There is always a good reason to love Lady Gaga, whether that be her back catalogue of absolute bangers, or her daringly creative sense of style.
Perhaps one of her greatest attributes is her candidness when speaking about mental health, with many of her fans gaining strength from her words of support.
While accepting her third Grammy of the evening – bagging a well-deserved Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for A Star is Born’s Shallow – Lady Gaga spoke up once again about a cause close to her heart.
Speaking into the mic, the Million Reasons singer said:
If I don’t get another chance to say this, I just want to say I’m so proud to be a part of a movie that addresses mental health issues. They’re so important,
A lot of artists deal with that. And we gotta take care of each other. So if you see somebody that’s hurting, don’t look away. And if you’re hurting, even though it might be hard, try to find that bravery within yourself to dive deep and go tell somebody and take them up in your head with you.
Gaga also used the opportunity to praise her co-star and director Bradley Cooper, who – being in that most glamorous of conundrums – decided to attend the BAFTAs instead:
I wish Bradley was here with me right now, I know he wants to be here. Bradley, I loved singing this song with you.
Fans have since praised Lady Gaga for using her platform to discuss an issue which reaches far beyond the bright lights of Hollywood.
Sports business reporter, Darren Rovell, tweeted:
Lady Gaga likely just saved hundreds of lives from giving her message about mental health on the grand stage that she did. It’s amazing how words lead to openness, which leads to hope for so many.
Chef and TV host Andrew Zimmern said:
OK, I’m rethinking the whole thing. @ladygaga just threw down the most beautiful message for mental health awareness, a call to action for us to care for everyone, and a prayer for strength for those in need. Just beautiful … I love awards shows now, sold.
Hopefully Gaga’s powerful words of encouragement will resonate with those who are currently struggling, renewing their sense of hope that things can and will get better.
If you’re experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They’re open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year.
Their national number is 0800 58 58 58, and they also have a webchat service if you’re not comfortable talking on the phone.
If you have a story you want to tell send it to UNILAD via stories@unilad.co.uk
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.