It's fitting Lady Gaga, born Stefani Germanotta, titled her debut album The Fame. It seemed almost predetermined her unique combination of powerful vocals, hook-laden pop songs and bold fashion would earn her international fame.

Germanotta began her musical career playing piano and performing in high school musicals. At age 17 she was accepted into New York's famed Collaborative Arts Project 21, but left early to front her own SGBand. In 2006 she settled on the name Lady Gaga and, a year later, inked a solo deal with Interscope Records. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga was introduced to GRAMMY-winning producer/songwriter RedOne, with whom she collaborated on the No. 1 hits "Poker Face" and "Just Dance" from 2008's The Fame, which peaked at No. 2 and earned a GRAMMY for Best Electronic/Dance Album at the 52nd GRAMMY Awards. Lady Gaga made her debut GRAMMY performance at the 52nd GRAMMYs, performing with Elton John.                 

Lady Gaga's follow-up EP, 2009's The Fame Monster, peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and featured the Top 10 hits "Bad Romance," "Alejandro" and "Telephone," the latter a duet with Beyoncé. The Fame Monster earned two GRAMMY Awards, including Best Pop Vocal Album. Lady Gaga scored her first No. 1 album with her second full-length effort, 2011's Born This Way, which shot to the top of the charts on the strength of the No. 1 title track. The album earned four GRAMMY nods, including Lady Gaga's third consecutive nomination for Album Of The Year.