Lady Gaga Reveals Why She Almost Quit Music—And How She Found Her Way Back

Lady Gaga has never been one to shy away from discussing her struggles with fame. As the pop icon gears up for the release of her highly anticipated seventh album, “Mayhem”, in March, she’s reflecting on a pivotal moment in her career—when she nearly walked away from music altogether.

The Struggles That Almost Ended Her Career

During a candid conversation on Hot Ones with host Sean Evans on Feb. 13, Lady Gaga opened up about how being away from the tight-knit community she built in New York City made her question her future in music.

“I missed the community that I had in New York, and that was really hard,” Gaga shared. “There were definitely times where I felt like maybe I should walk away, but I know for sure that I never would.”

Despite facing self-doubt and challenges, the 38-year-old superstar realized that quitting was never an option.

“I’m still doing it,” she continued, “so it must mean I want to do it.”

A New Approach to Music and Performance

Over the years, Lady Gaga has evolved not just as an artist but also in how she approaches her stage performances. One significant change? She’s shifted away from over-the-top production to focus on raw, emotional artistry.

She recalled a moment from the 2010 BRIT Awards, where she performed in front of an elaborate 3D sculpture designed by Nick Knight—a decision she now sees as overly ambitious.

“It was so early in my career, we just didn’t plan how it would get on and off the stage,” Gaga explained. “The crew guys were like, ‘[This statue] is about as big as this arena, we cannot put this on stage.’ That was pretty expensive and a bad decision, so I definitely now try to be more resourceful and make less.”

A More Minimalistic Stage Presence

True to her word, Lady Gaga has scaled back her performances in recent years. Her recent Super Bowl 2025 appearance—where she delivered a stripped-down rendition of “Hold My Hand”—showcased her commitment to simplicity and emotional connection.

She emphasized that while extravagant stage elements have their place, she now prioritizes music, performance, and emotional storytelling over theatrics.

Overcoming Industry Pressures and Personal Struggles

Beyond the pressures of live performances, Lady Gaga has also dealt with mental health struggles and the burden of being constantly in the public eye. In previous interviews, she has shared how fame sometimes left her feeling isolated and disconnected from her true self.

“Fame is not all it’s cracked up to be,” she admitted in a past interview. “There were moments when I felt I lost myself.”

Despite these challenges, Gaga has continuously reinvented herself, proving that she’s more than just a pop star—she’s an artist committed to her craft.

Leaning into Creativity with Fiancé Michael Polansky

While Gaga may be cutting back on extravagant stage elements, she’s doubling down on creative collaborations—especially with her fiancé, Michael Polansky.

Polansky, who has producing credits on “Mayhem”, is someone Gaga deeply admires.

“He never ceases to amaze me,” Gaga told E! News at the Los Angeles premiere of Joker on Sept. 30. “I’ve watched him in so many facets of business, in science and biotech, in philanthropy, and somehow he’s also magic with music.”

Their collaboration on “Mayhem” marks a new chapter in her career, one where she balances her love for music with her personal life.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Lady Gaga?

As Lady Gaga enters her “Mayhem” era, one thing is clear: She’s here to stay, stronger and more focused than ever.

Her fans, known as Little Monsters, eagerly anticipate the new album, which is expected to blend bold experimental sounds with her signature emotional depth.

Whether it’s through powerful performances, stripped-down sets, or groundbreaking music, Lady Gaga continues to redefine what it means to be an artist in the modern music industry.

She’s living proof that, no matter the struggles, true passion and resilience always win.