GagaDaily Meets Lady Gaga pt. III

[Nick 29]

Last year, four GagaDaily moderators were given the chance to meet with Gaga backstage after the St. Paul show. This was a very special day for everyone, especially Emma who met Gaga for the first time that day! Gaga was presented with two fanbooks compiled by Zilla and Kayla. 

 
Last year's photos and story can be accessed HERE: http://gagadaily.com/news/gaga-daily-meets-lady-gaga/
 
THIS year, GagaDaily worked on another project for Lady Gaga. We received over 160 fan submissions from GagaDaily members around the world. We took these messages and folded blue origami flowers.
 

 
Once all the flowers were folded, Nick and Kayla proceeded with the next stage of the project. The flowers were assembled into a Koons ball and presented to her in a sparkly silver seashell vase, filled with pink crystals and miniature Koons balls. It is meant to represent the image of ARTPOP.
 

 

 
And best of all.....
 

 
It was the perfect size!
 
After the St. Paul show, six moderators were given backstage access (famous, Nick, Zilla, Kayla, Mittens, Emma).

 

The four of us that presented the project to Gaga will be posting our own stories about the night, but we wanted to take a moment to show everyone the project and explain Gaga's reaction to it in a nutshell. (More details will come in our individual accounts of what happened!)
 
Before seeing Gaga, we chatted with Lacee's family and got to see Emma again!
 

 
Lane, Gaga's day to day manager, took the gift before the show and hid it from Gaga. When it was unveiled (removed from the table it was hidden under by Nick) her reaction was priceless. It became apparent that what we made for her was nothing like she was expecting, and she was incredibly touched. 
She got choked up as she inspected the Koons ball, saying it means so much to her as we explained the concept behind it. 
 
We explained how this tweet inspired us:

 
 She took a moment to say that after the year she had, she "really needed this." She kept looking at it, repeating that it means so much to her. She even carried it with her to the meet and greet, and when more fans saw her outside the venue they noticed that it was in the front seat with her. 
 
Gaga even picked one of the flowers and read it in front of us, and the tears that had already been welling up in her eyes began to fall as she read the letter. We were able to peek and see the one she read, and we agree that it was a perfect message for her to read first. 
 
It was a message from GagaDaily member hausofa, Twitter @AndrewWalsh_
The flower read: 
"Life can be rough sometimes but it's those moments that make us strong and make us grow and become a superstar."
 
Andrew, your message was absolutely perfect and the best thing she could have read in that moment. She had been talking about how hard the previous year has been, and it was clear that your message confirmed to her that all her struggles are nothing compared to her success and the love she shares with her fans. Thank you for giving her such a beautiful message, and we are honored to have shared it with her. 
 

 

[Nick 29]

Here we go, Gaga Daily Meets Lady Gaga 2014!

 

After the show, we were instructed to head to the ARTPOP Zone section to gain backstage access. We spoke with two members from Gaga's team about gaining proper clearance earlier that day. Me, Kayla, Christine, and Steph recognized one of these people basically "guarding" entry to the ARTPOP Zone along with several other security guards. It was very heavily secured. I said, "Hey, we met earlier today outside the venue about presenting our fan project to Lady Gaga. We are the people from Gaga Daily." He then told the security guards to step aside and let us enter the ARTPOP Zone platform. 

 

We waited on the platform for Gaga's team to bring us back. The first thing I noticed in the ARTPOP Zone was Ashley (famous), another Moderator from Gaga Daily. We had seen each other earlier that day, but were unable to take her backstage with us to present the project. I've known this for quite some time, too, which has been upsetting me. In a perfect world we would take Ashley back with us, but we didn't want to sound too pushy with the Haus and ask for too many people to go backstage. Plus, Ashley didn't directly assist us with the project so it would have been a stretch for the Haus anyway.

 

I was absolutely thrilled to see Ashley because she is a great friend of mine and is 110% deserving of going backstage to talk with Gaga. I was so happy that she was there in the ARTPOP Zone with us. After the initial shock and a brief meltdown, I gave her a huge hug. Words literally cannot express how happy I was to see her.

 

Ashley was given backstage access because Gaga read a touching message from a fan onstage (3:00) and gave that fan backstage access. He was allowed to bring one friend back with him, and he picked Ashley. The whole thing literally could not have turned out any better. It's like we were all meant to be.

 

The first trip backstage was the bathrooms. They instructed us to use the restrooms if we needed to and for everyone to stay in this one general area. While I was waiting for everyone, I saw James (Haus)! We gave each other a hug and congratulated each other for getting backstage. He then showed me the outfit he made for Asia, which he planned on giving Gaga during the meet and greet. 

 

After that, the ARTPOP Zone people were separated from the rest of us. They went down the hallway to a designated room for the meet and greets. Their room was guarded by two security guards and had a little sign on the outside with VenusGa on it saying, "Meet-and-Greet."

 

Our group went to the room across the hall with catering and tables in it. We all pulled up chairs and sat at a table together. It was Me, Kayla, Christine, Steph, Ashley, and her friend Jose. The man from Gaga's team immediately gave us water bottles since everyone was so dehydrated from the show.

 

Then, we moved rooms again! Since Lane took our project earlier in the day, she requested that we be moved to her office backstage to present it to Gaga. The four of us (Me, Kayla, Christine, and Steph) left Ashley and Jose in the catered room.

 

We headed towards Lane's office which was on the other side of the backstage area. Her office was inside of another room, which had a bunch of food, some liquor, and our project! We saw Lacee's family waiting in this area too. I saw her walking around backstage but I unfortunately didn't get a chance to say hi or take a picture with her. They asked Kayla what our shirts meant, and Kayla explained Gaga Daily to them.

 

Then, we saw Emma! It was a great reunion with her. We caught up on things, talked about the show, and took a picture together. It was Christine (Mittens') first time meeting Emma in person! The first set of pictures we took didn't turn out very well, so Lane offered to get some sort of bright light to help with the lighting. It was basically just one of those things photographers use for school photos and whatnot. Lane said, "This thing is great. We even use this for Terry films!" That was pretty cool.

 

Anyway, here is the photo we took with Emma.

 

Pictured left-to-right: Kayla, Emma, Nick, Christine, Zilla

 

Then we visited Lane in her office. She was there with Brandon and two of his friends. Emma came in too. We all set our stuff down and just started talking with Lane. We laughed because Lane had her own chair that had pink duct tape on the back labeled "LANE." Then she went over to her drawer that travels with her on the tour and showed us her Furby collection! "Some of these are missing I think... some people must be playing a prank on me and hiding them!" 

 

Then she left for a brief moment. We talked with Brandon and his friend about the show while she was gone. Then we see Fozzi! Lane carried him in and let me tell you- this dog is ADORABLE. Pictures don't do him justice. When you see this dog in person you will melt like the Wicked Witch from the Wizard of Oz. He's the most docile dog I've ever seen! Lane was holding him like a baby and we all got to pet him. It was literally the cutest thing. Then she set him down on her desk and he just sat there. "He likes to sit here while I do my work" Lane said. I asked how old he was and Lane told me 5 years. "Oh, I thought he was just a baby!" I said. "No, he's not" Lane said. "He's a b---hy old queen."

 

We started psyching ourselves out for when Gaga would walk in. I saw Kayla take a selfie to capture the moment. Me and Christine eyed each other and said, "This is actually happening." Then Christine whispered to us, "You guys, I can hear her voice! She's out there!" At this time, our project was still in the other room with the food. Lane asked if we wanted to present it to Gaga in there or here in her office. We thought Lane's office would be better for the reveal since we could hide it under a tablecloth. "Okay" Lane said. "Let me just close the door so she doesn't see you walk in here with it." As Lane closed the door, I saw Gaga in the hallway for a brief moment! I quickly hurried and hid the project underneath the table/tablecloth. About 30 seconds later, the door opened and she and Lane walked in.

 

"Hiiiiiiiii!!!!!" she said. She was holding Asia at the time and set her down on the floor. But the second she let go, Asia ran out of the room and down the hallway. So Gaga had to leave for a moment to grab Asia and bring her back in the room. We talked about Asia for a moment and then proceeded to discuss the show.

 

"Did you like the show??" she asked. We all started going on and on about how amazing it was. But then she kept asking us, "You sure you liked it? It was really good?" She did the same thing last year, too. Putting on a good performance is clearly very important to her. "It was the best show you've ever put on!" I said. Kayla talked about the energy from the crowd and how it was unlike anything she had ever experienced before. 

 

After we talked about the show, she wanted to know how we liked ARTPOP. "I listen to it every day!" Steph said. "It's your best album!" I said. "It's one amazing song after another. I can't get enough of it." Then she kept asking us, "Aw, you really like it?" We just kept telling her "Yes!!! It's amazing." It brought a tear to her eye. "That really means a lot" she said. "You have no idea how hard it is when you get betrayed by the people who are close to you." Then she talked about the fans' connection to ARTPOP in particular. "I feel like I have a closer connection to fans who like ARTPOP more than the other fans. I've already drawn it out in the fanbase. I feel like fans who like this album really get me." 

 

I don't know how we got into this conversation, but after telling Gaga how much we love ARTPOP, she broke down in tears and said, "All I want to do is keep making songs.. I want to make my fans happy and make music for them." She said something like this last year when we met her, too. Literally, this woman is the most dedicated person I have ever met. Her passion for making music is unprecedented in this industry. She lives and breathes it in every waking moment, and she does it all for us. Don't take what she does for us for granted!

 

Emma said something about the jacket she was wearing a mint green vintage Mugler jacket. Gaga told us that she ordered it for herself but it was too small, so she gave it to Emma. Apparently the sleeves were a little tight on Emma? When Gaga found this out she immediately got super upset and concerned. "Oh no Emma! Are you uncomfortable?" she said in an endearing voice. "Nah, it's fine." Emma said. "Are you sure Emma? I don't want you to be uncomfortable." This moment alone really spoke about their relationship, which is 110% love. They really care for one another.

 

"So do you want to get some things signed?" She asked. "Actually, they have a gift for you" Lane said. "Oh?" She seemed surprised. Lane definitely didn't tell her anything about this, which is exactly how we wanted it. I lifted the project from underneath the table and revealed it to her. Everybody in the room, including Gaga, was just like "Ohhhhhhh." "Woooooooooooow." Then I told her about it and explained the concept.

 

"So, this project has about 160 fan messages from fans all around the world. The concept of the project is that when you're ever feeling down, you can pick a flower from the bouquet, open it, and read a fan message." "You guys, this is really special." she said. "You have absolutely no idea how much this means to me- all of you." She talked a little bit more about how many have betrayed her over the years, including the fans. Then she thanked us again for supporting her when she needed it the most. "We'll always be here for you!" Steph said.

 

"Can I read one?" she asked. "Yea, go for it!" we said. She grabbed one of the blue flowers towards the top of the bouquet. She was having a tough time pulling it out so I helped her by holding onto the rest of the flowers. After she removed the flower, opened it, and read it, she slowly began to tear up. Then the waterworks started again. She started sniffling, crumpled up the flower, and tried putting it back in the bouquet. "This is so sweet." said said, fighting back the tears. She was still attempting to put the flower back in the bouquet, but it wouldn't fit! (The flowers are attached with two-inch wooden dowels that are inserted into a styrofoam sphere, so once you take it out it's not really supposed to go back in.) I just thought it was so touching that she was so emotional over the message she had just read, and wanted to keep the project as intact as possible without destroying it. After trying for like 20 seconds to put it back in the bouquet, I finally had to just take the flower from her and do it myself since it was too sad watching her attempt this for so long meanwhile sobbing and trying to hold a conversation with us at the same time.

 

After I put the flower back in the bouquet, I realized it would be nice to see who's message it was so we could tell that person about it! 

 

The message was from GagaDaily member hausofa

Twitter: @AndrewWalsh_
"Life can be rough sometimes but it's those moments that make us strong and make us grow and become a superstar."

 

It worked out perfectly. She literally couldn't have picked a more appropriate message to read first! Then she kept telling us again how much she appreciated what we did for her. "It really means a lot that you made this for me" she said. "We'll always be here for you." Steph said.

 

While I was backstage waiting for Gaga to come in, I excitedly tweeted where I was and my phone started blowing up with messages from fans. One fan from Minnesota which I've seen at the past two shows sent me a DM. During the show, Gaga read an inspiring letter a fan threw on stage dealing with her sister's abusive relationship. You can listen for yourself here at 3:00. Anyway, this girl basically DM'd me asking for one thing- to tell Gaga that her speech had already made an impact on her life. "What she did tonight may have saved my life. I need her to know that. Please. Because I am no longer afraid and I've never been more thankful for a person in my life."

 

So, I decided to make this girl's dream come true and tell Gaga. "Hey Gaga- I have one last thing to tell you about. Remember how you read that fan's letter on-stage about the domestic abuse? I just wanted to tell you that what you did already changed someone's life. A girl just messaged me asking me to tell you that. She said her perspective on life has drastically changed as you read that letter, and that she's no longer afraid. So yea, just wanted to let you know that you've already changed one life with that speech." Gaga seemed touched. She was like, "Aw, well that's all that matters." She had a huge smile on her face.

 

Lane gave Gaga the items we wanted autographed, then we stepped outside to take some group photos. Last year Lane took our photos with a professional camera. This year, she just asked for one of our iPhones instead. I'm guessing we didn't get a professional shoot because that was being done down the hall in the meet and greet room, and she didn't want to walk all the way over there for the camera. We took four pictures, and this is the one that turned out the best. We retouched it a bit since some of us had laser eyes. This one turned out the best! 

 

 

Gaga also wanted to take a picture of all of us, the project, and Asia, but that never happened unfortunately. She did say that she was going to take an Instagram video of our project though, so we were fine with that! After pictures, we all waved goodbye to Gaga and she walked out of the door and went down the hallway. And just like that, it was all done and over with. Within seconds of her leaving the whole thing already felt like a blur. 

 

One of the venue staff members escorted us back to the main entrance, and we headed back to the hotel. Everyone else in our group slowly started trickling in one-by-one after we got there and we shared our experience with them. Looking back, I'm extremely fortunate to have worked with such amazing people on this amazing project for Gaga. The fact that she loves it so much means the world to me. At the end of the day, I just want her to be happy. She deserves the world and more. Everything about this woman is genuine and real. I love her so much and this experience only strengthened our bond. I'll always show my love and support for her.

 

We were so happy and took this photo to commemorate the moment. 

 

 

(Christine is not pictured because she was laying in the other bed But she was there in spirit)

 

#modRave2014

[Mittens 228]

*reserved*

[Zilla 13,343]

 

Gaga walked in with Asia and I died. Gaga decided to put her down on the floor to investigate but she bolted towards another room and Gaga ran after her to pick her up, we were dying because Gaga is definitely a puppy mom and that probably explains why Asia was gifted a leash. Then we told her that we changed our header to AsiaDaily and I showed her the screencap on my phone and everyone laughed.

 

First thing out of Gaga’s mouth was “did you enjoy/like the show†and of course considering I went completely off during the last half of the show to the point of embarrassment and hot-mess status (maybe maybe not), I was like “YES LET’S GO DO IT AGAIN†haha. I then proceeded to tell her that I listen to ARTPOP every day, even if it’s just one song. That made her happy and led into the quote Nick tweeted, about how Gaga has a special connection to fans who like ARTPOP (because it was a difficult release for her, but she loves everyone don’t take it out of context).

 

Then we wanted to give her the project. Jokingly I said “You ready? I don’t think you’re ready you better hold onto something†as an ice breaker hahaha but oops. Nick pulled it out from under the table and she saw it and the room went silent and someone said “You can tell her what it is†and I was like “There’s the show now where’s the tell?†bwahahah

 

We explained the gift and Gaga’s face went from surprised to shocked to a whole cornucopia of emotions, and she pulled one flower out. Carefully she opened the flower up and her face went from slightly emotional to full out pouty face. Then she looked at us completely speechless, with the tears sparkling in her eyes saying how much this means to her and how much we mean to her. That image is burned into my memory.

 

She then tried to put the flower back in while crying, while saying something to the extent of how things have been changing for the past year (memory is a bit fuzzy) but I do remember telling her that she had a rough year and that monsters will never change for her, we will always be the one thing that’s constant in a world of changes and that comforted her. She said and I quote, “I WANT TO MAKE SONGS FOR YOUâ€. Take that as she only wants to make great music for us with nothing else factoring.

 

After that, she said how wonderful the gift was and that she will take it everywhere. It was so cute since she’s so tiny and she’s carrying this huge ball of origami, and as we went to the hallway I was like “now we have to figure out how to top that†and she said “you don’t have to top it†and in my head I was like “no we are going to top it, I mean you always top yourselfâ€.

 

We all went to the hallway and Gaga leaned over Emma’s wheelchair and was wiggling her butt ^_^ so we kind of shimmied around her and the person taking the pic was like “come in closer†and I was saying in my head “uhm how am I going to move in closer without violating personal space since I’m fat†honest thought so I kinda leaned in and in the pic it looks like she’s grinding up on me. Oops sorry Taylor!

 

We said our goodbyes, and we said how many GGD people were here and that she loved the shirts we made (she complemented my work, score one for the Zillz!) We all got a hug then we were escorted out. It was nice to spend a few minutes with her, even when her schedule was stacked with ARTPOP zone and other meet and greets.

 

-fast forward to next day-

 

Mittens, Averie and I were just chilling in the hotel room after we got back from our little pool/hot tub party we had downstairs and all of a sudden Mittens made this crazy sound and we were like “WHAT WHAT†and she was like “SHE TWEETED IT†so I basically dove on the bed to grab my phone and there it was. Little Asia posing next to the project we made. We didn’t know what to do so we just started texting everyone (especially Nick) with random words to get his attention and we just freaked out. So nice of her to post that stuff for us, I’m glad we made the project and it went off without a hitch. I’m glad we all created a project that really moved and comforted her, as it always should be.

 

Extending thanks to the Haus for letting us do this and being gracious hosts, and you guys for sending us your submissions and being so passionate for this project like we are. I’d like to believe that this was the best thing we have ever done!

[Kayla 7,595]

Lady Gaga's artRave was the greatest concert experience I've ever had. The only thing I would have changed is I wish I would have spent more time with all the people who were able to make it!
If I leave anyone out at any time, please understand my memory is often jumbled and when there is so much going on with so many people, it's easy to unintentionally forget little important details, especially when you wait a few days before typing it all up from memory....
 
The Day Before the Show

The night before the show, about fifteen of us went to my favorite Italian restaurant just a block away from the venue called Cossetta's. We wanted to make going to a little dining car called Mickey's be our tradition, but over the last year our group grew so large that we wouldn't have been able to fit!
 
Earlier in the day I had picked up Zilla (Steph) and Twisted Shadows (Adam) from the airport. It was fantastic to see Steph again and so great to meet Adam! Other Gaga Daily members who were there were Nick, Mittens, Travis Monster, Allison M, Katie, Lady Venus, and resonance.

Lining Up

I arrived with Nick and his friend Matthew around 10am. The great thing about the artRave is you don't have to arrive super early to get a good spot, and in fact my friend, Jeff, who showed up after everyone had already entered GA, was able to find me on the floor and stand with me during the show. The laid back environment and amount of space you can technically consider "front row" makes it easy for everyone to have a good spot and get close to Gaga. 
 
Even though we could have lined up later I'm glad we got there early. We were able to meet so many fans and I had about 7 dozen homemade peanut butter cookies I had to share! 
(If you want the recipe, it's a cup of peanut butter, a cup of sugar, one egg. Mix it all together, roll it into balls and press them down with a fork before baking at ~325 degrees for ~6-8 min. ;) )
 
When one guy learned we were from Gaga Daily, he asked if he could take a picture with the Moderators. He and his friend were really great!
 https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/q74/s720x720/10269600_10152055674615741_6661573224224776471_n.jpg
 
One of the first photos we took of our crew:

From left to right, Travis Monster, Zilla (Steph), Nick, Me, Matthew, Allison M, and resonance (Niki)
 
You might notice that the Moderators had shirts made! Every Mod got one, even the ones who couldn't make it, and they were designed by the team. We were really happy with how they came out! All the Mods names are listed on the back too:

 
Later in the day we got all the Moderators present for a photo. The only other Moderator who made it to the show but couldn't be in our picture was Emma. Seven Gaga Daily Moderators at one show. Thank goodness everyone on the team is so wonderful; the ones who were not there with us did a great job maintaining the site while we had our hands tied and covered with glitter. :heart:
 

From left to right: Mittens (Christine), Me, famous (Ashley), Twisted Shadows (Adam), Zilla (Steph), and Nick. 
 
After taking this picture, some of us left to get ready for the show. When we returned, we had some fun with other fans in line before hearing from Gaga's day-to-day manager, Lane, that she was ready to come get our project to hold backstage. Steph had been in contact with her for months arranging it and the moment was finally happening.
Steph waited outside for Lane while Nick, Christine, and I walked to Nick's car to pick up the origami Koons ball, a care package for Emma filled with all kinds of things from the Mod team, letters from fans who were there, such as Lady Venus (Allison Falbo) and Adam, and an adorable little stuff ram named Kevin from resonance (Niki). (I know there were more things we had to give to Gaga, and they did get to her- I only typed the ones I remembered because they were given to me first.)
 
Gaga Daily got some good promo while doing that because I looked like a Bird Hooker which certainly drew in some glances while Nick and Christine were wearing their gagadaily.com modRave shirts.

During the last few hours leading up to the show, we got to hang out with fans!

We took a picture of everyone in the crowd who is either a member on Gaga Daily or simply visits the site, and WHOA were there a TON of GGD people in the crowd! (And this was around 3pm, before everyone had even arrived! Also not including the fans who had seats who may be on the site!)

 
Most of the GGD users I was there with are in that bottom left corner. Me, Katie, Travis, Steph, Nick, Allison (wasn't she cute in her outfit?!), and Niki. Ashley, Christine, Averie, and Liam are in the center! We laughed and said it looks like a class photo. "Gaga Daily Minnesota Class of 2014."
 
Lady Gaga's Facebook even posted the picture, and when we were backstage we showed it to Gaga!
https://www.facebook.com/ladygaga/photos/a.10152507663649574.1073741830.10376464573/10152540261464574/?type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2Ft1.0-9%2F10366014_10152540261464574_6845569809737478673_n.png&size=547%2C545&fbid=10152540261464574
 
So let me tell you something about the project we made. When you buy origami paper, it often comes in big packs of multiple colors. When you only need blue, you end up with a lot of extra paper. So what do you do with all that paper?
 
Make a huge YAAAAAASSSSSS sign while you wait to see Lady Gaga. 

 
And you better believe we held that up during the show. (Which was a mess, but I'll talk about that later) We still have extra paper. 
 

The Show

As I said above, the artRave was the greatest concert experience I've ever had, and I love how the stage layout allowed so many fans the opportunity to be close to Gaga. The first opener was really cool! It was neat to see a hologram in person- it's so much more fascinating than I expected it to be.
I will admit that by the time Gaga came on, my lower back hurt from standing in heels for hours (wtf was I thinking?), and I was already tired and thirsty. But the lights changed and the music started, and I began yelling and jumping up and down- it was like a boost of energy and adrenaline that didn't stop!

The best way to describe it would just be FUN.

Venus was easily one of the best performances of the night. The crowd was WILD throughout the first handful of songs, and Gaga absolutely KILLED it on stage from beginning to end.

When Gaga sang Born This Way, she spoke to one of her dearest friends, who I am proud to be a friend of and work with on this forum as well, Emma. She told the audience about CurePity and CurePity.com, a fantastic movement towards shifting attitudes so people learn to accept children with disabilities and realize that despite their disabilities, they have so many more abilities to share with the world.

As someone who works with children who have special needs, this movement is important to me as well and I am so thankful Gaga met Emma and was able to learn about it. Announcing it to a crowd of thousands of people allows the word to spread, and I hope that those of you reading here will also get some promo for CurePity.com! (Seriously, go and sign the pledge. It's a really good cause!)

Here is a video, recorded by our own Travis Monster, of Gaga talking to Emma and singing Born This Way:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmWmnrjGD-I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmWmnrjGD-I

As most of you know, there is a part of the show where fans know to throw their letters and gifts on stage. The letter Gaga chose at the artRave was one from a very kind fan named Jose, who wrote her thanking her for helping his sister who had recently confessed to the family that her boyfriend at the time was abusing her.

The letter went into detail describing the awful things he did to her, like putting cigarettes out on her arm because "that's what women are for." The audience booed upon hearing the awful things he did to this poor girl, and as I looked around the audience I noticed many of us were tearing up as the story continued.

Jose's sister's life changed when he gave her a copy of Born This Way and she heard "The Queen." Upon hearing the song, she immediately burst into tears and decided to seek help and remove this toxic person from her life.

They showed Jose on the big screens, he was sobbing and looked so happy to have Gaga reading his letter and acknowledging his sister's struggles and bravery.

Gaga invited Jose backstage so she could meet him and sign the jacket he was wearing that he and his sister decorated.

She then said, "Maybe someone will record this since we're not singing it tonight," and in a beautiful voice, she sang:
"I can be
the queen that's inside of me.
This is my chance to release and
be brave for you, you'll see.
I can be
the queen you need me to be.
This is my chance to be the dance.
I've dreamed it's happening,
I can be the queen."

Here is a link to a video, it was such a beautiful moment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdfSQF5N-6s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdfSQF5N-6s
 
Remember that obnoxiously large YAAAASSSSS sign we made? We totally held it up during the show.

It was hilarious, because when we first held it up it was for when Gaga was on one of the catwalks, then before it was ready she moved to another catwalk and in the process of trying to move and fix the sign, it ended up upsidedown and backwards.
 
She totally saw it and it was obvious she was trying not to laugh as she spoke her practiced speaking part of the show.
 
Nick and I then exchanged glances and said "What do we do with it now?!" to which Nick replied, "Just let it go, just let it go!" and we cackled as it floated to the back of the GA, never to be seen again.

 
Backstage

When the show ended, we made our way to the ARTPOP Zone (as instructed) where we saw Ashley! Nick went into more detail in his story so I won't elaborate too much, but she got to go backstage with Jose!

We walked back with other people in the ARTPOP Zone, and I was bummed that I didn't get to see Haus(James)! I must have been in the restroom when he was available for hugs and hellos. If you want to see his story about meeting Gaga, check out the St Paul artRave thread!

We ended up waiting for Gaga in Lane's office, which was open to and right next to where Lacee's family was. Her family is SO nice. They chatted with us for a while. It's very obvious where Lacee's kind heart and positive nature come from. :)

Also, I want to take a moment to say Lane is a really cool person. We got her a Starbucks gift card and she laughed, saying she thinks it's hilarious how everyone knows how addicted she is.

While we were waiting, she brought in Fozzi. We saw him for a split second last time, but this time we were able to pet him and watch him interact with Lane. He is SO precious! I've never seen a dog that likes to cuddle as much as Fozzi. Lane put him on the table and he sat calmly, then hopped right back into her chest, all curled up and ready for love.

We also got to hang out with Emma! She was looking fabulous in her vintage Mugler that Gaga had given her:

 We laughed and said this photo looked like a family portrait, as if we were on Full House or something.

 
Meeting Gaga

Gaga's first stop was meeting Lacee's family. They chatted in the hall for a while as we kept looking back and forth at each other saying, "That's her voice. That's Gaga in the hall right now!"

We were so excited to see her again and give her the Koons ball. Nick used his super stealth powers to grab it and hide it under the table before Gaga came in the room.

She entered wearing an old band t-shirt, fishnets, the long light brown wig, and her tall boots. It's amazing how stunning this woman is when she's wearing clothes that would make most of us look like a stripper on a lazy day.

I remember the first time I met her, when she walked into the room I was temporarily stunned and stuttered when it came time for me to tell her my name. But this time it was like seeing an old friend. She has a comforting aura about her, and she's incredibly easy to talk to.

We also got a big chuckle when she first came in, because she sat Asia on the floor and she instantly ran off, having to be chased by Gaga. She loves this dog, and it's easy to see why! Asia is very good with people and has such a cute personality. I even got to pet her! She's darling.

We didn't have a lot of time with Gaga this year, and that seems to be the general consensus of the other people who were backstage too. She has a very busy schedule! The time we spent with her was so valuable, though. She knows how to make a moment really special.

We even told her about Asia Daily, all of us laughing as I described how whenever she posts a picture with Asia, the thread is titled something like "Asia and her slave..." Steph even had a screencap of the forum that she showed Gaga on her phone. She thought it was funny!

The first thing Gaga did was ask us if we liked the show. Of course we all said we did because the show was AMAZING, and I went into detail about how invigorating the energy from the crowd was.

She then asked us what we thought of ARTPOP. We all gave her praise for the album, explaining why we like it so much, and I was able to tell her that ARTPOP is my "power song," and that "A hybrid can withstand these things," is one of my favorite lyrics.

She thanked us for supporting us and for supporting her. She was getting choked up as she told us how hard the previous year was for her, and one thing she said that really stuck with me was, in a sad and disappointed voice, her eyes gazing downwards in a mournful state, "...people change."

It became very apparent there were people close to her that showed their true colors in the last year. During a time when she needed people, the ones she thought she could depend on left her in the dark while trying to push her into a light that only served to burn her.

It is clear Gaga has a special connection to ARTPOP, and she believes the fans who appreciate it have a different sort of special connection to her. She touched a fist to her heart as she talked about how fans who understand ARTPOP understand her better too, and she is so thankful for those of us who stood by her in her rough times.

We may not have been able to ask questions, get everything signed, or hear new information, but honestly what Gaga gave to us that night was more valuable than any of that. To know how much we mean to her, and to have a moment where we can share how much she means to us, to all the fans who stick by her side, means more than knowing details about Act II or Out of Control, or anything else we were planning to ask about. We weren't talking to a celebrity, we were talking to a genuine person with a big heart, and we had the opportunity to give her a space where she could open up to people who understand, who are there for her.

Gaga teared up and began to cry a little as she told us, "I just want to make music. That's all I want to do. I just want to make songs for all of you."

She talked more about ARTPOP, talking about how Jeff Koons made a statue of her. She said people don't realize how big of a deal that is, but in the art world it's a HUGE deal. She said it doesn't seem like much now, but when people look back it's going to mean something to everyone.

She also said the message has ultimately remained the same throughout all of her albums. It's "part of something bigger," she said as she extended her arms out. I really want to hammer that in for everyone. Gaga isn't just making albums, she's part of a movement. "Something greater," she kept saying. She has a message, and she's injecting it into everything she does. She keeps one foot in ART and one foot in POP at all times, challenging perceptions and expectations in a powerful stance, blending fantasy and reality with the dark and light sides of Fame.

I told her that her message is being received, and it is making a difference. I told her about how I find myself injecting some of her messages into my own life, telling her a story about a moment I shared with a little girl I was teaching.

It finally became time to reveal the project.

Nick lifted it from under the table, and it was clear she had no idea we brought anything for her. She looked shocked as we set it down. We explained what it was, referencing the tweet she made a long time ago about planting your talents like flowers in a garden and cultivating your crop, letting her know that ~160 fans submitted entries that we then folded into flowers and put together in the shape of a Koons ball. She absolutely loved it. She started crying again.

"This is so amazing, you guys," she kept repeating. "You have no idea how hard this last year has been....I really needed this."

She picked one of the flowers and read the message, and the tears she was holding back with a quivery voice began to flow freely. Gaga really, really appreciated what we made for her, and it's all of your messages that make it truly special.

After the experience of sharing the project with her, she signed some things (I got a little mixed up and realized I had forgotten to give her my CD- like I said, it was a little rushed) and took some pictures with us in the hall. While in the hall, we also showed her the picture we took of all the GGD users- she thought it was really cool that so many members were here!
 
I also took a moment to say that Gaga Daily has been working hard to remove the negativity and promote better attitudes ever since we realized how hurtful it was getting last year. I don't know if she heard me or not, but I think she smiled and nodded. (There was a lot going on)
 

 
We then parted ways and Gaga took the gift with her to the Meet and Greet. :)
We also heard from fans who saw her outside the arena that when she stopped to see them, she had the project in the front seat with her. Knowing how much this project means to her warms my heart like nothing else.

The Day After

 
I still can't believe it's over. We spent some more time together, got food from Burger Moe's, and exchanged hugs before leaving this fantasy and returning to reality. 
 
We also had the chance to FREAK OUT over the fact that Gaga tweeted our project along with another entry she had pulled out! Days later, she was still gushing over what we had made for her. 
 
This experience has been unlike any other. Spending time with such amazing people at the most fun party of our lives. I wouldn't change it for the world, and I can't wait to do it again in the future. 

[Travis 543]

YASSS

What a great weekend with everyone :flutter:

[Kayla 7,595]

Travis getting that first post in the hotel with us!! :lmao:

[Spyro 8,429]

What secrets did she tell you this time?

 

[Nick 29]

YASSS

What a great weekend with everyone

U cheater

[Zilla 13,343]

Hello I'm a hot mess

[Guest]

Did she speaks about act II??

[bionic 37,875]

When is it the CC's turn tbh

 

 

 

hope you all had a lovely time

[MORE COWBELL 26]

THIS IS SO PERFECT

AND MY MESSAGE IS IN ONE OF THOSE FLOWERS

I CAN'T

 

Edit: The hype didn't let me continue. Thanks for the amazing idea, mods!

[Truth 90]

[Flawless 2,092]

She looks very happy  :) . Perfect idea guys, congrats