By: Kelly Rouba
As a fan of Lady Gaga, I was excited when I got the opportunity to cover her recent concert at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey as part of The Monster Ball Tour. The tour first began in 2009 after the release of her album The Fame Monster, and its theme is centered on personal evolution. The songs on the album itself are representative of the personal demons she has faced as well as those within others.
My hope was to ask Lady Gaga a few questions following the concert about her portrayal of someone with a disability in her Paparazzi video as well as some questions about her charity work for organizations devoted to AIDS/HIV and cancer. However, much to my surprise, I learned upon arrival that reporters would not be allowed to interview her. Nor was I granted a phone interview following the concert or even a written statement in response to my questions.
We at thisabled.com have always admired Lady Gaga and are disheartened that her staff wouldn’t allow us so much as a 10 minute interview, especially since she seems committed to promoting diversity and acceptance, which is what this website is about.
During the show, Lady Gaga spoke to the audience several times and even tried to reassure those who feel like they have to hide who they truly are inside. “Monster Ball will set you free in New Jersey,” she told them. “Tonight and every night after, you can be who you want to be.”
Oftentimes, people don’t feel pretty enough or smart enough, or they feel inadequate in other ways, she said. “Tonight, I want you to forget all your insecurities.”
At one point when she was addressing the crowd, someone threw a Barbie doll on stage. “Barbie was the source of many of my childhood insecurities,” Lady Gaga said as she ripped the doll apart.
She also told concert-goers (many of whom were dressed in costumes resembling her) to be proud of their identity. “When you leave tonight, will you please leave loving yourself a little bit more than when you came in?” She later added, “Don’t forget to love yourself and who you are.”
We at thisabled.com still appreciate all that Lady Gaga stands for and enjoyed getting the opportunity to see her amazing concert firsthand. However, we only hope that she acknowledges the disability community by granting us the interview we expected to receive.
