I imagine by now everyone has heard about Lady Gaga’s performance of a “Sound of Music” medley at the oscars. I didn’t see it at the time, as I don’t watch the Oscars. But based on comments I heard from people who I’d be inclined to trust on the issue, I decided to give her performance a look later on.
I don’t care much for Lady Gaga, to be honest. She’s just another attention-hound pop star who will do pretty much anything to make the headlines. She just does it in a premeditated way that makes it easier for admirers to believe she’s making an intellectual statement at the same time.
Well, this time she decided to be respectful of the material. Her performance, while not especially memorable, was understated and fairly classy. She chose to make a statement by not making a statement. She chose not to go for shock value. Perhaps she realized that she was treading on an American institution and decided not to throw pink paint all over the Lincoln Memorial, so to speak. I know other artists who wouldn’t have hesitated to do so.
So I find it interesting that I’ve gained some respect for Lady Gaga–not because of what she did, but for what she didn’t do. She may not draw the line where I would with most of what she does, but it’s refreshing to see someone at least willing to draw the line.