WELCOME TO THE MONSTER BALL

August 24, 2010

The area surrounding Rogers Arena was buzzing Tuesday night, as anticipation for the evening's main attraction boiled over. A crush of fans clad in Gaga-inspired outfits consisting of sequined minis, stilettos, glowing headbands, wigs and glasses filed into the stadium.

It's hard to remember a time before Lady Gaga was selling out arenas. Stefani Germanotta first garnered attention on the pop radar with “Just Dance” in 2008. Fast forward two years and she’s taken over, amassing legions of loyal fans who she affectionately refers to as Little Monsters along the way.

Thousands packed into the Vancouver stadium for the second night in a row to join their idol at the Monster Ball or rather on the journey to the Ball through a city, subway and forest.

The show played out like a musical, as Gaga and her friends navigated themselves through the impressive stage and props. Emerging from the cover of a sheer curtain for the opening number "Dance in the Dark", the first full view of the pop star for "Glitter and Grease" sent the crowd into hysterics.

Always dressed in unique, often outrageous fashion, the first of multiple costumes that included a see-through dress and futuristic fairy outfit, Lady Gaga appeared sporting sparkly glasses, a bodysuit and a purple leather jacket with shoulder pads that you could serve dinner on.

Aside from the extravagant props and costumes, the natural performer sets herself apart by dancing and singing hits including "Love Game", "Poker Face" and "Telephone", with such energy that she leaves herself breathless.

The global superstar's affection for her fans shines through the spectacle of her show. Observing the outlandish outfits in the crowd, Gaga spotted a sign and proceeded to sing 'Happy Birthday' to one shirtless, glittered Monster.

Lady Gaga, who is donating $20,000 from each show to combat homelessness among LGBT youth, told the crowd that the Monster Ball would set them free and tonight she wanted them to let loose, love themselves and let go of insecurities.

Taking a break from the intense dance routines, the musician took to the piano for a solo performance of "Speechless". In case anyone needed a reminder of her talent and powerful voice this was it. But she's still Lady Gaga, so naturally the piano was on fire. Rejoined by the band she followed it up with "You and I" off her upcoming album.

The singer, who recently dethroned Britney Spears as the queen of the Twitterverse, also seems to have conquered the pop world. Her live show blows the competition away.

Her innovative persona is reminiscent of Madonna, to whom she is often compared, but Lady Gaga is an entity all her own.

With final notes of “Bad Romance” ringing in their ears, Lady Gaga’s Little Monsters tuckered from the two hour adventure, were released back into the city, liberated and armed with renewed self confidence.