Lady Gaga hasn’t arrived anywhere in an enormous egg lately. One of her more recent televised performances was spent singing Sound of Music selections in a snow white ball gown. Not backed by any pyrotechnics, parachuting drag queens or dystopian synths, Gaga glided around the Oscars’ stage backed by an elegant string orchestra. Her new BFF is Tony Bennett. This lack of stunts might seem her biggest shock of all, but in a revealing new Billboard interview, pop’s mother monster explained why she’s been trading meat dresses for more traditional glam: she’s actually been feeling more self-confident.
“If you see me dressing really out there, I tend to be self-deprecating inside. When I dress like a lady, I tend to be feeling very wild and confident. That sounds bizarre, but I get a lot of shit done with that blond hair.” Gaga told the magazine regarding her recent style choices. “I haven’t changed. It’s just that I’m almost 30. I’m learning how to function effectively in society.”
Functioning effectively in society means that these days, she’s committed to positively impacting at-risk teens with her Born this Way Foundation — a nonprofit that’s fostering positivity and community among young people experiencing depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. These are feelings that Gaga herself has experienced throughout most of her life.
Her new look not only stems from a confidence that comes with the courage to confront these issues, but the drive to make a difference in young lives: “People expect me to show up doing something wild. The thing is, I’ll do what I want when I want to do it. Right now, I want to help young kids come together and be friends. If I need to get the president’s attention — whatever I have to do — I’ll do it.”
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Text Emily Manning
Image courtesy Lady Gaga