Resource Center Dallas’ Rafael McDonnell, who describes himself as a “casual Lady Gaga fan,” reports that he was vacationing in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, last week when — by sheer accident — he ended up in the same city as her Monster Ball tour. McDonnell took advantage by catching one of her two shows in Edmonton and then apparently ended up on the same flight as her to Minneapolis on Saturday. Or did he? McDonnell said he wanted to invite her to stop by the Resource Center when she visits Dallas again in March, but first he had to figure out which one she was, and that wasn’t going to be easy. Turns out Gaga likes to outsmart the paparazzi by donning a poker face while traveling. Here’s McDonnell’s report:
Saturday afternoon, I was wrapping up my Canadian vacation, preparing to head home from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to Minneapolis and then DFW. The plane back to Minnesota was a fairly small, 90 or so seat regional jet, and for a Saturday afternoon wasn’t expected to be a crowded flight.
As I was going through the metal detector and bag check, the Canadian security official told me that they were expecting a celebrity to come through. I asked who, and she answered, “Lady Gaga.” Her concert tour had stopped in Edmonton on Thursday and Friday, and would pick up in St. Paul on Monday night.
I don’t think most of the passengers on the flight probably wouldn’t have known who Lady Gaga is; there were a fair number of couples in their 50’s and 60s in the departure lounge. Still, the flight crew and gate personnel were excitedly talking about her being on the flight. In fact, either the pilot or copilot called somebody before takeoff to share the news. I heard a member of the cabin crew saying she was seated in row 2 (first class on the regional jet only had three rows). They also said she was already on the plane when the rest of the passengers boarded.
When I boarded the plane, I approached row 2 and there was a woman seated there wearing a red leather jacket, a multi-color blouse and dark jeans. I introduced myself, said where I worked, and thanked her for supporting the community. She smiled, and said thanks. Then, she said, “But, I’m Lady Starlight.” I responded, “Well, if you see Lady Gaga, tell her hello for me.” With that, I headed for my seat. There was a second woman sitting next to her wearing a hoodie. On the same row across from them was a beefy tall man in a blue shirt. Several people who looked to be backup dancers also sat in first class and the first couple of rows of coach.
There was also a woman who sat in the same area at the front of coach, wearing an obviously dark wig, large Jackie Onassis-style sunglasses, dressed in all black. She was of average height and of a thin build. During the flight, she thumbed through a Star magazine. She passed by me as she went to the restroom in the back of the plane, but didn’t say anything.
Since I was towards the back of the plane, I didn’t see the first class passengers leave, or even the woman in black. But the flight attendant did confirm that Lady Gaga was on the flight. When I got back to Texas, I searched the Web and found that “Lady Starlight” is the name of a DJ who worked with Lady Gaga early in her career. So, was “Lady Starlight” really Lady Gaga? Was she the woman in the hoodie? Or, was she the woman in black who sat in coach? I don’t doubt the airline and security personnel, so she “had” to be on the plane. But, who was she?
I bet she was on the flight but the woman pictured is Lady Starlight. Lady Gaga and Lady Starlight are close friends and Starlight is on the Monster Ball tour. Lady Starlight has been DJ’ing local at clubs after the concerts. In Indy this July, she and Justin Tranter (of Gaga’s opening act Semi Precious Weapons) dj’ed together after the concert. Touring is stressful and Gaga has brought close friends along with her. She’s also rewarding people who helped her in the beginning. (She also used to work with SPW – she opened for them, so now they’re opening for her now that she’s made it big.)
Dude, info about Lady Starlight and her pictures are easily Googled in about two seconds. Maybe do 45 seconds of research next time before making speculations that make you look like a fool. That is Lady Starlight in the photo.
are you dense? lady gaga and lady starlight are like best friends. whoever this “casual lady gaga fan” is, he’s a complete idiot. lady starlight’s been touring with gaga. that’s lady starlight in the pic. this article is crappy
Yep- I’ve seen her before, just didn’t know her name-she got in the limo right before Gaga came out the back of the Roundup on July 23rd….. Gaga’s Mom was with her, and yes, Gaga had some friends along.
You are retarded. This is embarrassing. GO HOME!