Lady Gaga rose to prominence in 2008 after the release of her debut album, “The Fame.” Since the release of that album and her debut single “Just Dance” she has scored nine top ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Her recent single “Born This Way” became the chart’s 1000th No. 1 song in history, and Gaga’s third No. 1 hit.

Many claim that Gaga is talentless, that she’s a studio creation, lip-synching robot with no more talent than anyone else. Gaga is often used as a name to throw around when representing the music mainstream and is often accused of not being “real music.”

This past week, I had the opportunity to see Gaga live in concert for the third time. In December 2009 I was able to witness her smaller-scale live show at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. More recently I attended her concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York City and Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

The live Gaga experience is unlike any other artist I’ve witnessed. I’ve had the honor of seeing everyone from U2 to Liza Minnelli, and Gaga’s performances are some of the liveliest, honest, genuine and talent-filled that have I seen from anyone.

The connection that she has to her fans is unparalleled with many other artists. The choreography is a perfect compliment to the live music being played by her band. Gaga’s vocals are never lip synched, as she clearly points out to the crowd during her performance of “Teeth.”

Gaga says in her show, “You aren’t going to pay money to see my show and then watch some rich b***h lip her way through a set!” Her acapella runs and improvised additions make it evident that she has pure talent in her blood.

The most apparent exposure of Gaga’s raw talent was when she sat behind her flaming piano and performed an acoustic version of her recent No. 1 hit, “Born This Way” and a new ballad entitled “You and I.” These performances exposed the singer and her ability to tear down the house with her vocals.

Gaga also writes her own music and lyrics and contributes herself in every creative decision that is made. All of the elaborate costume changes that she makes during her show and everyday life all have a meaning and a connection to her, her message and the music.

Mainstream artists can have talent too. Gaga proves this with her raw and emotional vocals in her live performances. It’s not all just a spectacle-it’s a genuine human being armed with a killer voice and the important message of equality and self-acceptance. She was “born that way.”

Things heard waiting in line to see Lady Gaga:

“Sorry I missed your text, but I was putting rhinestones on my leather jacket.”

From a guy: “I hope they don’t pour champagne on me, my makeup will run.”

From a guy: “A lesbian is painting my nails, I don’t know how I feel about that.”

“I’m not sure if I should do costume changes between songs too or not.”

“That Nashville hobo was scary, but it’s OK cause he was born that way.”

“Does anyone know a recipe for fake blood?”

“It looks like a leather factory exploded over there.”

“I think he’s supposed to be Alejandro, but maybe he just lost his clothes?”