Ava Max addresses years of comparisons to Lady Gaga with honesty and humor in her new track Don’t Click Play
Ava Max has never shied away from the spotlight. As one of today’s most dynamic pop stars, she’s learned that fame brings both adoration and harsh criticism. Her latest project, Don’t Click Play, is proof that her relationship with the music industry is as complicated as it is powerful. Days before the album’s official release, the title track leaked online — reigniting conversations that have followed her for years: comparisons to Lady Gaga.
Instead of ignoring the chatter, Ava Max decided to tackle it head-on. With Don’t Click Play, she delivers a playful yet powerful response to the constant parallels drawn between her and Gaga. The lyrics weave in cheeky references, acknowledging the comparisons while reclaiming her individuality. For Ava, it’s more than just a song — it’s a declaration of self-acceptance.
She admits she’s used to seeing her name mentioned alongside Gaga’s, sometimes in praise, sometimes as criticism. But rather than being weighed down by it, Ava uses music as her shield and her weapon. In Don’t Click Play, she emphasizes that loving yourself is the ultimate answer to any outside opinion. The track reflects both her confidence and her evolution as an artist who no longer seeks validation from others.
It isn’t the first time Ava has had to deal with leaks. Her previous albums, Heaven & Hell and Diamonds and Dancefloors, also surfaced online before their intended release dates. She has often spoken about the frustration this causes, explaining that premature leaks feel like theft of her creative process. “Demos and unfinished tracks don’t tell the story I want them to tell,” she has said. Yet, each time, she has managed to turn disappointment into resilience, using even setbacks to showcase her artistry.
With Don’t Click Play, Ava makes it clear: comparisons are inevitable, but they don’t define her. She has her own sound, her own aesthetic, and her own community of fans who follow her every move. In the past, she even joked that when she dyed her hair to avoid Gaga comparisons, people simply said she looked like a different pop star instead. “That will never end,” she laughed — but her laughter speaks volumes. She’s learned to take it in stride.
This time around, Ava isn’t interested in silencing haters or proving she isn’t “the new Gaga.” Instead, she’s playing with the narrative and turning it into art. Don’t Click Play contains lyrical nods not just to Gaga’s “Poker Face,” but also to Ava’s own hits like “Kings & Queens.” The result isn’t an attack but a tongue-in-cheek commentary, showing that Ava knows how to use humor to navigate criticism.
Her career so far has shown she is more than a hitmaker — she’s an artist committed to authenticity. Ava has openly admitted that she’s faced periods of doubt, times when industry expectations felt overwhelming. But through those struggles, she’s discovered that the most important relationship she can have is with herself. That message runs deep through her new music.
The album, also titled Don’t Click Play, includes 12 tracks produced by names like Pink Slip and Inverness. Three singles have already been released, including “Lovin Myself,” which serves as a bold anthem of self-acceptance. Unsurprisingly, the themes that run through the project focus on independence, confidence, and embracing your true self.
Despite the setbacks of leaks, Ava has mastered the art of turning challenges into momentum. Each time, her fans rally behind her, flooding social media with posts that prove their loyalty goes beyond a single song. It’s become clear that the bond between Ava and her listeners is about more than just music — it’s a community built on shared empowerment and celebration.
In the end, Don’t Click Play shows that labels, comparisons, and criticism will always exist, but Ava Max is forging her path on her own terms. She’s found her voice, embraced her identity, and realized that the most powerful thing she can do is remain true to herself. By doing so, she not only silences her critics but also inspires her fans to do the same.
