If I may. I'm not a fan of Gaga's music or her character, at all, but I applaud her genius move in creating a fame persona so outlandish that all who came before seem tame (Madonna, Bjork) and all who follow are copies (Minaj). She made it so there is absolutely no ceiling and by doing so, she's ruined it for others who may want to follow in that freak show vein. Again, I applaud her marketing skills.
I read an interview some time ago where she lamented how someone famous (I forgot who) had let the public see their normal self as opposed to their public character. She said she never leaves the house as anyone other than Gaga. She's only Stefani at home.
To me, that's what makes the whole thing work. Go back & forth and the character is just that - a character. On Germanotta's terms, you get the freak show only and that keeps her on top. She could have had a normal career and done very well on her talent alone, but she wouldn't have become the game-changing personality she is now.
She's not what many would consider classic beautiful and that may have played a role in the ridiculous over-the-top make up and clothing. Sort of a camouflage, if you will. That said, she's not unattractive and she does has a fantastic figure.
