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Lady Gaga is an artist whose name is synonymous with many things, from outrageous fashion and over-the-top performances, to her strong activism in the gay community.  From the time of her musical debut in 2008 with her album "The Fame", she has gone from cult icon to international superstar in record time, with all five singles reaching #1 on the music charts, not only making musical history, but making her one of the most talked about artists of today. 

A musical and visual force to be reckoned with, even sometimes hailed as "the next Madonna", Lady Gaga has proven that she is no Madonna, but a distinct entity who has held her own, gaining respect from many major artists and her massive following of devoted fans.  Love her or hate her, Lady Gaga will be the topic of conversation for many years to come.

Initially the opening act for other up-and-coming artists, Lady Gaga's performances have left a lasting impression on many concert-goers, sometimes even surpassing the artists she was touring with--thus The Monster Ball Tour was born.  Kicking off the tour in Montreal just 3 days after the release of her new double album "The Fame Monster", The Monster Ball was one of the most eagerly-awaited events of December 2009, with her Miami New Year's Eve performance regarded as "New Year's hottest ticket". 

With deluxe ticket packages including a chance to meet with Lady Gaga herself, this tour has catered to everyone from curious listeners to die-hard fans with cash to burn to meet their fashionable savior.  Detroit fans, however, made up one of two cities disappointed with sudden venue changes to accommodate her lavish show, canceling the two well-suited Fox Theater shows and rescheduling the Joe Louis Arena in its place.  Many fans were left with less-than-desirable seats and a less personal atmosphere than Joe Louis Arena's elegant counterpart, but Lady Gaga herself apologized onstage, promising to "be extra good".

Despite the confusion of the venue change, Lady Gaga was not one to disappoint.  Detroit was the final city using her original set before it would be "disposed of" and a new show would begin, making the evening one to remember. 

Burnt out pianos, dazzling visuals, avant garde short films between songs, and countless costume changes kept everyone begging for more--at times the fans' screams louder than the blare of the massive speakers themselves.  One of few female pop stars who actually sings live during performances, every note was flawless, with her larger-than-life voice dwarfing her already petite frame during stripped down piano performances of her usual dance tracks. 

Finishing her encore performance emerging onstage in a giant rotating gyroscope, not a single song was performed giving less than 100%.  January 12th's Detroit show may have disappointed some due to the venue, but Lady Gaga proved that even a massive arena could not contain the sexually-charged energy that she has blown away concert-goers with since she turned mainstream music upside-down two years ago. 

Those lucky enough to see her on The Monster Ball Tour witnessed history in the making--this tour is only the butterfly emerging from its cocoon, and will undoubtedly continue to flourish, shock, and amaze the world in days to come.

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