Lady Gaga‘s early career exploded upon the release of The Fame in 2008. With hits such as “Just Dance” and “Poker Face,” Gaga quickly became a global sensation, recognized for her theatrical performances and avant-garde fashion style. Meanwhile, the album redefined modern pop music with its fusion of edgy electronic, dance and glam rock influences.
Building on this momentum, in 2009 she released The Fame Monster, a darker extension of her debut. The album propelled Gaga’s star power thanks to the success of tracks such as “Bad Romance,” “Telephone” and “Alejandro,” and the era cemented her status as a pop powerhouse, blending high art with mainstream appeal.
Not long after, a career-defining moment came at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, where Gaga delivered a breathtaking performance of “Paparazzi.” The performance culminated in a dramatic, blood-soaked finale which saw Gaga hang lifeless on stage—a chilling commentary on the price of fame. The performance shocked audiences and solidified her as an artist unafraid to push boundaries.
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During hear early ears years, Gaga also introduced her signature Haus of Gaga, the creative team that helped craft her unique visuals, from bubble dresses to disco-stick accessories. Her world tour, The Monster Ball, debuted in late 2009, and became one of the most successful tours of the decade.
With The Fame and The Fame Monster, Lady Gaga didn’t just enter the music industry—she revolutionized it, setting the stage for a career built on reinvention, spectacle and fearless artistry.
Lady Gaga in the Late 2000s
Take a look back at Lady Gaga’s early days in the late 2000s as she rose to pop superstardom in 2008 and 2009.