Washington D.C., [USA], March 18 (ANI): Lady Gaga has called out ' ageism 'in the music industry when receiving the Innovator Award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards At the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, as reported by People.
During the event held on March 17, the 38-year-old artist addressed her audience, discussing her journey in music along with her enthusiasm for pushing boundaries through innovation. Additionally, she expressed her support for the LGBTQ+ community. The singer also highlighted the common perception of female artists in pop music being deemed past their prime as they enter their later thirties.
Gaga mentioned, 'I’m not entirely sure how to process this since receiving an accolade for my whole career at the age of 38 is quite difficult to comprehend.'
"One part of me feels as though I’ve been at this for an eternity, while another part knows I’m merely beginning. Despite society perhaps viewing a lady in her late thirties as past her prime for a pop career—which seems absurd—I assure you that I am only now finding my stride,” she went on to say.
"True innovation doesn’t involve simply defying established norms; rather, it’s about crafting your own set of principles and persuading others that these ideas always belonged to them. It’s akin to attending the Grammy Awards inside an egg-shaped structure or composing a song deemed too contentious initially but eventually becoming indisputably impactful. Over my thirty years in this industry, one lesson stands out: genuine power lies in being true to oneself," Lady Gaga added.
The pop singer referred to her grandmothers as "incredibly smart and strong-willed Italian-American women," highlighting how they carved out new paths for themselves through sheer willpower. She continued, saying, "Today, I am reminded of them—these incredibly intelligent and tenacious Italian-American women—who transformed their lives using only resilience, aspirations, and resolve."
"They did not create technology or art; instead, they created possibilities, molding the future through sheer thought. These women, my forebears, are the most extraordinary women I have ever encountered," stated Gaga according to People.
Lady Gaga received several nominations across various categories at the event. She was acknowledged for Best Collaboration and Best Music Video for her track "Die with a Smile," featuring Bruno Mars, which had previously been honored with a Grammy in February. Additionally, she was noted in the Favorite On-Screen category for her concert film, The Chromatica Ball. (ANI)