Lasting Legacy of Lady Gaga: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Lady Gaga—a timeline of influence.

Lady Gaga (Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress renowned for her constant image reinventions and versatility. She is a highly influential figure in popular music, known for pushing boundaries and experimenting with various genres and styles throughout her career. Her impact extends beyond music into fashion and popular culture, solidifying her status as a cultural icon.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1937: Original 'A Star Is Born' Film

The story of Ally and Jackson Maine as portrayed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in the 2018 movie A Star is Born is a remake of the 1937 film of the same name.

2009: Billboard names Gaga the "Greatest Pop Star of 2009"

In 2009, Billboard named Lady Gaga "the Greatest Pop Star of 2009", highlighting her rapid rise to fame and innovative approach to pop music.

2010: One of Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2010, Time magazine named Lady Gaga one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2010: University of Virginia introduces course on Lady Gaga and identity

In Fall 2010, the University of Virginia introduced a writing course titled "GaGa for Gaga: Sex, Gender, and Identity" exploring identity challenges related to gender and sexuality through the lens of Lady Gaga.

2011: "Lady Gaga Day" designated in Taichung, Taiwan

In 2011, July 3 was designated as "Lady Gaga Day" in Taichung, Taiwan, marking the anniversary of her first visit to the country.

2011: Named the "Queen of Pop" by Rolling Stone

In 2011, Lady Gaga was named the "Queen of Pop" in a ranking by Rolling Stone, based on record sales and social media metrics.

2011: University of South Carolina launches course on Lady Gaga and fame

In early 2011, the University of South Carolina launched a sociology course titled "Lady Gaga and the Sociology of the Fame" to study the dimensions of Lady Gaga's fame.

2012: Ranked fourth in VH1's Greatest Women in Music and featured in exhibition

In 2012, Lady Gaga ranked fourth in VH1's Greatest Women in Music. She also became a feature of the temporary exhibition The Elevated: From the Pharaoh to Lady Gaga at the National Museum in Warsaw.

2012: Meat Dress displayed at museum

In 2012, Lady Gaga's meat dress was displayed at the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

2013: The Fame listed as one of Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Debut Albums of All-Time

In 2013, Lady Gaga's album, The Fame, was listed as one of Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Debut Albums of All-Time, solidifying her impact on music and popularizing synth-pop in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

September 2015: Meat Dress Enters Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In September 2015, the meat dress Lady Gaga wore to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2015: Time notes Gaga had "practically invented the current era of pop music as spectacle"

In 2015, Time magazine noted that Lady Gaga had "practically invented the current era of pop music as spectacle", recognizing her influence on the performance and presentation of pop music.

2017: "Bad Romance", "Alejandro", and "Poker Face" ranked as catchiest tracks

In 2017, a study identified Lady Gaga's songs "Bad Romance", "Alejandro", and "Poker Face" as among the catchiest tracks, ranking number one, eight, and nine respectively.

2018: Named the second most influential female artist of the 21st century by NPR

In 2018, NPR named Lady Gaga the second most influential female artist of the 21st century, highlighting her role as one of the first major artists of the 'Internet age'.

2019: One of Time's 100 Most Influential People (again)

In 2019, Lady Gaga was again named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.

2019: Named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world

In 2019, Lady Gaga was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.

2020: 'Born This Way' listed in Rolling Stone's '500 Greatest Albums of All Time'

In 2020, Rolling Stone listed Lady Gaga's album, 'Born This Way', among "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time".

May 2021: "Born This Way Day" declared in West Hollywood

In May 2021, West Hollywood mayor Lindsey P. Horvath presented Lady Gaga with a key to the city and declared May 23 as "Born This Way Day" to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the album and its cultural impact.

2021: "Bad Romance" Listed as One of the Greatest Songs and Music Videos

In 2021, "Bad Romance" and its music video were featured on Rolling Stone's lists of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" and "100 Greatest Music Videos of All Time".

2023: Included among Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers of All Time

In 2023, Rolling Stone included Lady Gaga among the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, solidifying her reputation as a highly skilled vocalist.

2024: Placed fifth on Billboard's list of the Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century

In 2024, Lady Gaga placed fifth on Billboard's list of the Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century, recognizing her sustained impact and contributions to pop music.