Lady Gaga Reflects on Jo Calderone and Her Music Journey

Lady Gaga is well-known for her creative expressions, and one of the most memorable was her drag king persona, Jo Calderone, which she introduced in 2011.

Jo Calderone made a significant impact when she appeared in the music video for "You and I" as well as at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards. However, Gaga has since retired this character.

In a recent interview with Them, Gaga stated, "The character is no longer with me. But I wish Jo all the best."

Despite retiring Jo Calderone, Gaga looks back on that era fondly. She described it as an important chapter in her life, helping her to express complex feelings about relationships. "That was actually kind of a big moment for me as a woman to put all the pent-up fear or anger I had about relationships into one character," she explained.

According to Gaga, the song and video for "You and I" marked her first experience in showcasing multiple versions of herself, a concept she revisited in her upcoming album, Mayhem, which is set to be released soon.

Gaga elaborated, "Jo was an important character for me. It’s the way I explored what I was looking for in men, and also what I was maybe lacking in myself." This introspection is reflected in the album title, Mayhem, which signifies her personal journey throughout her career.

She said, "I was always kind of fascinated with some kind of inner torture since the beginning of my career. I think I’ve always felt a little bit at war with myself. Like there was a soft side of me, but then also this really intense side and a desire to be heard."

This desire for expression has influenced her music. Gaga mentioned that her journey has brought beauty, but also challenges that sometimes pulled her away from what truly matters, like community and love.

While working on Mayhem, which includes her Grammy-winning duet "Die with a Smile" featuring Bruno Mars, Gaga felt a sense of relief. She was able to reconnect with the joy of music-making that characterized her early career. "I felt a lot of pressure since my very first record, and the pressure just increased album after album to live up to the one before it," she shared. "But what does that even really mean to win in music? It’s not a contest. We’re all contributing to culture and just trying to make each other happy."

Gaga, who will host and perform on Saturday Night Live, also extended her support to her trans fans, saying, "I would just say I love you so much and I’m so sorry for all the pain that you’re going through. This is not fair. I think right now is a time for community and togetherness and to stand up for each other. I love you. Always.”

Gaga, Jo, Music