Lady Gaga

Pop superstar Lady Gaga‘s successful navigation of the tumultuous music industry is the subject of a recent Wall Street Journal article.  The challenges faced by the 23-year-old Gaga are similar to those confronting an ambitious talk media host, including an industry move towards supporting a narrowing roster of talents who have the potential to generate big returns.  About halfway through the article it hit me:  Glenn Beck is the Lady Gaga of radio!  According to the WSJ, Gaga’s success stems from the following traits, all of which she shares with Beck:

1. Gaga is truly talented.  She can sing and writes most of her songs.  This, as Alice Cooper notes in the article, makes everything else possible.  Beck is an excellent broadcaster; a spectacular storyteller.

2. Lady Gaga is unique.  From her sound to her penchant for wild costumes and masks, there’s nothing like Lady Gaga on the market. Beck’s worldview also one-of-a-kind.

3. Gaga is more than a singer; she’s an entertainer.  Beck is also a fantastic showman.

Beck

4.  Lady Gaga understands, accepts and thrives in the new business model of the music industry.  That system requires her to work harder than her pop music ancestors, but also offers the key to lasting fame and riches.  Same with Beck, who puts in long hours working a new multi-media model that generates wealth on a scale previously unimaginable to a radio talker.

Choose your teacher. The lessons are the same.