Meet the Little Monsters: Here Are Lady Gaga's Biggest Fans

Nicole, the promoter:

If Lady Gaga is considered a goddess of pop to her fans, then Nicole is certainly her most vocal prophet. The Twitter user, (@hausofnicole), who in true mysterious Gaga-verse fashion prefers to remain anonymous, has over 4,000 followers and plenty of promo power. For the entirety of the promotional cycle for Gaga's single 'Alejandro,' Nicole organized and led a virtual army of fans to blast radio stations across the world to aid in getting the song heavier rotation and, in turn, a higher position on the charts (check out the instruction manual here in case you feel like bothering a few local DJs). We interviewed Gaga's biggest cheerleader to find out just what makes her tick.

First off, when did you become a Lady Gaga fan?
In the fall of 2008, I heard 'Just Dance' on the radio for the very first time. I was struck by the song's infectious beat, but mostly by the singer's voice. It sounded like she could actually sing -- a rarity for a pop singer. I went straight to YouTube to check out the music video. When Gaga first appears, tears off her pink jacket and looks at the camera, I became a full-on, hardcore fan. It was the biggest "star is born" moment I'd witnessed in a long time.

What other artists have you obsessed over in the past?
None. I'd always been one of those people who look down on being obsessed with artists and celebrities. Never say never!

Favorite Gaga moment or outfit?
Back when her star was still on the rise, I remember seeing a paparazzi picture of her walking in London at night in freezing winter weather wearing only a shirt, sunglasses, heels and underwear. I thought, this b***h is cool.

So let's talk Twitter, when did you join and how'd you start promoting Gaga?
I think it was right before the 'Telephone' video premiered. I'd request her songs on my own, but when I realized I could get other fans to join, I created a Twitter account.

How many hours a day would you say you spend promoting Gaga?
It varies, so I can only say this with certainty: too many to count!

Has it gotten to the point that DJs know you and what you're doing?
Yes, my favorite DJ from one of LA's biggest stations followed me back and lets me know when he's about to play Gaga.


Sam, the collector:

Next up, Sam, webmaster of the largest Lady Gaga photo gallery on the net, The Fame Gallery. Sam runs the site all by himself and has collected over 38,000 photos of the pop star to share with the world. We interviewed the devoted fan to find out just how much work goes into geeking over Gaga.

When did you first fall in love with Lady Gaga?
I'd say in April of 2009. I'd had her album since October 2008, and loved it, but after seeing her perform 'Poker Face' on 'American Idol,' it was like everything clicked for me on how huge Gaga would become. I actually remember watching the performance, and then staying up until nearly midnight waiting for someone to post it in HD to download. I'd always liked Gaga and her album, but that's the first time I can remember being so obsessed.

What other artists do you obsess over?
I love Gwen Stefani and Girls Aloud. In the past, I was a fan of the Sugababes, but never have really been "obsessed" with someone like I have with Gaga.

With over 38,000 examples to choose from, do you have a favorite Gaga outfit?
Any picture of her in her bubble dress. It's so gorgeous. The pictures from when she performed at The Chapel [Sydney, Australia -- video below] are especially my favorite.


How many times have you seen her perform live?
I've only seen Gaga live once, on the final 'Fame Ball' show. It was the first time I'd heard her say "I'm a free b***h," and it was also the concert she announced about her father needing heart surgery. I'll never forget her crying at the piano telling us. I'm going to see her on 'The Monster Ball' twice in September, as well.

Let's talk about your amazing site, when did you start 'The Fame Gallery'?
I started working on the site in late December 2009, and it opened January 18, 2010.

Do you have a day job? How much time a day does it take to maintain the site?
I'm in school right now, but I still manage about six hours a day. I'm currently on summer break, though.

What would you be doing if Gaga weren't around?
This sounds really cheesy, but I probably wouldn't be as happy. Underneath Gaga's crazy outfits and songs is a really inspiring woman. She manages to be so out there and unique, but at the same time so relatable. She can always manage to cheer me up.


Jeffrey, the creator:

Last, but certainly not least, is Jeffrey Allen, who lives and breathes Lady Gaga's outrageous fashion. Jeffrey runs A Monster's Closet, a site dedicated to his obsessive crafting of virtually every look Gaga has ever donned. Those weird origami dresses from back when she was going for sea urchin chic? Check. Her blood stained VMA look? Child's play! And if that wasn't enough, he is so inspired by the pop star that he shows them off by performing as her at local clubs. We caught up with Jeffrey to talk shop, and -- OMG -- the time he met his idol in the flesh.

So when did you become a Lady Gaga fan?
To me, the obsession started within a week or so after I saw her live in July 2008 and later dressed up as her for Halloween. When 'Just Dance' finally hit radio later that year, I was hooked. From that point on, there has been no looking back.

Do you have a favorite Gaga performance?
Definitely a tie between her performances of 'Paparazzi' at the 2009 'MTV Video Music Awards' and 'Saturday Night Live.' For the VMAs, I feel like it was her time to shine in her hometown and the first time that the masses were exposed to her in such a big way. Hands down, that was one of the most unforgettable performances in MTV history. As for 'SNL' [below], I can't begin to explain my deep love for that performance, but it's so "fantastical." I just recently created the mask from that performance and can't wait to wear it out!


How many times have you seen her perform live?
Five times, so far, and twice next month. Every experience has been different -- I've never seen an artist perform live and put on a show the way she does. I think its the soul, passion and art behind it that make her shows such an unforgettable experience.

Tell us about meeting Gaga.
I met her on December 13, 2009, at a meet and greet after her 'Monster Ball' in San Francisco, and [it] was an evening I'll never forget. She actually commented about watching me from the stage all night and even noticed when I left my front spot to go hang out with some friends further back. When I explained my reason for leaving, she said she would of done the same thing. I'm pretty sure I spent more time with her than others were allowed, she even signed my arm, which I got tattooed the next morning. The most beautiful thing about Gaga is that at the end of the day, she is just Gaga -- a sweet, loving and grateful young woman trying to make her dream come true. Her words have inspired me to push harder and dream bigger every day.

Tell us a little about your creations/site. What inspired you to start 'A Monsters Closet'?
I have been making Gaga-inspired outfits and accessories since Halloween of 2008. I remember my original 'The Fame' era sunglasses and disco stick were such a disaster! I become more and more inspired as I continue to follow her career and have a gut-wrenching desire to own it all -- therefore I create it all! I first started posting my crafts on some general blogs and forums, and after getting such a great response from people always bombarding me with questions, I decided to start a site and I love it.

What's the most elaborate/difficult piece you've made?
Tough question. My most recent piece has proven to be pretty challenging -- Gaga's "living dress" outfit from 'The Monster Ball.' So far, I am almost done with just the headpiece, which alone was a task and half. Most elaborate and time consuming would be the origami crystal dress, which still isn't finished! Every project has its challenges, typically its the major burns or injuries I suffer due to the craft, but it's always worth it in the end.

Sounds pretty involved. How many hours do you spend on your pieces?
It varies every day or week. Lately, I have been spending ten or so hours a day -- once I start something, I typically like to finish it the same day. On average, I spend two to three days crafting and maintaining the site basically consumes my entire week.

Watch an Acoustic Version of 'Poker Face'

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