Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, known professionally as Lady Gaga, was born on March 28, 1986, in New York City. She attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts but left after her second year in 2005 to pursue music, performing in Lower East Side clubs and briefly signing with Def Jam Records before being dropped. In 2007, she signed with Interscope Records through Akon and released her debut album The Fame in 2008, which topped charts in multiple countries, followed by the reissue The Fame Monster in 2009 featuring singles 'Just Dance,' 'Poker Face,' and 'Bad Romance.' Her style blends pop with glam rock and burlesque elements, developed through her creative team Haus of Gaga. Subsequent albums include Born This Way (2011). She has won multiple Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for 'Shallow' from A Star Is Born (2018). Lady Gaga's live performances, such as the 2009-2011 Monster Ball Tour, feature theatrical staging and elaborate costumes, drawing a dedicated audience.