Before the Grammys, the Oscars, and the global stardom, Lady Gaga was just another hustling New Yorker — and she had a little trick up her sleeve.
During her May 12, 2025 concert in New York City, the superstar opened up to the crowd with a charming and unexpected confession:
She used to fake being Greek to get better tips.
With her signature sense of humor and self-awareness, Gaga recalled her days working in local Greek restaurants like Aegean and Metsovo — two well-loved spots in the city — back when she was simply Stefani Germanotta trying to make rent.
“I used to say ‘Kalispera’ with a thick Greek accent — just to get a better tip!” she laughed, prompting cheers and laughter from the audience.
A Humble Start in Aprons, Not Spotlight
The moment, though lighthearted, was deeply human. Gaga reminded fans that every journey begins somewhere, even if that “somewhere” is a crowded kitchen or a tray full of dishes.
“We’ve all started from something small,” she said. “And sometimes you have to get creative to survive.”
Long before the meat dresses and world tours, she was taking orders, flashing a smile, and using a borrowed accent to brighten a stranger’s night — and maybe boost her paycheck.
Her story hit home for many, showing that behind the glitter and grand performances is someone who worked, dreamed, and dared to be silly when it mattered most.
Lady Gaga’s honesty is just one more reason she remains one of the most beloved figures in pop — not just for her talent, but for never forgetting where she came from.
