Lady Gaga has consistently reshaped the pop landscape with each album, from the glitzy rise of The Fame to the emotional depth of Joanne and the sci-fi fantasy of Chromatica. Now, with her highly anticipated seventh studio album, Mayhem, the superstar turns the focus inward, reflecting on the shape of her own stardom and embracing her true artistry.
In an interview with Out, Gaga describes Mayhem as “a lot of gothic dreams,” a theme that has quietly resonated throughout her career. “I’ve realized that’s been a part of my music since early in my career,” she explains, suggesting that the album marks an exploration of her own evolution as both an artist and a person.
At 38, Gaga feels a renewed sense of confidence in her musical journey. “As a pop star, I want to be able to celebrate the parts of myself that I know will carry me forward,” she says, comfortably relaxing under a blanket with sunlight streaming in. She recalls advice from legendary jazz singer Tony Bennett, who urged her to focus on quality. “If the thing that I focus on for the rest of my career is my musicianship, that will be a way for me to move forward, and with confidence,” Gaga reflects.
Throughout her career, Gaga has cemented herself not only as a defining figure of pop culture but also as a multifaceted artist, admired for her musicianship and her willingness to push boundaries. “I’m not sure if people know that I’ve been producing all my albums my whole career. I’ve always been a co-producer and writer on my records. I just feel more comfortable talking about it now,” she reveals. “I’m also really proud of this music. I’m very proud of the production on this album.”
In a world dominated by social media feeds, trending topics, and viral moments, Gaga has long tackled the intersection of fame, artifice, and identity—issues she first delved into with ARTPOP in 2013. Yet, in 2025, as artists and brands navigate an increasingly polarized social landscape, Gaga continues to thrive. At the Grammy Awards, she earned a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with the hauntingly romantic track “Die With a Smile,” which closes out Mayhem. During her acceptance speech, Gaga used the opportunity to speak out on behalf of the trans community, reiterating her commitment to supporting marginalized voices.
That same night, Gaga made another bold statement by releasing her new song “Abracadabra” and its accompanying music video during an ad break in the Grammy telecast. For her queer fans, the excitement was palpable. “It means the absolute world to me,” Gaga says, visibly moved. “I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful I am, and what it means to be supported by a community that I respect so much. A community that is responsible for so much great art for thousands of years.”
Gaga’s continued support for the LGBTQ+ community is not just an underlying current in her music, but a defining element of her public persona. “It really means a lot,” she adds, “and I hope that I made something that the LGBTQ+ community felt was also indicative of the resilience that I see in queer people all the time.”
Though many would consider the support of allies to be a given, Gaga continues to make her commitment to the queer community front and center in her career. “I just want to say that I love you so much,” she tells Out. “And I thank you for your endless amounts of love, inspiration, and strength. Thank you for teaching the world how to be kind, and to love. And know that I’m going to have the back of the LGBTQ+ community every single day.”
Gaga pauses before continuing: “Actually, I think my message wouldn’t necessarily be to the queer community. It would be to everyone else: You can learn a lot from the queer community about love.”
As she embarks on this new era, Gaga continues to use her platform not only to create art but to advocate for love, inclusion, and strength—values that have always been at the core of her music and public persona. Mayhem is a reflection of her personal and artistic growth, blending the gothic with the glamorous as she shapes the next chapter of her career, staying true to the very parts of herself that have defined her journey.
