Lady Gaga just dropped a mic moment at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards—and it wasn’t just for her fiery performance. The pop icon, now 38, took the stage to accept the coveted Innovator Award and delivered a blazing speech calling out ageism in the music industry. “They say women in pop have an expiration date. Well, my clock’s ticking louder than ever,” she declared, sparking a standing ovation.
Clutching her trophy in a sequined silver jumpsuit, Gaga didn’t hold back. “I’ve been told, ‘You’re getting older, tone it down.’ But why? Creativity doesn’t retire. Passion doesn’t have a bedtime. And honey, I’m just getting warmed up.” Fans erupted as she added, “If you think 38 is ‘over the hill,’ grab a helmet—this hill’s about to become a volcano.”
The speech struck a chord online, with #GagaVolcano and #38AndJustStarting trending worldwide. Celebrities like Lizzo and Cher flooded social media with support. Lizzo tweeted, “PREACH. Ageism is trash,” while Cher simply posted, “Finally, someone said it.”
Gaga’s rant comes amid growing criticism of how the music industry sidelines women over 35. A recent study found that only 12% of songs on Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 in 2024 were by women aged 35+, despite stars like Beyoncé, Shakira, and Gaga herself dominating streaming charts.
But Mother Monster isn’t just talking—she’s proving it. She confirmed rumors of a Chromatic Ball Tour relaunch in 2026 and teased a “genre-bending” collab with Billie Eilish. “New music, new tours, new chaos,” she winked. “You thought I peaked? I haven’t even started.”
As the crowd chanted her name, Gaga left a final warning: “To every young artist scared of aging? Don’t be. The best art isn’t made in comfort zones—it’s made when you’re fearless. And trust me, I’m terrified… of absolutely nothing.”