Mother monster herself, Lady Gaga, landed on Taiwan for a few days this week (July 1-4) to promote her latest effort, “Born This Way.” What was originally slated to be a four-song promotional event in Taichung was extended a one-hour, nine-song extravaganza, with fans climbing trees to view giant screens set up for fans to watch outside the theater. The event was sponsored by Mercedez Benz Taiwan and was free for fans. Instead of a few thousand appearing, however, an estimated 40,000 showed up for the event.
During her stay, the particularly peculiar performer was said to experience gourmet Taiwanese food and took in a Taipei yoga class. The first evening she appeared on the roof of the Regent Taipei (晶華酒店) to pose briefly for photographers and wave at a group of approximately 100 fans gathered below. She had staff bring McDonald’s hamburgers and fries combos to her fans, who waited for hours to catch a glimpse of the pop icon.
Apparently, Taichung Mayor Jason Hu (胡志強 Hú Zhìqiáng) knows how to throw a party. When handed the microphone, Lady Gaga handled herself with dignity and class. “It is such an honor to be here in Taichung, I’m so happy. In my visit to Taiwan I could honestly say that your country is beautiful and you’re all so wonderfully kind and gracious so thank you for inviting me.” She was treated to a traditional dance by a group of Atayal aboriginal children, given the key to the city, and presented with a portrait and wooden sculpture on what was declared “Lady Gagy Day.” When presented with a traditional yellow lantern, the 25 year-old pop icon surprised many in attendance by stepping down off the stage to hug the 90 year-old artist who had made the colorful creation. She vowed to return for a “full” tour of Asia.
An article appears about her stay on Taiwan here.
Watch a clip about her Taiwan visit here.
