In April, [article id="1608347"]Lady Gaga graced the "American Idol" stage[/article], bringing her alien-disco vibe to the masses. Rocking one of her more out-there looks (a zippered eye patch and a starry, silver leotard), the "Poker Face" singer took a major step toward mainstream takeover.

The performance was definitely different from any that had taken place on the "Idol" stage over the years. Moments like that are what the New York disco queen appreciates most now that she's a certified pop star with hit records and an ever-growing fanbase, which includes [article id="1610640"]Madonna[/article] and [article id="1610702"]Kanye West[/article].

"I'm really very grateful more than anything," she told MTV News about being asked to perform on "American Idol." "I mean, I've been working hard, and I've never given up."

For [artist id="3061469"]Gaga[/artist], taking the "Idol" stage was merely one of the most recent triumphs in a long string of accomplishments that she's worked so hard to achieve. And she credits growing up in New York as one of the reasons she's found so much success. "I'm a real New York hustler, and now that I'm here, I want to do better things, more inspirational for my fans," she said. "It's all about them."

At the end of the day, it's all about giving back to the fans who've helped her become a star. "I have quite an ego but not when it comes to giving. I really want to give as much as I can to them," she said. "And give back the way that they've given to me. And just do great music and great shows. And sign every autograph that anyone ever wants me to sign and that's it."