Lady Gaga To Reveal Born This Way Tour Stage Design

Mother Monster will post images of the set for her upcoming tour on Twitter.

Mother Monster is readying her next tour, the Born This Way Ball.

Lady Gaga took to Twitter to let her fans know that on Tuesday, she will unleash images of the stage design for the tour, which is set to launch later this year. She added that she was brewing up a number of other tour-related projects and wrote, "putting the set list together!"

Over the last few weeks, Gaga has been tweeting frequently about the upcoming outing, noting that she's been in meetings with her Haus and watching old Monster Ball Tour videos that "made us cry. We love u, can't wait for the next one."

Haus member and BTWproducer Fernando Garibayshared with MTV News in December that the show will be reflective of the 2011 album. "This album was the most personal [because of] the amount of detail that went into this record, the amount of passion [and] emotion from her and the team," he said. "Every song was a story towards the Born This Way theme. We're excited now, putting that into the tour and expressing that on a live performance level.

"You can imagine what happened on the Monster Ball, so use your imagination," he said. "That's what's going to happen, exaggerated." Until Gaga does hit the road, she revealed what she'll be doing come this Sunday. "Looking forward to seeing the Superbowl! The halftime show will be wonderful, I'm sure," she tweeted. 

"An excuse to drink beer+watch boys in tights. #yes."

Madonna is slated to take the stage during the Super Bowl halftime show. She recently made headlines when she called Gaga's song "Born This Way" "reductive," subsequently complimenting her "rawness."

Lady GaGa Buys Luxury London Apartment?

As Mother Monster reveals in a radio interview that she wants a baby...

Lady GaGa has allegedly purchased a luxury apartment in London.

According to The Metro, the Bad Romancehitmaker has snapped up a plush pad in a new-build complex in Fitzrovia, which is north of Oxford Street.

An insider has claimed that the building - which is not yet complete - will allegedly boast of modern concrete exterior, floor-to-ceiling windows, four luxury penthouses, a roof garden and a communal courtyard.

Fitzrovia has proved increasingly popular with celebrities over the past few years, withMadonna previously owning a town house in the area, while her ex-partner Guy Ritchiebrought two mansions in May 2010.

It seems the 25-year old may have had a change of heart after stating in November that she didn't want to splash her cash on a property: "I’m not ready to buy a house. It feels like marriage or something. It’s such a commitment. I don’t like it."

In other GaGa news, the Marry The Night singer has confessed in an interview with Spain's Radio Ibiza that she hopes to start a family soon - but did not mention her current beau, Taylor Kinney.

Instead, Mother Monster admitted she's considering using a donor to help conceive her first child, telling the radio station: "I want a baby from an Italian - possibly Sicilian - donor."

The Art Of Empowerment

Sex sells. The music industry is very aware of this fact, and have used it to build the careers of moneymaking machines such as Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Britney Spears. Lady Gaga also capitalized on this idea, launching her career with lyrics like “I’m bluffin’ with my muffin” and the infamous “I wanna take a ride on your disco stick”.

Gaga manages to stand out from pop music’s sea of catchy beats and over sexualized stars. Although her first album debuted a mere three years ago, she has broken several chart records and already reached the iconic status of stars like Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, and Madonna. But how did she achieve this status so quickly? Some argue that it is because of her obscure fashions, ranging from a dress constructed entirely out of animal flesh to a very convincing Joe Calderone ensemble. Others note her unexpected performances and music videos, which contain bizarre production elements, convoluted storylines, and almost always leave viewers scratching their heads. Though such factors have certainly contributed to Gaga’s exponential rise to fame, she enlists another pivotal tool to secure iconic status: empowerment.

Gaga has an impressive resume in the field of empowerment. Like many artists, she uses her pop star status to raise revenue for philanthropic organizations. But Gaga also gives a significant amount of her time to spread messages important to her fans and herself. Rather than using the spotlight of the 2010 VMAs simply to promote her music, Gaga invited openly gay soldiers to accompany her to the event, highlighting the flaws of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which had yet to be repealed at the time of the awards show. When Gaga discovered that Target donated money to politicians with homophobic agendas, she addressed the situation by refusing to sell her album Born This Way at the store unless Target started donating funds to pro-LGBT causes. Instead of briefly expressing her condolences when gay teen Jamey Rodemeyer committed suicide, she set up a meeting with President Obama in order to discuss the need for anti-bullying laws. Regardless of the situation, Gaga is sure to go the extra mile.

Gaga also empowers her fans through more direct channels. She constantly reminds her 14 million followers on Twitter- affectionately referred to as her “little monsters”- that they are beautiful as they are. Gaga uses her voice to urge her fans to exude confidence despite the obstacles they may face. More importantly, Gaga spreads positive messages to her following through the lyrics of her songs. In the title track of her most recent album, Born This Way, Gaga tells her fans that they are “on the right track” regardless of sexuality, color, or disability. The album contains many power anthems such as “Highway Unicorn”, a track encouraging her large number of gay fans to “be strong on the road to love”, and “Marry the Night”, which helps each fan see that they should “not give up on their lives” when things get tough.

Although Gaga has undoubtedly empowered her fans, many question her intentions. Skeptics argue that her message in the song Born This Way is hypocritical, as Gaga constantly changes her hair, makeup, and persona in order to hide her natural self. In addition, many argue that her motivation for empowering her fans is an economic one. Gaga has broken several digital sales records, which prompts questions of whether she appeals to the emotions of her fans in order to succeed economically or to avoid being a one-hit wonder. After all, she has proven to be an excellent performer. So is it too far of a stretch to wonder if she is also an excellent actress as well?

Gaga enthusiasts argue that she is not using empowerment as a manipulative device. They claim that she acquired fame because of her artistic talents rather than her agenda of empowerment. Instead of using this agenda as a marketing strategy, fans argue that she spreads positive messages to them because she deeply cares about such issues and knows that she can use activism and her fame to make a difference. Gaga is not classically pretty, and has shared stories to her fans about the relentless bullying she encountered throughout school. Therefore, fans find it easy to empathize with Gaga and to believe she is sincere.

Though both arguments have their merits, skeptics and believers can both agree on one thing: Lady Gaga has made a positive impact in the lives of her fans. And she isn’t about to stop.

Ask Billboard: What Should Lady Gaga's Next Single Be?

Ask Billboard is updated every week. As always, submit your questions about Billboard charts, sales and airplay, as well as general music musings, to askbb@billboard.com. Please include your first and last name, as well as your city, state and country, if outside the U.S. 


WHAT SHOULD LADY GAGA'S NEXT SINGLE BE? 

Hi Gary, 

I have a question related to Lady Gaga and the mid-chart success on the Billboard Hot 100 of "Marry the Night," which reached No. 29. 

In "Ask Billboard" last week, you wrote: "'Marry' is, ultimately, more of a club groove than a top 40 natural." I want to know what you think are more "top 40 natural"s from Gaga's "Born This Way" album and what you think her next single should be (if you think there should be a next single). 

Thanks, 

Kevin Ramos 
New York, New York 


Hi Kevin, 

If I worked at Interscope Records and had the almighty power to pick singles, I'd choose "Hair" as the sixth and final single from "Born This Way." 

The song already peaked at No. 12 in its only week on the Hot 100 last June as a preview digital track from the album but has not made its way to the radio-listening masses. Co-written by Gaga and RedOne, the song, which has sold 174,000 downloads, according to Nielsen SoundScan, and whose audio video on the official LadyGagaVEVO channel stands at 11 million views, just sounds like a smash, doesn't it? The pair also co-wrote the set's second single, "Judas." 

If "Hair" remains an album cut, it'll join that bittersweet group of great songs that were never released as radio singles. Gaga has already has two others, by my humble count: 

"Boys Boys Boys," also a Gaga/RedOne co-write 

and, "Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)," another song from "The Fame" that showcases more of her bubblegum pop side 

The artist to whom Gaga seemingly receives the most comparisons also boasts a catalog of album tracks that might've been big radio hits had they been released as singles. Here's one fan's list of five songs that may have been big singles for Madonna had they gotten the chance: 

"Dear Jessie" (1989), a European-only single that might've been too left-of-center for U.S. radio. Still, it has a great hook and is similar in sound to fellow "Like a Prayer" cut "Cherish," which hit No. 2 on the Hot 100. 

"Love Tried to Welcome Me" (1994), which, had it followed "Take a Bow," might've won over radio more easily than the rather experimental "Bedtime Story" and "Human Nature" 

"Time Stood Still" (2000), from the movie in which she starred, "The Next Best Thing," the song built upon the melodic almost-new age vibe in places of her 1998 album, "Ray of Light" 

"Amazing" (2000), from "Music," a sonic sequel to 1999's '60s-retro "Beautiful Stranger" 

"Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" (2008), a song from "Hard Candy" that she co-wrote with Justin Timberlake, whose obvious influence might've made it fit in better at radio than second single "Give It 2 Me." Then again, since lead track "4 Minutes" featured Timberlake on vocals, releasing "Devil" could've been inferred as Madonna piggybacking too heavily on the starpower of a younger-generation act. 


"Ask Billboard" asks you: What's on your list of songs that absolutely, positively should've been radio singles over the years? From theBeatles ("Across the Universe," "Blackbird," "Getting Better," "Here Comes the Sun," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps") to Bruno Mars (what a shame that "Marry You" was never a single), what songs do you think could've garnered years of radio airplay but instead remain hidden album gems. 

Share your choices at askbb@billboard.com and we'll pick up the discussion in the next "Ask Billboard." 

Madonna Talks Lady Gaga (Recap)

On Friday Madonna Talks Lady Gaga was a top story. Here is the recap: (popmusiclife) Madonna raved about Lady Gaga during a taping of "The Graham Norton Show" on Wednesday in the UK.

Capital FM reports Madonna described Lady Gaga as "cool" and says the "Born This Way" singer reminds her of herself when she was just starting out in the music industry.

"When I first saw her I was really impressed by her and she was cool," Madonna told host Graham Norton during the interview, which will air Friday on BBC One. "She did remind me of me back in the day."

Lady Gaga's Legacy: Will She Be Remembered for Her Music or for Her Shock Appeal?

Lady Gaga, the enigmatic, unpredictable and highly popular pop star skyrocketed to fame in a relatively short amount of time. Her catchy music is only out-shined by her shocking fashion decisions and her ability to surprise fans with outfits that range from quirky to the outright bizarre. Will Lady Gaga be remembered for her music or her shock appeal? Fans and music lovers alike weigh in on the future legacy of Lady Gaga, with opinions falling on both sides of the fence.

Will Gaga's Music Stand up to the Test of Time?

Many of Lady Gaga's fans believe that Lady Gaga will be remembered most for her music. Karen Law of Philadelphia states "Lady Gaga will definitely be remembered. She's followed Madonna's footsteps with the shock value and used it to her advantage. She takes it to another level though." Law adds "She is also an incredible performer and very talented young girl. She dances, sings and writes some of her own music. She will be remembered for a very long time to come." While fans admit that Lady Gaga exudes shock appeal, it is a complementary part of the Gaga package. In the eye of her fan's, Lady Gaga's music will be what she is remembered most for.

The Argument for Shock Appeal

If there is one thing that Lady Gaga does especially well, making an entrance would certainly be it. With outrageous fashion choices such as the meat dress, going onstage with blue armpit hair and her infamous bubble dress, Lady Gaga's outfits never fail to stun spectators. Lively celebrity figures that have paved the path Lady Gaga seems to be following including Madonna and Dennis Rodman, whose careers who somewhat overshadowed by their vibrant public persona. Many fans cannot tell you what Rodman's achievements were in his basketball career, but they can readily list off his public exploits and interesting fashion sense. There is a heated argument brewing that this is the case for Lady Gaga.

Some Say Neither

There are some music enthusiasts that say Lady Gaga's music and shock value will be unmemorable. Lauren Holmes of Philadelphia says "I think neither. While I enjoy her music, it's nothing more than pop, which is fun, but not memorable by any means. As far as shocking goes, I don't find her all that especially shocking. Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Wendy O. Williams, The Runaways, Courtney Love. It's all been done already." Some music enthusiasts feel that while Lady Gaga is popular at the moment, her star will eventually fade away.

Sources : http://voices.yahoo.com/lady-gagas-legacy-will-she-remembered-8771269.html?cat=46

Will Lady Gaga Be as Successful as Michael Jackson?

Lady Gaga continues to reach magnificent heights in the music business. Known for her catchy pop songs and outrageous outfits, the pop icon can't help but think how long this magical journey will last.

After all, music is cyclical. Just ask Madonna, who Gaga is often compared to. In fact, some people believe that Gaga has completely ripped off the Material Girl's, well, material.

The song "Born This Way" sounds very similar to Madonna's "Express Yourself." However, Lady Gaga recently took offense to the accusation, saying it was retarded. "If you put the songs next to each other, side by side, the only similarities are the chord progression. It's the same one that's been in disco music for the last 50 years," said Gaga via Oh No They Didn't. "Just because I'm the first f**king artist in 25 years to think of putting it on Top 40 radio, it doesn't mean I'm a plagiarist, it means I'm f**king smart. Sorry."

Gaga's Future?

Will Lady Gaga see Madonna-like results to which her music and act become antiquated where she must reinvent herself? The difference between Gaga and Madonna is her fan base - the little monsters. As good and controversial as Madonna was, she did not have the legions of fans that Gaga has.

Gaga could potentially see the same type of success that Michael Jackson saw, who sold around 390 million albums. Musicians like Michael Jackson stay in the limelight because of the musical brand they created. It's the music but so much more of the success comes from the stage shows, the lifestyle and the continuous hits.

Consistency

Lady Gaga has the ability to stay consistent with her albums and lifestyle. Michael Jackson did the same and as weird as he was, when the King of Pop passed away, the positive response and media coverage were unlike anything anyone's ever seen.

Obstacle

The biggest obstacle standing in Gaga's way is the cyclical musical landscape. If Lady Gaga's music can stand the transition through whatever music genre takes the lead, she'll ride out the changes until the next pop revolution comes. Her little monsters can help contribute to that feat.

Let's just hope Lady Gaga can stand the test of time. Otherwise, 20 years from now, there will be another Madonna rip off being compared to Lady Gaga.