she left to pursue music at 19. She then did a mountain of performing live, solo and in bands, as well as working up to 3 jobs at a time, to live on and then also writing songs for others in the music industry, before getting her own big break. And in a world that is increasingly becoming more and more "we'll just take it one game at a time and follow the structures" and blah blah blah, where most are just trotting out the company line and have the personality of a paper bag, she has gone her own way, had the balls to be herself and say what she believes and express herself however she chooses. Whether you like her music or art or not, I think it's pretty reasonable to admire here for all that, as well as the facts that she: A: Writes her own songs and music. B; Sings them (as well as playing the piano) live, as well as putting on a high energy show. C: Has strong values and sends out strong messages on things like equality. D: Reportedly puts pretty much all of the money she makes from her music back into her "Haus of Gaga", her creative production team. There's a lot to admire about her, whether you like what she does or not.