A star is a constructed image, not a real person, made up of various materials like advertising, magazines, films and music. Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, uses a stage name to help create her artistic persona, which is not a mainstream representation of a woman but features an eccentric, crazy image with unique outfits and makeup, giving her a distinguishing quality that helps her success.

1. "A star is an image not a real person
that is constructed (as any other
aspect of fiction is) out of a range of
materials (eg advertising, magazines
etc as well as films [music])." - Dyer

2. Lady Gaga
• Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (born March 28, 1986,) best known by her stage
name Lady Gaga, is an American singer/ songwriter. Stage names are commonly used
by artists in the music industry, either for legal reasons – or to enhance their ‘character.’
The adoption of a new name is the first step in become a ‘constructed, artificial image.’
• Lady Gaga’s ‘identity’ isn’t exactly a mainstream one; she isn’t the ideal representation
of a woman. However, the ‘weird’ or ‘eccentric’ persona that she has created
contributes towards her USP (unique selling point.) Robert Dyer says that ‘it helps if
their image contains a USP.’
• Lady Gaga’s USP therefore is this appearance she has created of a crazy and eccentric
star. She often fashions outlandish outfits and wacky make-up, making her very iconic.