Lady Gaga Shuts Down Ageism: “I’m Just Getting Warmed Up at 38”
Lady Gaga has never been one to shy away from speaking her mind, and at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, she made it clear that age is just a number when it comes to success in the music industry.
The 38-year-old pop icon, known for her groundbreaking artistry and fearless persona, took the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles to accept the Innovator Award. However, instead of simply celebrating the honor, she took a moment to call out the music industry’s obsession with youth, particularly when it comes to female artists.
“I don’t know totally how to think about this because winning an award honoring my entire career at 38 years old is a hard thing to get my head around,” Gaga said.
She then challenged the outdated industry standards that often sideline women as they age:
“The world might consider a woman in her late 30s old for a pop star, which is insane, but I promise you I’m just getting warmed up.”
Her statement instantly resonated with fans and fellow artists, sparking conversations about the double standards that exist in entertainment. While male musicians often enjoy decades-long careers without question, female pop stars frequently face pressure to remain youthful or risk being seen as irrelevant.
For Gaga, though, slowing down is not an option. With a career that spans over 15 years, she has consistently reinvented herself—from her early days as a provocative pop rebel to her critically acclaimed ventures in jazz, film, and even beauty entrepreneurship. Her words at the iHeartRadio Awards served as a reminder that talent and creativity don’t have an expiration date.
Beyond Gaga’s powerful speech, the night was also significant for Afrobeats fans. South African singer Tyla took home the first-ever World Artist of the Year award, beating Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Tems in the category. The rising star’s win further highlighted the global recognition of African music, proving that the genre continues to make waves on the international stage.
Gaga’s message is one that many women in entertainment can relate to—whether in music, film, or other creative industries. And if her career has shown anything, it’s that she has no plans of fading into the background anytime soon.
At 38, Lady Gaga isn’t just maintaining her success; she’s redefining what longevity looks like for women in pop music.