"Telephone" is a song by American singer Lady Gaga from her third extended play (EP), The Fame Monster (2009)—the reissue of her debut studio album, The Fame (2008). Featuring American singer Beyoncé, it was released as the EP's second single on January 26, 2010. Gaga and Rodney Jerkins wrote and produced "Telephone", with additional songwriting by LaShawn Daniels, Lazonate Franklin and Beyoncé. Gaga originally wrote the song for Britney Spears, who recorded a demo. "Telephone" conveys Gaga's fear of not finding time for fun given the increasing pressure for her to work harder as an artist. Musically, the song consists of an expanded bridge, verse-rap and a sampled voice of an operator announcing that the phone line is unreachable. Beyoncé appears in the middle of the song, singing the verses in a "rapid-fire" way, accompanied by double beats.
Tyrese Gibson (pictured in 2009) appeared in the music video.
In the video, Gaga used items, which she said some viewers mistook as product placements, but were actually references to Andy Warhol (pictured in 1973), as part of her commentary on American commercialism in technology and information overload.
Gaga and Beyoncé in the Pussy Wagon, a car from Quentin Tarantino's 2003 film Kill Bill: Volume 1. Katrin Horn saw the car in "Telephone" as a symbol for "freedom, mobility, and unity" between Gaga and Beyoncé, as opposed to Tarantino's film where it visually represents the sexual objectification of the female protagonist.
Image: Britney Spears Boys
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, known professionally as Lady Gaga, is an American singer-songwriter and actress. She is known for reinventing her image and showcasing versatility in entertainment. Gaga started performing as a teenager by singing at open mic nights and acting in school plays. She studied Collaborative Arts Project 21 before leaving to pursue a music career. After a contract cancellation by Def Jam Recordings, Gaga worked as a songwriter for Sony/ATV Music Publishing. In 2007, she signed with Interscope Records and KonLive Distribution. Her breakthrough came the following year with her debut studio album, The Fame, and its singles "Just Dance" and "Poker Face". The album was later reissued along with The Fame Monster (2009), which yielded the successful singles "Bad Romance", "Alejandro" and "Telephone".
Gaga at the inauguration of Joe Biden, 2021
Gaga performing at Lollapalooza in 2007
Gaga on The Monster Ball Tour in 2010; it grossed $227 million and became the highest-grossing concert tour for a debut headlining artist
Gaga promoting Born This Way with performances in Sydney, Australia
