It’s hard to know who was more devastated by Lady Gaga’s decision to cancel her tour after a recent injury — her loyal fan base or Mother Monster herself. From the very beginning, Gaga created an image of self-love and empowerment, as demonstrated by the unforgettable meat dress she wore at the 2010 MTV Music Video Awards. With the infamous dress, Gaga attempted to make the statement that she is a human being with rights, not a piece of meat, and that she refused to be treated as such. Through her performances and music, Gaga pas-ses her values onto her fans.

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Gaga loves her fans with every ounce of her being. At the close of her jam-packed, two-and-a-half-hour set during her Born This Way Ball Tour last year, the artist spent nearly every break between songs thanking the audience and letting them know how much they meant to her. She also used her own story of dedication and hard work to achieve fame as an inspirational anecdote to help her fans strive to achieve their own dreams. At the show’s close, Gaga pulled several audience members onstage and sang to them, offering the entire venue a reason to believe in themselves and what they can achieve.

— Alex Pastron