Before the world knew her as Lady Gaga, Stefani Germanotta was just another student at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, perfecting her craft alongside classmates who had yet to see her destined stardom. One such peer, Carly Waddell of "The Bachelor" fame, recently divulged on the "Trading Secrets" podcast that the future icon's flair for performance was as present as her fashion sense-remarkable and unmissable.
Waddell recounted how the lunch hour at Tisch transformed into an impromptu showcase with Germanotta at the piano, passionately belting out tunes from the hit musical "Wicked." This daily concert series, while showcasing undeniable talent, left some classmates like Waddell craving quiet. "She was great, but I just wanted to eat my sandwich," Waddell confessed, sharing her choice to relocate to the hallway for some respite.
The singer's fashion statements were just as bold as her vocal performances. Described by Waddell as "so extra," Gaga's wardrobe choices were a prelude to the boundary-pushing outfits that would later define her public persona.
Despite the overwhelming presence, Gaga wasn't seen as extraordinary among a sea of talented individuals. "She was one of the good ones," said Waddell, but it wasn't until Gaga shifted to her original music that her exceptional talents began to crystallize for her classmates. Gaga's prowess was unmistakable during an NYU talent show, where she wowed with her own compositions. "That girl is really good," Waddell admitted.
Both Gaga and Waddell left the program early, a decision Waddell believes was rooted in discontent with the curriculum. It's a path that has led to global fame for Gaga, while Waddell found her own spotlight in reality TV and personal endeavors.
While Waddell wasn't a fan of her classmate's lunchtime serenades, she's now a supporter of Gaga's music, noting a respect for the genius behind the global phenomenon.
As these anecdotes from the halls of Tisch show, the seeds of stardom can sometimes be found in the most everyday places, growing in the most unexpected of ways.
