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Back in March, Lady Gaga tried to clear up that pesky hermaphrodite rumor by wearing fishnet tights -- and nothing else -- in her extended "Telephone" video. But now, she's decided to face the rumor like a man. This week, Gaga's stylist Nicola Formichetti began posting pictures on his blog from an upcoming photo spread in Japan's Vogue Hommes magazine. The photos feature a totally unknown, but very familiar-looking, model named Jo Calderone. And the internet is buzzing with rumors that the handsome newcomer is actually Ms. Gaga in (very convincing) drag.
Compare, if you will, this photo of Jo Calderone with this paparazzi shot of Gaga without makeup. Look specifically at the nose, the lips and the chin. (Ignore the baby. The baby is clearly a diversion.) Either that man with the pompadour is Lady Gaga, or Stefani Germanotta has an androgynous twin brother hiding out in Japan.
With this sly stunt, Gaga is once again asserting her place as Madonna's rightful heir. The Material Girl made drag sexy when she suited up in 1989's "Express Yourself" and 1990's "Vogue" videos. Since then, plenty of pop singers have copied her power-suit-with-sexy-lingerie look. But Gaga takes it one step further, going full-on drag king without a lacy bra strap in sight. There was never any doubt that Madonna was all woman; Lady Gaga, on the other hand, is a totally convincing man. All the more shocking is that the "Alejandro" singer, who never appears in public without rhinestones, lipstick and perilous shoes, looks so very casual and relaxed.
This is a side of Lady Gaga we've never seen, and her talent for transformation will keep her one step ahead of everyone -- just as Madonna has been for years. We wonder how far Gaga will take this new alter ego, "Jo Calderone." (Say it fast and the word "joke" emerges. Coincidence?) It would be fun to see her out and about in male drag for a while, just to see if she can get away with it.
Do you think Jo Calderone is Lady Gaga? Chime in below!
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