Lady Gaga has strongly condemned ageism in the pop music industry, rejecting the idea that women in their late 30s are considered “too old” to be pop stars.
The 38-year-old singer criticized the idea that women in their late 30s are considered “old” for a pop star.
She made this statement while accepting the Innovator Award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. The event took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Monday, March 17.
Lady Gaga: “I’m just getting started”
During her speech, Gaga addressed the industry’s perception of age. She admitted feeling conflicted about receiving a lifetime achievement-style award at this stage in her career.
“I don’t totally know how to think about this,” she said. “Winning an award that honors my entire career at 38 is hard to wrap my head around.”
She then challenged the notion that a woman in her late 30s is too old to be a pop star.
“The world might think that’s old, which is insane,” she said. “But I promise you, I’m just getting warmed up.”
Her words drew loud applause from the audience, reinforcing her message that talent and creativity have no age limit.
A history of pushing boundaries
Lady Gaga, known for hits like Poker Face, Shallow, and Bad Romance, has built her career on breaking stereotypes. She has consistently reinvented herself, proving her versatility in music, acting, and fashion.
Her latest comments add to a growing conversation about ageism in entertainment. Many female artists have spoken out about the pressure to stay young in an industry that often favors youth over experience.
Gaga’s speech also resonated with fans, many of whom praised her for addressing the issue. Social media buzzed with support, with hashtags like #GagaNotOld and #AgeIsJustANumber trending after the event.
Nigerian stars lose to South Africa’s Tyla
Meanwhile, the awards also saw a tough competition in the new World Artist of the Year category. Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Tems were among the nominees. However, South African singer Tyla took home the trophy.
Tyla, best known for her viral hit Water, has gained global recognition in recent months. Her win marked a major milestone for South African music on the international stage.
Despite the loss, Burna Boy and Tems remain two of Africa’s most influential artists. Both have won multiple international awards and continue to shape the global music scene.
Age is just a number
Gaga’s powerful speech serves as a reminder that music should not have an expiration date. Artists evolve, and their creativity does not disappear with age.
As she put it: “I promise you, I’m just getting started.”
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