Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Lady Gaga: Applause

Rate this book
As one of the world’s best-selling musicians, Lady Gaga has set the musical bar high. Since her debut album, The Fame (2008), she has sold more than 124 million records and scooped numerous awards, including twelve Grammy Awards and eighteen MTV Music Video Awards.

Yet she is much more than a musician. At the helm of the Haus of Gaga—a close-knit circle of behind-the-scenes creatives—Lady Gaga is a performance artist like no other; her forward-thinking fashions and innovations mark her out as the ultimate maverick. Recently, she has reinvented herself as an accomplished jazz performer, dueting with legendary singer Tony Bennett on Cheek to Cheek (2014) and Love For Sale (2021), while also proving herself a consummate actor with lead roles in A Star Is Born (2018) and House of Gucci (2021). And with her advocacy for LGBT rights and active championing of kindness via the Born This Way Foundation, co-founded with her mother Cynthia Germanotta in 2011, it’s clear to see why her fans adore her.

Lady Applause is a celebration of a true artist of our time. Illustrated throughout with stunning photography and complementary fashion segments, this comprehensive history follows Lady Gaga’s ever-evolving and often unpredictable career, and is testament to her many talents. A must for Little Monsters everywhere.

224 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2022

21 people are currently reading
232 people want to read

About the author

Annie Zaleski

29 books20 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
55 (42%)
4 stars
49 (37%)
3 stars
21 (16%)
2 stars
4 (3%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Rude Kadry .
445 reviews38 followers
February 8, 2023
Lady Gaga… wizjonerka, popowa wokalistka, aktorka, artystka przez A. Do dziś pamiętam początki jej kariery, chyba każdy z nas zna taneczny hit „Just Dance”. I przyznaję, nie sądziłam, że po tylu latach nadal będzie obecna w show biznesie. Myślałam, że to kolejna gwiazdka jednego przeboju, ale okazało się, że to osoba, która ciężko pracowała na swój w pełni zasłużony sukces.

Zaleski przybliża czytelnikom i fanom jej postać, sukcesy i porażki w trakcie budowania kariery, a także demony, z którymi musiała się zmierzyć w drodze na szczyt. Z fascynacją śledziłam rozwój Stefani Germanotty jako artystki i jej ostateczne przeobrażenie w Lady Gagę – fenomen, wizjonerkę, filantropkę, prawdziwą ikonę.
Nucąc pod nosem moje ukochane „Shallow” sprawiłam, że moja przeglądarka płonęła. Każda piosenka, czy osoba, która stanowiła inspirację Lady Gagi, została przeze mnie sprawdzona. Jestem pełna podziwu dla szczegółowego researchu, jaki przeprowadziła autorka, by przybliżyć nam postać piosenkarki, za nią godziny żmudnej pracy, która przyniosła fantastyczne rezultaty. Annie Zaleski oddaje w nasze ręce świadectwo narodzin prawdziwej gwiazdy, która na stałe wpisała się w historię popkultury.

Annie Zaleski w „Lady Gaga. Applause. Biografia ikony” zaskoczyła mnie tym, że jej książka przybrała formę, która bardzo przypominała artykuł – dość rozbudowany, ale napisany w sposób angażujący i naprawdę ciekawy, nawet nie wiem, kiedy pochłonęłam te 224 strony wypełnione licznymi fotografiami i fascynującą treścią. Niech nie zwiedzie Was, jednak liczba stron, może jest ich niewiele, ale tekst został spisany bardzo małą czcionką, co stanowi dla mnie jedyny minus tej książki. Dla fanów biografii, Lady Gagi – pozycja idealna. Zdecydowanie polecam ten tytuł! Bogata treść wynagradza z nawiązką rozmiar czcionki, jaką został spisany, a dobór fotografii to majstersztyk. „Lady Gaga. Applause. Biografia ikony” to fantastyczna książka, przy której nie sposób się nudzić!
Profile Image for Janet (iamltr).
1,224 reviews85 followers
August 15, 2022
I first want to say that I am a monster so I know a bit about Lady Gaga and after reading this, I know the exact same things I knew before. There is nothing new nor original in any of this. Every quote and information comes from interviews done by other publications, blogs, magazines, etc. If it was on the internet at some point and was about Gaga, it was in here. This entire book was like scrolling through one of those stories on a website that does not report anything new, it just rephrases what was already known, and putting a link in to the original reporting.

The real reason to read this one was the pictures. There are not a lot of original photos of the one the book is based on, but the images of the other musicians were great.
Profile Image for Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich.
1,529 reviews201 followers
September 1, 2022

Lady Gaga: Applause by Annie Zaleski takes a look at the the artist from the diversity of her talents.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Palazzo Editions and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


My Synopsis and Opinions:
Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta on March 28, 1986 in New York City, Lady Gaga has become a music icon, a fashion icon, an LGBTQIA+ rights activist, an actress, and bottom-line a performance artist like few others.  She is a maverick, and it seems she can sing any genre, and hit every note.  Her timing is amazing. Her acting career started in high school, and eventually led to her playing the lead in A Star is Born and House of Gucci.

As a child, she was given music, voice and acting lessons, although she truly preferred learning on her own.  She played the piano by ear, and hated the discipline of lessons.    She attended a rather strict Catholic school, and went on to college (although she dropped out).

The book takes you through her life from being a bullied teenager to a household name.

She has sold more than 124 million records, received 12 Grammy Awards, and 18 MTV Music Video Awards.

Lady Gaga's generosity seems to have no end.  She has donated significant amounts to the Haiti Earthquake relief, the Japan Tsunami relief, and regularly donates her time to benefit concerts for the World Health Organization and other charities.  She co-founded The Born This Way Foundation with her mother, aimed at promoting kindness to all, and developing programs to mobilize the youth of today to succeed.

Beware.  This book would be best bought in hard-cover, and it is not really suited to an e-reader.  The pictures in it are truly amazing, and they aren't just of Lady Gaga...they are also of her favorite artists.  The pictures were a real treat.  There is a section in the book showing her entire Discography.

Now, I admit that I did not "grow up" with her music, as I am a good deal older that that.  However, I have admired some of her works over the years.  Her lyrics, videos, and outfits are often quite controversial.  That doesn't bother me.   Whether you are a 'little monster" (her fanbase), or even if you question her fashion choices, you must admit that she is entertainment at it's best!

I wonder where she is headed next....



For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information and contact details), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for szanetii.
16 reviews
February 16, 2024
3.5-4. fajnie się czyta, plus za ładne zdjęcia, ale trochę brakuje exclusive contentu
Profile Image for Sadie Young.
853 reviews10 followers
August 8, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this advanced reader copy.

This is the perfect coffee table book for anyone who loves Lady Gaga. You can tell it is written by a true fan who understands and appreciates the range and diversity of true talent. I am a huge fan and this book just re-solidified my love for her. It was written clearly, concisely, and styled beautifully. This is a beautiful book and I can’t wait to see the finished product.
Profile Image for Tina.
412 reviews32 followers
August 9, 2022
I don’t think of myself as a big Lady Gaga fan, definitely not one of her little monsters. I’ve enjoyed her music over the years and also some of her acting work.

Nevertheless, I had a lot of fun reading this book. It’s very insightful and opened up the world of Gaga to me in a whole new way. In a very straight forward and chronological way the author describes Gaga’s life over the years, her career and her struggles along the way. I got more and more curious to learn new bits about her life and her evolution in the music and acting business.

The photos in this book are stunning and augment this feeling of being totally submerged in her art. I especially find it interesting that she did not only reinvent herself with every album but also in her clothing choices.

I would recommend this for everyone who likes Gaga or music history in general and prefers a more factual biography over an emotional one.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Ad Lib Publishers for this e-arc. In return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Paulina Strabel-Karolczak.
201 reviews5 followers
November 2, 2025
Sięgnęłam po biografię Lady Gagi bo jestem fanką jej twórczości i myślę że to wartościowa publikacja również dla tych których ciekawi po prostu rynek muzyczny od kulis. Cała jej zawodowa ścieżka artystyczna jest opisana chronologicznie, od trudnych początków kariery po prace nad poszczególnymi albumami. Uważam, że Gaga to nie tylko piosenkarka ale i wszechstronna artystka i performerka, na tyle barwna, że chciałabym przeczytać kiedyś jej szczerą autobiografię. Album zawiera mnóstwo zdjęć także to fajny kąsek dla fanów artystki, jedynie do czego można się przyczepić to do czcionki-jest tak mała, że czytanie nie było zbytnio komfortowe.
Profile Image for Diane Merritt.
960 reviews197 followers
August 23, 2022
Stunning photography that stands out in this book. Was a great read about Lady Gaga. Interesting to know more about her. Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an early release of this book
Profile Image for Victoria.
9 reviews
March 16, 2025
Honestly I‘m disappointed. The author used such weird photos into this book. Expectations were really high, also the price, but in the end, it‘s just meh :(
Profile Image for Steven.
77 reviews
May 12, 2023
heb ik nieuwe dingen geleerd? nee. maar staan er mooie foto’s in? zeker. is het een trophy om te hebben in huis? avsoluut
Profile Image for Stronisko.
458 reviews30 followers
October 2, 2023
"Lady Gaga: Applause" 👏 to niezwykle interesująca biografia, która rzuca światło na życie i karierę jednej z najważniejszych ikon popkultury - Lady Gagi. Autorka Annie Zaleski przedstawia czytelnikom fascynujące spojrzenie na niezwykłą osobowość artystyczną, która zdobyła serca milionów ludzi na całym świecie.🌍

Książka zaczyna się od wczesnych lat życia Stefani Germanotty (prawdziwe imię Lady Gagi) i prowadzi nas przez jej niekonwencjonalne dzieciństwo w Nowym Jorku, odkrycie jej talentu muzycznego🎤, aż po zdobycie światowej sławy. Autorka przedstawia nam różne etapy jej kariery muzycznej, od momentu, gdy Gaga zaczęła tworzyć swoje pierwsze utwory, aż po przełomowy album "The Fame", który przyniósł jej międzynarodową rozpoznawalność.

Jednym z najmocniejszych aspektów tej biografii jest głębokie zanurzenie się w emocjonalne i artystyczne tło twórczości Lady Gagi. Czytelnik poznaje jej inspiracje, takie jak David Bowie czy Queen, które wpływały na jej twórczość i pomagały kształtować jej unikalny styl. Książka ukazuje także jej niezwykłe zdolności wokalne i talent do pisania tekstów, które przekształciły ją w jedną z najbardziej innowacyjnych artystek swojego pokolenia.

Warto także dodać, w jakiej formie napisana jest ta biografia - kolumnowy układ tekstu i mnóstwo zdjęć sprawiają, że książkę czyta się jak magazyn modowy! 📰 Autorka opiera swoje opowieści na dostępnych materiałach prasowych, wywiadach i informacjach publicznych co podnosi wartość książki.

"Applause" jest wciągającą lekturą dla fanów Lady Gagi i wszystkich zainteresowanych jej życiem i twórczością. Książka przedstawia zarówno jej sukcesy, jak i trudności, z którymi musiała się zmierzyć jako artystka i osoba publiczna. Czytelnik odkrywa jej walkę z depresją, silną wolę i determinację, które pomogły jej przezwyciężyć przeciwności losu. "Lady Gaga: Applause" to niewątpliwie warta uwagi biografia! 🤩
Profile Image for julie.
603 reviews16 followers
August 5, 2022
As one of the world’s best-selling musicians, Lady Gaga has set the musical bar high. Since her debut album, The Fame (2008), she has sold more than 124 million records and scooped numerous awards, including twelve Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards, and eighteen MTV Music Video Awards. Yet she is much more than a musician.
At the helm of the Haus of Gaga a close knit circle of behind-the-scenes creatives Lady Gaga is a performance artist like no other; her forward thinking fashions and innovations mark her out as the ultimate maverick. Recently, she has reinvented herself as an accomplished jazz performer, dueting with legendary singer Tony Bennett on Cheek to Cheek (2014) and Love For Sale (2021), while also proving herself a consummate actor with lead roles in A Star Is Born (2018) and House of Gucci (2021). And with her advocacy for LGBT rights and active championing of kindness via the Born This Way Foundation, co-founded with her mother Cynthia Germanotta in 2011, it’s clear to see why her fans adore her.
Lady Gaga: Applause is a celebration of a true artist of our time. Illustrated throughout with stunning photography and complementary fashion segments, this comprehensive history follows Lady Gaga’s ever-evolving and often unpredictable career, and is testament to her many talents. A must for Little Monsters everywhere.
Wow totally couldn’t put it down totally gripping and really enjoyed this book and totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Palazzo Editions
I just reviewed Lady Gaga by Annie Zaleski. #LadyGaga #NetGalley
Profile Image for Lady.
1,100 reviews17 followers
September 11, 2022
This was a fantastic book. I really enjoyed reading it and it was packed full of wonderful pictures. I am a big fan of lady gaga but love her boldness, wearing such unusual fashion. So this book was a perfect fit for me. I now feel like I really know her and that there is a really amazing woman behind the fantastic fashion. This book definitely took me on an amazing journey through the thrilling life of lady gaga. I really loved reading about the many costume changes at music awards. Also I learnt about the reasons behind the meat dress which is something I have always wondered. It was great learning how lady gaga made alot of her own outfits. And her talents in writing songs for other people. She is definitely a woman of many talents. I felt the author did an amazing job at portraying such an amazing musian. The layout was fantastic with a great mix of pictures and text. The book flowed amazingly and I loved every second. It was a real page turner that I just had to finish in one sitting.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for creating such an amazing and fascinating read.
Profile Image for Martin Maenza.
997 reviews25 followers
August 8, 2022
Lady Gaga: Applause by Annie Zaleski comes out on September 2, 2022. Palazoo Editions provide an early galley in exchange for an honest review.

I did not get hip to the music of Gaga until 2011 and her second studio album. However, when I did, I was instantly a fan. I found her style of dance music to be very appealing. When I saw this biography was forthcoming, I definitely was eager to check it.

First off, this book is full of so many amazing photos. For an artist like Gaga where visuals and image are key, it makes perfect sense for her biography to include so many great shots from her life and career. They really make the book pop.

Zaleski's telling of Gaga's story is straightforward and solid. She does not get overly fancy with the narrative and keeps the timeline unfolding in a chronological way. For someone like me who knew very little of this story, it quickly brought me up to speed. I especially liked the coverage of the early years before the first records were cut.

Finally, the discography in the appendix was very helpful as well.
Profile Image for Alan D.D..
Author 39 books78 followers
October 18, 2022
Siendo una de las figuras que parecen estar por todos lados últimamente, no me sorprende que hayan varios libros que tracen su carrera. Sin embargo, este es especial porque está totalmente actualizado, ahonda en los detalles más importantes, y examina la vida de Gaga de manera completa, desde sus inicios como una chica desadaptada hasta volverse un fenómeno imparable.
Reseña completa (19 de octubre): https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/20...

Being one of the figures that seems to be all over the place these days, it's no surprise that there are several books outlining her career. However, this one's special because it's totally up-to-date, delves into the most important details, and examines Gaga's life in its entirety, from her beginnings as a misfit to becoming an unstoppable phenomenon.
Full review (Oct 19): https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/20...
378 reviews10 followers
August 29, 2022
What a beautiful carefully curated book!!
Gorgeous photos, really interesting content on the amazing famous journey and successful career of modern music icon Lady Gaga. There was so much to discover and learn about the best selling award winning artist, especially some of the thoughts and beliefs behind some of those amazing outfits, music, albums, and tours.
Her latest career moves within successful award films are just as fascinating.
Lady Gaga can reinvent herself, be herself and make a point!! Her creativity is inspirational and inspired.
This will be the perfect Christmas gift, a coffee table must have for anyone who loves music fashion and film.
Loved reading this one, but its the type of book you'll want to keep dipping back into so need to get a hard copy!!
Thank you NetGalley for the early read, totally amazing!!
Profile Image for Léa-Marie Thorez.
160 reviews
February 19, 2023
A perfect book to all Lady Gaga admirers. This woman has been my biggest inspiration and idol in life since my 9 years old. Today, I am 23, and still adore her.
Annie Zeleski did a perfect job of research and writing about this icon, exploring her complexity, darkness, love. It goes from her roots, her familiy, her earlier musical inspiration and deep down into each era, as she was writing albums and reinventing herself.
The iconography work was also perfect ; very well chosen pic (not only of Gaga).
Of course, if you are an hardcore Little Monster like me, none of the written will be surprising/unknown. But it is still interesting to look back to all these years that forged me deeply as a person.
A perfect homage, and a brilliant work of music-journalism.
70 reviews21 followers
September 11, 2022
If you are a fan of Lady Gaga you are going to love this book Lady Gaga by Annie Zaleski. I have to say that before reading this book I knew very little about Lady Gaga. I do enjoy her music but to be able to learn more of her background and upbringing was interesting. If you are not a Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta aka Lady Gaga fan . I highly recommend reading her story and learn how she became the idol and pop star she is today. I had no clue that she was from New York. Most read for anyone who loves music. After reading this book you may become a MONSTER and Stan Lady Gaga. I have to say that i received this book from from netgallery and the publisher but my opinion is 100 % my own.
324 reviews7 followers
October 2, 2022
An absolutely amazing book to read, Lady Gaga is such an inspiring subject, I love her life story!
There’s little doubt that Lady Gaga has packed a lot into her life, the singing, acting, fashion and her Foundation, that gives so much!
I join in the fan club of this truly intriguing personality, I’m sure there’s more to her story. The flow of the story mixed with the photos would have only been enhanced by some commentary from the woman herself!

Massive congratulations to the publisher, NetGalley and the author for providing Lady Gaga’s fans with this fascinating read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Carlos Sagaón.
10 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2024
This is definitely a MUST for every Little Monster but also for everyone who is passionate about music and the entertainment industry. This book contains a solid description of Lady Gaga's rise, amazing career and evolution through the years.

Although I, as a Little Monster, already knew most of the information provided here, I loved the storytelling of the book, it has many quotes and interview fragments that are definitely worth looking back. I also read a couple of curious things I didn't know, so it was surprising and empowering to read.

Lady Gaga is definitely one of the biggest musical superstars of all time. Her legacy is undeniable and this book explains accurately why.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,905 reviews33 followers
August 20, 2022
A well-compiled and interesting look at one of the most original, best-selling, iconic performers of our time. Lady Gaga keeps recreating herself and forging into new areas of the music, acting, style, fashion, and make-up industries. She has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with, yet also as someone equally determined to give back to various causes.

A visually stunning book as well!

My thanks to Palazzo Editions for letting me read an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley. It is scheduled to be published 9/1/22. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.
Profile Image for Krystle.
378 reviews
September 3, 2022
As a huge fan of Lady Gaga’s artistic work regarding music, tv shows, movies and just her contribution to culture. This book was a great read. It explored her origins and gave fans an insight into what her creative process is like and how her pain, trauma and hopes are embedded throughout her performances. Plus she is a very talented songwriter. This book provides lots of insights into her life and her artistry. Great autobiography!
*Thanks to Ad Lib Publishers & NetGalley for this Ebook in exchange for my honest review
Profile Image for Sylvia Barker.
436 reviews8 followers
October 15, 2022
Lady Gaga - Applause is a gem of a book for anyone who loves Lady Gaga and wants to learn more about the music and fashion icon's life and the events that have shaped her career. Filled with beautiful photographs and well-written biographical information about he superstar, this book is a feast for the eyes and the intellect. The text deserves a read but the photography makes this book a welcome addition to anyone's coffee table collection.

Thank you to NetGalley and Palazzo Publishers for a copy of “ Lady Gaga .-Applause” for an honest review .
Profile Image for Angie.
1,107 reviews16 followers
December 27, 2022
This biography tells the story of Lady Gaga's life from her childhood to the legend she is today. There was definitely a lot of great information and I could see readers who have an interest in the star enjoying learning more about her. I liked that the book went over her activism and the ways she gives back to her community and diverse groups who benefit from her support and her public role. The pictures are great and it would make a nice discussion piece or "coffee table book". Thanks to Netgalley for giving me the chance to learn more about this icon!
Profile Image for Kristen Morris.
176 reviews9 followers
August 7, 2022
Iconic, multi-talented show-stopper, Lady Gaga is all around impressive, distinctive, and did I mention iconic? This book does a wonderful job in highlighting her most significant and memorable moments thus far in her career.

A sincere thank you to NetGalley and Palazzo for providing me an advanced copy of “Lady Gaga - Applause�� in exchange for an honest review. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read this story and leave my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Louise Gray.
891 reviews22 followers
August 16, 2022
Stunning photographs and enthusiastic text make for a fan’s dream book. The book gives equal weight to Gaga as a musician, fashion icon and person, telling an interesting story about her rise to fame and the choices she made on the way. Definitely one for the fans, don’t look for critical or objective analysis in this book.
Profile Image for Robson Abrantes.
26 reviews
December 4, 2023
could use more details. i felt i knew everything was said on the book. only part good was the pre fame monster. some details were hidden to make gaga look better and i could use some more flaws of her career and personality
Profile Image for Piper Winchester.
947 reviews9 followers
September 9, 2022
Loved this coffee table book on Lady Gaga.
I'm a huge fan so I knew quiet a bit and also the pictures are a nice add
Profile Image for Rebecca Enslein.
275 reviews12 followers
January 2, 2023
Informative but not innovative, it’s still a great coffee table book featuring my favorite artist! Probably one of the only books I’ll read this year that’s not on my Kindle.
105 reviews1 follower
Read
February 11, 2023
W ogóle nie jestem muzyczna, ale Lady Gagę kocham za jej osobowość ❣️❣️❣️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.