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 various topics including her musical journey, her enthusiasm for pushing boundaries, and her support for the LGBTQ+ community. She also highlighted the issue of ageism faced by female artists in pop music who start being perceived as too mature upon reaching their later thirties.
Gaga stated, 'I'm not entirely sure how to process this since receiving an award that recognizes my whole career at the age of 38 is quite difficult for me to comprehend.'
"One part of me feels as though I’ve been at this for an eternity, while another part knows that I’m only beginning. Despite society’s view that a woman in her late thirties is past her prime as a pop star—which seems absurd—I assure you that I am merely hitting my stride,” she went on.
"True innovation doesn’t come from defying established norms but rather from crafting your own and making others believe those ideas always belonged to them. It’s like arriving at the Grammy Awards inside an egg or composing a song so provocative that people initially dismissed it as unacceptable—until its impact became indisputable. Over the span of three decades, what I’ve discovered is that the strongest form of innovation lies in staying true to yourself," Lady Gaga added.
Referring to her grandmothers as "strong and exceptionally intelligent Italian-American women" who carved out chances for themselves through sheer willpower and resolve, the pop star commented, "Today evening, I find myself thinking about my grandmothers, these strong and exceptionally bright Italian-Americans who reshaped their lives using only fortitude, aspirations, and determination."
"Their contribution wasn’t technological or artistic; instead, they pioneered new possibilities, molding the future through sheer mental prowess. These women, who came before me, are the most remarkable females I have encountered," stated Gaga according to People.
Gaga received several nominations across various categories at the event. She was acknowledged for both Best Collaboration and Best Music Video for her track "Die with a Smile," featuring Bruno Mars, which had previously been honored with a Grammy award in February. Additionally, she was noted in the Favorite On-Screen category for her Chromatica Ball concert movie. (ANI)