Versuchen GOLD - Frei
How a 2011 meeting with Lady Gaga was made even more memorable by a furore over unauthorised lyric changes
The Straits Times
|May 15, 2025
In a few days, Lady Gaga will be back for her first concert in Singapore in more than a decade.
High-energy dance party Do not expect fan chants or rituals in the vein of American pop star Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour concerts. But you should come ready for a non-stop dance party – one that will include skeletons, which Gaga and some of her dancers use as their "partners" for the campy disco track Zombieboy from Mayhem.
But Gaga will occasionally urge her Little Monsters – the name of her fan base – to scream, cheer and put their hands, or "paws", up.
She is also likely to descend onto the floor section to walk among and interact with fans during Vanish Into You, also from Mayhem.
Speaking of the floor section, those seated there might catch a glimpse of Gaga's fiancé Michael Polansky, an American entrepreneur whom some fans have dubbed "Papa Monster". He is credited as a co-writer on selected Mayhem tracks.
While you are people-spotting, look out for dancer Ian McKenzie onstage. He has been a part of Gaga's dance crew since 2008, when she was still an unknown singer performing in carparks.
And for me, her imminent arrival has unearthed a distinct memory from her visit here over a decade ago.
As a music journalist, I have done hundreds of interviews with international stars, from American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift to British rock band Coldplay.
But my 10-minute face-to-face with Lady Gaga in a spacious Marina Bay Sands (MBS) suite in July 2011 still ranks as one of the most memorable in my 17-year career.
It was also the same year a domestic controversy swirled over her 2009 hit song Bad Romance being improperly used as part of the 2011 National Day Parade (NDP).
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 15, 2025-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Abonnieren Sie Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierter Premium-Geschichten und über 9.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Sie sind bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
WEITERE GESCHICHTEN VON The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Silver lining amid dark clouds as Asean recognises need to deepen unity, says PM Wong
Grouping has taken 'considerable steps forward', including entry of Timor-Leste
3 mins
October 29, 2025
The Straits Times
Make small, practical changes, not drastic overhauls
“Researcher Saul Newman has suggested that Okinawans eat the least vegetables and sweet potatoes of any region in Japan.
3 mins
October 29, 2025
The Straits Times
Small acts of empathy key to protecting the vulnerable
With the recent news surrounding the case of Megan Khung, especially the release of the review panel’s report, I found myself reflecting deeply on my own journey as a social worker (The Megan Khung report was painful to read, but offers hard lessons to prevent another tragedy, Oct 24).
1 mins
October 29, 2025
The Straits Times
Lawyers Use of Gen Al needs careful oversight
We refer to the article “Breaches of AI policy could be a sackable offence at some Singapore law firms” (Oct 22), which highlights how firms are strengthening their policies for responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) a sign of the profession’s growing maturity in adopting such tools.
1 mins
October 29, 2025
The Straits Times
WHO WILL BE S'PORE'S NEXT MILLIONAIRE ATHLETE?
In this series, The Straits Times takes a deep dive into the hottest sports topic or debate of the hour.
7 mins
October 29, 2025
The Straits Times
EAT RIGHT AND LIVE LONGER
Dietitians share how those in Singapore can adopt elements of the Mediterranean, Nordic and Okinawan diets
5 mins
October 29, 2025
The Straits Times
Countries have to see benefits of Asean power grid for it to take off: Expert
For the Asean power grid to take off, countries need to have a clearer picture of the benefits of being connected, said sustainable finance expert Lisa Sachs on Oct 28.
4 mins
October 29, 2025
The Straits Times
PM Wong meets leaders of Vietnam, Malaysia on sidelines of Asean Summit
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong met the leaders of Vietnam and Malaysia on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 28.
2 mins
October 29, 2025
The Straits Times
SkillsFuture Why do some courses cost so much?
When SkillsFuture Credit was introduced in 2015, many Singaporeans were excited over what courses were available — either for career transition or to gain knowledge and skills.
1 min
October 29, 2025
The Straits Times
KARMA SHOULD PAY OFF FIRST-UP
Oct 30 Hong Kong (Sha Tin) form analysis
5 mins
October 29, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size

