Sarah Pribis, an actress and one of the former hosts of the controversial HQ Trivia, is opening up about her experience with Lady Gaga while studying at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts after fellow alum, Bachelor Nation’s Carly Waddell, had harsh words for the acclaimed singer. Pribis had nothing but kind things to say about Gaga in a new TikTok.
Another former NYU classmate of Lady Gaga speaks out:
“She was an amazing student…always so incredibly talented, we knew she was going to blow up — maybe she was the ‘crazy theater kid,’ but honestly who wasn’t? She was just very passionate about what she did — just a reminder… pic.twitter.com/aTlqaOz9Zv
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) November 9, 2023
Pribis went on to say that Gaga was an incredibly hardworking student, and maintained a humble and positive attitude. Years later, following Gaga’s breakthrough and critical acclaim, Pribis recounted her still remembering her and stopping to talk to her at a New York bar. The host ended her video by reminding audiences that everyone will have different perspectives on people, especially celebrities.
The video came following Waddell’s recent podcast interview in which she insinuated that Gaga’s singing annoyed her at the time. Waddell, a former contestant on season 19 of “The Bachelor” on ABC, recently spoke to Jason Tartick of the “Trading Secrets” podcast about her college years. She recounted hearing Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, perform in the common areas of the New York University campus every time she went to grab lunch.
Waddell and Gaga were two of 60 classmates studying at NYU’s competitive Tisch School of the Arts that year. Both wound up eventually dropping out of the program for their individual reasons, and Germontta went on to become the Grammy winning Lady Gaga. Despite commending Gaga’s talent, Waddell joked that she often felt bothered by Germanotta’s constant singing, even outside of the classroom.
“I was not a fan. This is why, because she was so talented… Stefani used to, during lunch, she would play on the piano… and she would sit at the piano every single day and just play and sing ‘Wicked’ at the top of her lungs every single day,” Waddell said. “And we were all just trying to eat lunch. It was break time. And we were all forced to listen to her.”
Social Media Reactions
Many continue to defend Gaga amid Waddell’s criticism. Fans assert that clearly the singer’s dedication to her craft has served her well, earning her several Grammys, Super Bowl performances, sold out tours, and acclaimed acting roles.
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I mean why would you major in theatre and not go all out. The best actors and singers in cinema started in theatre and you can tell because their performances are just a different caliber.
— 𝐒𝐮𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐚🕊️❥𝕾𝖙𝖆𝖓✰ᵇᵘⁿⁿʸ✰ (@Suvarna_17) November 9, 2023
Many praised Pribis’ words of support about Gaga, and her positive memories of her college community.
her genuine happiness telling the story you knew she was happy of gaga’s success… meanwhile the other woman still reeks of jealousy 20 years later with her failed music career
— allure (@allurequinn) November 9, 2023
Some urged Waddell to take notes from Pribis, and continue to urge the Bachelor Nation alum to apologize for her remarks.
Catch it Carly
— jam ➵ (@jdkaknak) November 9, 2023
Others encouraged young viewers on TikTok and X to continue to express their passions, and that oftentimes critics during early developmental years are wrong.
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Being the “weird” one is a superpower and I wish more kids realised this 😞
— Kelly Jackson | It’s More Fun In Your 30s (@Kelly_Jackson88) November 9, 2023
Gaga is yet to respond to Waddell’s interview or Pribis’ commentary on TikTok.
