Heavy metal icon celebrated female strength in music and stated that he does not believe in barriers between styles
Even though it is called Metal God, Rob Halford He proved to be an artist very receptive to other musical genres. The vocalist of Judas Priest He admires pop singers of all generations and it is not uncommon to see him speak highly of some of the main names in the style.
In 2020, for example, Halford participated in the podcast Life in the Stocks (via Classic Rock) and earned praise for Miley Cyrus during the conversation with Matt Stocks. At the time, the artist was promoting the album Plastic Heartshis most rocky work, which features appearances by Billy Idol, Joan Jett and Stevie Nicks.
Rob he said:
She is incredible. If you think about her life in showbusiness, since she was a little kid, and how she stayed focused… she went crazy as a teenager (reference to the Bangerz era) — and that’s what a teenager should do, it’s a right, she was expressing herself.”
More recently, in a 2024 interview with The Houston Chroniclethe frontman of Priest He went back to talking about his favorite singers. Among them, Chappell Roan, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga. The singer stated:
Chappell it’s wonderful. I get excited about Gaga instantly. Your talent is extraordinary. And she says she’s a big fan of Chappell. The way the torch is passed from one artist to the next is a beautiful thing to do. What’s remarkable about people like Gaga or Taylor Swift is longevity. They are called pop artists, but is that the right word for them? I don’t know.”
The label is questioned because, normally, pop is seen as something ephemeral. Although, Halford points out that the names mentioned are not temporary and managed to establish themselves in the history of music — even if Chappell Roan is a more recent phenomenon.
At the time, Rob he also spoke about artists from previous generations, such as Madonna and Cher:
Pop songs can be huge at one time and then you never hear them again. But then you get one Madonnaone Cherone Gagaor I hope that a Chappell or a TaylorSwift. The way they create their music makes the work immortal. I’m going to bump heads with ‘Paparazzi’ (hit by Lady Gaga) on my deathbed.”
Rob Halford, Lady Gaga and women in music
Still during the Matt Stocks, Rob Halford praised female representation in music in general. The frontman of Judas Priest declared:
Women power, girl power.. bless them, we wouldn’t be here without women. None of us guys would be here without our beautiful mothers. Women are so strong and powerful, especially in music… Gaga, Madonna, Mileymy friend Maria (Brink) of In This Momentand back there the Vinegar Joe with Elkie Brooksand Janis Joplin, Shirley Bassey… the power of women cannot be diminished.”
It is no coincidence that Lady Gaga is the name most cited by Rob among your favorites. The singer and actress is reportedly a fan of heavy metal and this certainly increases her prestige with the singer of Priest. About her, Halford he said:
The voice of Gaga that’s all, and she’s a metalhead, she’s always doing the horns. She is someone I would love to meet if the stars align.”
Also in 2020, this time for the magazine People, Halford talked about a possible collaboration with Gaga. The frontman recalled the LGBTQIAP+ representation that marks the artist’s work — and it is something directly related to his own figure. Rob stated:
I would definitely sing ‘Born This Way’because this is our anthem. About songs from PriestI think I would like to sing ‘Breaking the Law’ with her, because it speaks to the frustration we go through, particularly as young people.”
And for those who still don’t understand the fact that someone with the nickname Metal God like pop music so much, Halford gave the message. In the words of the vocalist:
I don’t believe in walls, barriers or censorship. I think all music is a feast. Everything touches me in different ways. And I translate all of this into my own work.”
The singer was even with Lady Gaga for the first time in 2014, when he appeared in the audience during a concert on the tour ArtRave: The Artpop Ball. The artist was moved on stage and since then the two have maintained a friendship.
Collaborated: André Luiz Fernandes.
Source: Rollingstone

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.