Lady Gaga and the 46th President of the United States

Today is Joe Biden's inauguration and Lady Gaga will be performing the national anthem as she celebrates the commemoration of the 46th president. We look back at some of the most memorable moments of when he and Lady Gaga have come together. The two have always come together for the power of good to bring awareness to causes that are important and personal to the both of them.

Joe Biden and Lady Gaga In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the day before the 2020 preseidental election.

Lady Gaga has always used her fame, platform, and music to stand up for what she believes in. Since the beginning of her career, she has always been outspoken and forward with her political views. On top of this, she has also worked directly with some of the country’s most important politicians. 

Her rise to fame really began during the first term of the Obama Administration. During this era, Lady Gaga spent a lot of time speaking and performing at many LGBTQ+ rallies. On top of this, she helped with the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in 2010. In 2011, during her revolutionary Born This Way era, Lady Gaga met with members of the Obama Administration to discuss initiatives regarding anti-bullying after one of her fans, Jamey Rodemeyr, committed suicide. She tweeted: 

“Bullying must become illegal. It is a hate crime. I am meeting with our President. I will not stop fighting. This must end.”

After establishing a rapport with the administration, she continued to use her platform to talk about things that were important to her. 

In 2014, the Obama Administration founded the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault. Joe Biden became a co-chair of the Task Force and began to publicly work and campaign for the cause calling it the “It’s On Us” movement.  

In the summer of 2013, during her promotional release of her album, ARTPOP, Lady Gaga had revealed that she was sexually assaulted at the age of 19. The song, Swine, is about this and she began to publicly advocate on surviving such a traumatic experience.   

Lady Gaga headlining the iTunes Festival in London on September 1st, 2013. 

Continuing to spread awareness on the issue of sexual abuse, Lady Gaga teamed up with Diane Warren to write a song for the documentary, The Hunting Ground, a film about campus sexual assaults, which was released in 2015. Writing about her personal experience, Til It Happens to You, is about dealing with mental health and the thoughts and turbulations that happen in someone’s mind after a traumatic sexual experience. The song was nominated for Best Original Song at the 88th Academy Awards in 2016, and out of all of the songs, Lady Gaga’s performance was kept for last as it was introduced by Vice President Joe Biden. He stated: 

“Too many women and men, on and off college campuses, are still victims of sexual abuse. And tonight, I’m asking you to join millions of Americans, me, President Obama, the thousand students I’ve met on college campuses, and the artist here tonight. To take the pledge. A pledge that says: I will intervene in situations when consent has not or cannot be given. Let’s change the culture!”

After her momentous performance, Lady Gaga joined Vice President Joe Biden to help promote the It’s On Us movement. On April 7, 2016 she joined him at the University of Nevada Las Vegas as his campaign traveled through many college campuses. When asked about why he chose Lady Gaga as an ambassador for the cause, he said: 

“Lady Gaga is brave and sincere. She is a survivor who has the courage to speak out, and I know how difficult it can be. We’ve talked at length, and I admire her courage – everyone can see it because it’s on display. She encourages so many other women to step forward.”

After being introduced, she performed Til It Happens To You, and then gave a speech stating: 

“We have to support each other; we have to care for one another. And what I’ve learned is that the most powerful form of healing is compassion.”

Even after the administration had ended, Joe Biden and Lady Gaga continued to advocate for the It’s On Us movement. In 2017, they came together again to release a video urging people to take a stand against sexual assault. This was evident of the times as the #MeToo movement and the Time’s Up movement began gaining a lot of traction. These movements tackled the treatment, assault, and unfairness that women experience in Hollywood.

Honored to work with a woman of great courage, my friend @ladygaga. With her leadership, and your help, we can change the culture. #ItsOnUs https://t.co/ZcaOqncopa

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 25, 2017

Never straying from sharing her political beliefs, the icon joined Joe Biden in 2020. This time as a presidential candidate during his presidential campaign in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was his final rally before the historic election and she performed her chart topper, Shallow, and hit single You and I. When speaking to the crowd she stressed the importance of the election as well as how Pennsylvania was a key swing state.

“I know I believe in Joe Biden…Because like me, you’ve experienced the last four years and have all the evidence you need to look at this choice and know in your heart without any doubt that Joe Biden is the right choice.” 

She later takes a jab at presidential failure, Donald Trump stating: 

“Everybody, no matter how you identify, now is your chance to vote against Donald Trump, a man who believes his fame gives him the right to grab one of your daughters, or sisters, or mothers or wives by any part of their bodies. Vote for Joe, he’s a good person.”

The last four years in the United States have been incredibly tumultuous. Even during a presidency and administration that did not approve or like her, Lady Gaga continued to inspire and use her voice for good.

Lady Gaga performing at Joe Biden's final presidential campaign rally. 

It was announced that Lady Gaga was to perform the national anthem for the Biden-Harris inauguration on January 20th at 11:30 am ET. 

I am deeply honored to be joining @BidenInaugural on January 20 to sing the National Anthem and celebrate the historic inauguration of @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris! 💙 pic.twitter.com/MfgcG3j4Aa

— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) January 14, 2021

And on January 20th, 2021 Lady Gaga performed a tear-jerking performance of, The Star-Spangled Banner, at the 46th President of the United States Joseph R. Biden's inauguration the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. 

We are sure that her relationship with President Joe Biden will only grow and the two “buddies” will continue changing the world and helping those who need it. 

Read more about Lady Gaga's performance and appearance at the swearing in ceremony here.