Madonna's Brother Slams Lady Gaga as a Copycat

By Christine Fenno Posted Feb 13th 2011 12:36PM

Sure, there are two decades between the two songs in question, but Christopher Ciccone, younger brother of Madonna, says he's nevertheless astounded at how similar Lady Gaga's new single, 'Born This Way,' sounds to one of his sister's beloved anthems, 1989's 'Express Yourself.'

Gaga intends to perform her instant hit song at the Grammy Awards tonight, but first, Ciccone wanted the chance to express himself to RadarOnline this weekend.

"All I can say is 'What the F--K!" the director-designer says. "It sounds just like 'Express Yourself.' I can't believe it to tell you the truth."

As soon as the Gaga single debuted, listeners online began buzzing about the familiar beat, melody and vocals. Even the Washington Post described 'Born This Way' as "vaguely" reminiscent of the Madonna hit.

But Ciccone seems outraged, not flattered. Now 50, he was closely involved in Madonna's career when 'Express Yourself' was one of her signature songs, and he worked on the design and direction of her wildly successful tours during that era.

These days, Ciccone is reportedly estranged from his famous sibling, after penning the tell-all 'Life With My Sister Madonna' in 2008. Just last month, he analyzed Madge's obvious influence on Gaga's successful career, telling RadarOnline: "I can see a lot of my sister's influence in what Lady Gaga is doing today. It's like 'Madonna on speed' actually....I think Lady Gaga is a great writer, singer, and performance artist, but sometimes she goes too far with her costumes and persona and it must be hard for her fans to identify with that."

Tags: Lady Gaga, madonna

Comments

(78)

Sunday 13 February

By Blonde Ambition

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I used to feel bad for Christopher. Is he stupid enough to think this will get him back in her good graces?

By KELLYROWLAND

Vote down Vote up Report this

IT ACTUALLY SOUNDS LIKE KELLY ROWLANDS "WHEN LOVE TAKES OVER"

By Doug

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Imitation is flattering, and success is the best revenge

By montana

I agree with him 100% so much of Lady GaGa is Madonna.

By Nico Toscani

I've been saying this since Lady GaGa first reared her ugly head. How is everybody just now noticing this?

By sally

Is Lady Gaga a man? Its the legs. Looks like a skinny man with boobs.

By DAISY

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

if you think her body looks manly YOU were never taught the difference in sexes

Monday 14 February

By ciera

Madonna copied Patty La Belle and the Bluebells

By Gregory

Me thinks Christopher's focus is his Sister's money! The photo's may be similar (and no surprise there), however, the song sounds nothing like Express Yourself.

By DORAHELEN

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

DOESN'T HE WORK FOR HIS SISTER?? - I'M SURE SHE HAS GIVEN HIM SOMEKIND OF A JOB....DON'T YOU THINK?? CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME...

By cathie1259

By stu

another sibling of someone famous w/out a life/job.

By Beef Curtains

Who really cares about "not very much of a" Lady Puke Puke?

Tuesday 15 February

By omgahwaffles

if you don't care, then why are you here? no life? get something to do! (don't even bother replying, i won't be reading any replies, im not here to fight with morons with no life)

By Mike Rath

Drug budget getting low, Chris???

By KATHY

LADY GAGA RULES, SOUNDS NOTHING LIKE THE TRAMP!!!!!!!!!!!!

By FleaDip

That's because Lady Caca doesn't have any musical talent.

By Mary

There's a difference. Lady is a friendly nice person and has no fake brit accent. She's been known to be very approachable, and isn't SCARED of eye contact.

By Rick

Madonna was hardly groundbreaking even in the 80's. I was a child of the MTV generation and had little interest in Madonna's poofy pop songs. They weren't danceable and her later stuff was just the same song over and over again.

Lady Gaga is just a derivative artist herself, borrowing heavily from a scottish glam singer of the late 80's early 90's.

By Paul Orlandi

I wonder what Madonna thinks about all this??

Page 1 of 4