psychofactz:

Prodigious young Stefani Germanotta (her actual name) had already written her first piano ballad had already written her first piano ballad by the age of 13. The following year, she was performing at open mike nights in NYC clubs. At 17, Germanotta’s musical talents enabled her to be one of only 20 students accepted to the Tisch School of Arts at New York University. Less than 3 years later, a major record label signed her as a professional songwriter, setting her up for the pop success that she continues to experience today. 

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