ROUND 1: THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
KATY PERRY: Born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, Katy Perry skyrocketed to stardom after releasing an EP on the internet that caught the attention of none other than the original “Material Girl”, Madonna. But she didn’t get a free ride to the top: Katy was dropped by several record labels and dabbled in Gospel-rock before landing a place in mainstream pop culture.
LADY GAGA: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta a.k.a. Lady Gaga is as unconventional as recording artists come, but before she scored a record deal at the urging of Akon, she took the traditional route, studying music at New York University.
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Katy Perry earns the first point for her perseverance!
SCORE: KATY PERRY – 1
LADY GAGA – 0
ROUND 2: RECORD RUMBLE
KATY PERRY: Katy Perry’s debut album, ONE OF THE BOYS, was released in June 2008. Since then, it has sold more than 2.4 million copies worldwide and peaked at #9 on the Billboard charts. Not bad for a 24-year-old!
LADY GAGA: By comparison, sales of Lady Gaga’s first record, THE FAME, fall short with just over 2.3 million copies globally. However, it was released two months after Katy Perry’s album, which means that THE FAME has sold more copies in a shorter period of time, peaking at #4 on the Billboard 200.
“Beautiful”? Check. “Dirty”? Check. And now Lady Gaga can add “Rich” to her résumé! Gaga goes for the jugular to win Round 2!
SCORE: KATY PERRY – 1
LADY GAGA – 1
ROUND 3: SINGLE SENSATION
KATY PERRY: Everyone knows that most albums only have one or two really good tracks, which is why the single has been the music industry’s bellwether for success. Katy Perry’s biggest single to date has been 2008’s summer pop-rock anthem “I Kissed a Girl”. Some love it. Some hate it. Others love to hate it.
LADY GAGA: “Just Dance” is Lady Gaga’s most successful single. The dance tune is an infectious medley of sounds befitting of an iPod commercial. It’s also annoying and arguably overplayed.
What makes a good single depends on who you ask. If you ask me, Lady Gaga’s hyperactive beats lose this “LoveGame”.
SCORE: KATY PERRY – 2
LADY GAGA – 1
ROUND 4: STYLE ON TRIAL
KATY PERRY: Katy Perry’s style combines vintage fashions with vibrant colours. Although her look is uniquely her own, it pales in comparison to Lady Gaga’s.
LADY GAGA: There’s a reason why fans go goo goo for Gaga. She wins this round for being utterly bold, unapologetic, and borderline insane. By embracing individuality and theart of entertainment, Lady Gaga’s eccentric fashions are just as redeeming as they are ridiculous. For that, she cannot be faulted.
Katy Perry continues her “Hot N Cold” streak. Can she pull off another point for the win?
SCORE: KATY PERRY – 2
LADY GAGA – 2
ROUND 5: AWARD ARGUMENT
KATY PERRY: Being recognized for your work is one of the greatest honours for a musician. Katy Perry has won a multitude of awards, including the People’s Choice Award for Favourite Pop Song. “I Kissed a Girl” was even nominated for a Grammy!
LADY GAGA: Meanwhile, Lady Gaga hasn’t fared as well on the awards scene. She has only received one notable award to date in the form of a2009MuchMusic Video Award for Best International Artist Video for “Poker Face”. To be fair, she also received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording.
Katy, when it comes to music recognition, people are clearly “Thinking of You”!
SCORE: KATY PERRY – 3
LADY GAGA – 2
ROUND UP: Lady Gaga placed a bet and put on her “Poker Face”, but she didn’t win the “Money Honey”. There is no doubt that THE FAME for Lady Gaga will continue to grow; however, Katy Perry’s determination, unforgettable singles, and hoard of awards will ensure she’s “Waking Up in Vegas” a winner. “Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)”!
Web Links:
www.katyperry.com
www.ladygaga.com