How Brian May Made One Of The Biggest Pop Songs Ever

Though many may view Lady Gaga primarily as a pop artist, she is, in reality, a highly talented musician and songwriter. Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, Gaga is known for digging deep into various sources of inspiration when crafting her music. She’s far from being a one-note performer—her work often draws from a wide range of musical styles and influences.

One shining example is her 2011 hit single “You and I.” The song became a staple of the early 2010s, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100. Its success was thanks in part to the involvement of legendary Queen guitarist Brian May, who contributed a powerful guitar solo and additional live instrumentation—avoiding the use of synthesizers entirely, a rarity in that decade.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Gaga shared her emotional reaction: “I fell to the floor crying and laughing when I found out that I’d got him on the song.” She also revealed the deep personal connection she felt to the band: “I called myself Gaga after Queen’s track ‘Radio Gaga,’” she told The Sun, via Gigwise.

A Dream Collaboration Becomes Mutual Admiration

Working with Brian May was a dream come true for Gaga, and the feeling turned out to be mutual. May spoke highly of their time in the studio, telling Bang Showbiz:

“I had a blast working with Lady Gaga. She’s fantastic, she’s very inspiring.”

He went on to praise her authenticity: “She’s a very human person underneath all those layers. I love her, she’s great. The persona she’s built up certainly seems to be working.” His musical signature is evident in the track’s arrangement, which blends Gaga’s pop sensibilities with Queen’s grand, theatrical rock style. In fact, with a few lyrical changes, the song could easily be mistaken for a Queen tune.

“Born This Way” Era: A High Point in Gaga’s Career

The album that housed “You and I,” 2011’s Born This Way, marked a major milestone in Lady Gaga’s career. The record debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and its title track also soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This era highlighted Gaga’s versatility as an artist and her ability to collaborate with iconic musicians, solidifying her place as more than just a pop sensation.