Top 10 Times Lady Gaga Made History

In YouTube’s early days, millions flocked to watch content from independent creators—“Evolution of Dance,” anyone? That all changed in 2009 when Lady Gaga dropped the “Bad Romance” music video. She wasn’t just the first artist to hit a billion views; she also essentially changed the game for what people came to watch on the platform. After her groundbreaking achievement, music videos started dominating YouTube’s most-viewed list. Oh, and did we mention that Justin Bieber’s “Baby” was trailing close behind? He would eventually overtake her, but she still got there first! Basically, “Bad Romance” walked, so videos like “Gangnam Style,” “Despacito,” and even “Baby Shark” could run.

Also in 2009, Mother Monster kicked off her second worldwide tour, “The Monster Ball,” which she called “the first-ever pop electro opera.” And that wasn’t the only milestone she hit. Gaga set a new record for a first-time headlining artist, pulling in 2.5 million fans across 203 shows and raking in $227.4 million. This is even more impressive when you know the original plan involved another artist who’s stirred up a lot drama at that year’s VMAs. When that fell apart, Gaga had to scramble for a new concept, and she went big, comparing it to a full-blown musical. Honestly, “The Monster Ball” set the bar for the artistry we now expect from her.

Lady Gaga might seem like an overnight success, but she’d be the first to tell you it took years and a full rebrand before the world noticed her. Once she released “Just Dance” and “Poker Face” in 2008, though, everyone was paying attention. Her first album stuck around in the Billboard 200’s top 20 for a whopping 39 weeks, and her singles were everywhere. Gaga also showed she was on another level with her performances. Plus, she completely changed the game for music videos, using them to tell incredible stories with unique visuals and some unforgettable styles. It’s no surprise that Billboard named her the “Greatest Pop Star of 2009.”

In 2017, Lady Gaga made history as the first female artist to headline a solo set at Coachella, a title that hadn’t been claimed since Björk’s performance in 2007. Funny enough, this was originally supposed to go to Beyoncé, but she had to bow out on doctor’s orders because she was pregnant with twins. We still got Beychella the next year, but Gaga stepped in and brought her own top-tier showmanship. She gave fans a mix of classic hits and new tracks from “Joanne,” and every moment was a visual masterpiece. However, the moment fans properly lost their minds was when she surprised everyone with her new song “The Cure.”

Lady Gaga has set all kinds of firsts over the years, like in 2010 when she became the most nominated artist at the VMAs and the first female artist to have two music videos competing for Video of the Year. Fast forward to 2016, and she’s continued the trend with unforgettable moments. She started by singing the US national anthem at “Super Bowl 50,” then honored David Bowie with a tribute at the “Grammy Awards.” She also left everyone breathless with her performance of “Til It Happens to You” at the Oscars. Why are these moments so special? Well, Gaga became the first to perform at all three events in the same year!

Launched in 2012 by Lady Gaga and her mom, Cynthia Germanotta, this foundation focuses on empowering young people and promoting mental wellness. Lady Gaga has been open about her struggles with mistreatment, anxiety, and depression in her documentary, “Inside the Outside,” which inspired her mission to create a safe and accepting environment for youth. What sets this foundation apart is its commitment to action. Rather than just shedding a spotlight on the issues, it provides tools for building confidence and self-love. It also creates spaces where everyone, no matter their background or identity, can feel celebrated just for being themselves. It's a bold, necessary force for change in a world that desperately needs it.

In the early 2010s, rumors spread about Lady Gaga being intersex after distorted photos of her infamous meat dress surfaced. But instead of addressing the gossip directly, Gaga often responded light heartedly. During an interview with Bill Gates, she explained that she felt a responsibility to her fans, especially those struggling with their own identities. She felt setting the record straight could be more harmful than helpful. Instead, she used the moment to remind everyone—just like in her 2011 anthem “Born This Way”—to love themselves and feel empowered in their own skin, no matter what. Can we get a rewind on that and turn it up for the folks in the back?

Lady Gaga made history at the “Super Bowl LI” halftime show by not only by headlining solo—something that hadn’t happened since 2010—but by taking the performance to new heights. Literally. Apparently, her sister came up with the idea for her to start the performance above the stadium, and she just ran with it. The 300 drones lighting up the sky behind here were a first for any broadcast event, too. But beyond the technical wow factor, what stood out most was the powerful message of love and inclusivity, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community. It was a celebration of music, art, and love—and the world definitely noticed, making it the fourth most-watched halftime show at the time.

Lady Gaga is known for making bold statements, from her gory 2009 VMAs look to hatching from an egg at the 2011 Grammys. But nothing made a bigger splash than her 2010 VMAs entrance in a raw beef dress by designer Franc Fernandez[a]. Naturally, it left everyone wondering what message she was sending. Gaga later revealed it was a protest against the U.S. Army’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. It was the last of three looks she wore that night, and she even accepted her Video of the Year award in it. She wore it again during an interview with Ellen (a vegan!). How many artists can say their dress became jerky for posterity?

In 2018, Lady Gaga took on the role of aspiring artist Ally in “A Star Is Born,” where she got her big break singing alongside country-rock star Jackson Maine. For many, it felt like she was singing straight from a place of relating to Ally’s grind in the entertainment biz. It became a massive hit and one of the most popular songs of the year. Not only did Gaga blow the roof off with this performance, but she also co-wrote the number. Thanks to its success, Gaga won an Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Grammy Award in the same award season, making her the first woman to achieve such a feat.



Which history-making Lady Gaga moment impressed you the most? Let us know in the comments




[a]frank https://youtu.be/1PPQfd_3TIM?si=Q29UD_FUDUp-NHbq&t=74