By Anna Meany

And the queens are out. Lady Gaga put her paws up at the KFC Yum! Center on March 12. The pop diva boasted to fans that she had been largely unknown the only other time she had visited Louisville. As she repeated several times, she now filled an arena with 20,000 fans. Gaga bellowed that tonight she would “set us free.” From what, I still have no clue.

I was incredibly underdressed. Dressed in a black blazer and a V-neck, I couldn’t have stuck out more. It’s odd, because you’d think that the man walking around in a G-string would have been weird. Men and women arrived downtown, dressed up in Gaga-drag. I’m not quite sure how dressing exactly like her – including a wig and 6-inch heels – is flattering. Would you wear a Barack Obama mask to the inaugural speech? Nevertheless, extravagant outfits provided for photo opportunities and intense pre-show entertainment.

Apart from being in the rare few, male or female, not wearing sequins, I was far from the average age of attendees. It really shocked me that so many mothers paid for both themselves and their daughters to see the Madonna-wannabe. We’re talking about 11 and 12 year olds, listening to Gaga flinging f-bombs all over the stage.

Lady Gaga’s stage varied from larger-than-life metallic trees to levitating platforms, and hardly showed any relation to her music. In between ornate scene changes, a gigantic screen was lowered, showing videos of Gaga vomiting, holding her heart and smoking cigarettes. I’m sure this is all very symbolic, but Gaga, don’t overestimate the preteens at your show. They’re not going to understand that the vomiting of blue liquid is some metaphor to an abusive ex-boyfriend. I was a little unimpressed by her stage décor. The hype shows little correlation to the real deal.

Her props were intriguing. Always innovative, her piano lit on fire during a slower rendition of “Born This Way.” She used a crystallized, lighted staff to spotlight audience members on the floor. I especially enjoyed the large keyboard she dramatically played from atop a platform. Variety is a good way to describe the Lady Gaga concert.

She’s very much a walking art museum. I counted nine complete costume changes, including her nun costume that is infamous for its translucent nature. I got terribly excited when she emerged in lingerie that spewed sparks. She donned revealing clothing to expose her incredible body. No lady crush here, but her dancing muscles show, and are quite obvious in the photos I took. However, once again, Gaga showed no connection between her costumes and music.

I absolutely regret ever calling Lady Gaga talentless. Although her songs lack depth, her lungs have an amazing capacity. They filled the arena with meaning. At the risk of ruining my hipster, society-hating image, I admit that I danced, sang and completely fell in love with live Gaga. I’d be lying if I claimed I didn’t leave the arena a different person. The immense amount of fans, toe-tapping beats and elaborate performances worked together to leave the audience stunned.

A week after the show, I still don’t buy into Lady Gaga’s chatter. She filled downtime during her two-hour show with nonsensical babbling about being yourself, bravery and sexual freedom. But it’s hard for me not to see her as a publicity ploy. Aside from “Born This Way,” her music has no deeper plea for the equality that she discusses so much. Maybe if her lyrics catch up to her behavior I’ll change my views.