock value and theatrics in her pursuit of pop superstardom. Her relentless drive and dedication to her craft, however, came at a personal cost. Gaga has candidly revealed her reliance on alcohol, cigarettes, and cannabis as coping mechanisms to navigate the immense pressures that accompanied her self-created fame. She describes this as seeking an “escape route,” a “trap door” to alleviate the burden of constant public scrutiny and the demands of her demanding career. This period marked a time of living “on the edge,” unsure of the potential consequences of her lifestyle.
Now, at 38, Lady Gaga is embracing a period of tranquility and contentment, prioritizing her well-being and personal life. Engaged to entrepreneur Michael Polansky, she has found solace in a quieter existence, focusing on her inner peace. While acknowledging that some may perceive this shift as “boring,” Gaga expresses gratitude for the stability and happiness she has achieved. She has replaced the chaos and uncertainty of her earlier years with a sense of grounding and self-acceptance. This newfound equilibrium allows her to channel her energy into her music with a renewed sense of purpose, celebrating her authentic self rather than masking her vulnerabilities.
This transformation is reflected in her approach to her music. Instead of using it as a further means of escape, Gaga now utilizes her creative process as a form of self-exploration and healing. Her upcoming seventh album, “Mayhem,” promises to be a testament to this personal growth. She confronts her past struggles head-on, embracing her vulnerability and finding strength in acknowledging her true self. This marks a departure from her earlier tendency to suppress her emotions, choosing instead to celebrate her experiences and find liberation in expressing them through her art.
The shift in Gaga’s lifestyle extends beyond her creative process. She now finds joy in the simple pleasures of domesticity, enjoying cooking at home and spending quality time with her fiancé and their dogs. This contrasts sharply with the grueling schedules and constant touring that previously defined her life. The relentless demands of her career led to severe exhaustion and health issues, including a hip fracture that resulted in chronic pain and the cancellation of numerous shows. The intervention of close friend Sir Elton John proved crucial in helping her address her substance use and prioritize her health.
Gaga’s journey to recovery and self-discovery has led to a more balanced approach to touring. Her 2022 Chromatica Ball tour marked a turning point, allowing her to experience genuine enjoyment on the road for the first time. This was attributed to a conscious effort to prioritize her overall well-being, incorporating time for personal exploration and connection with the local communities she visited. This shift in focus allowed her to connect with her audience on a deeper level, fostering a sense of shared humanity and enriching her stage performances.
Looking ahead, Lady Gaga emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and balance for emerging artists. She advises them to prioritize their personal lives and recognize the equal value of their off-stage identities. This reflects her own journey of learning to integrate her Stefani Germanotta persona with her Lady Gaga stage presence, recognizing the importance of nurturing both aspects of her being. While embracing her role as Lady Gaga, she anticipates a future focused on giving back and fostering positivity in the lives of those around her. This includes her aspirations of starting a family with Michael Polansky, emphasizing the importance of allowing their children to discover their own identities and navigate the world with a sense of autonomy.