Did Lady GaGa pull a Katy Perry on her hit song Shallow from A Star Is Born?!
That’s what one songwriter is claiming, arguing the singer and actress copied a three-note progression from one of his earlier songs. Now, he’s going so far as to threaten a lawsuit against the star and her fellow songwriters over what he believes to be “significant tempo, melodic, rhythmic and harmonic similarities” between the two tracks. WTF?!
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The songwriter, Steve Ronsen, believes the three-note progression from his 2012 song Almost was copied in GaGa’s hit song. Apparently when Ronsen first heard Shallow, his lawyer sent notice to her legal team about the similarities, even offering a musicologist’s findings as proof the progressions were remarkably similar.
It appears the star’s lawyers mostly rebuffed Ronsen from there, because on Thursday, Ronsen attorney Mark D. Shirian released a public statement to Us Weekly that didn’t hesitate to call out the 33-year-old over the two songs’ alleged similarities (below):
“In an effort to amicably resolve this matter months ago, my office provided Lady Gaga’s legal team, at their request, with an official report from a renowned and respected musicologist and professor who determined that there are significant tempo, melodic, rhythmic and harmonic similarities between the two ‘hooks’ of the songs at issue. Lady Gaga’s team has yet to provide my office with an opposing musicologist report, which we have requested multiple times.”
Wow!!!
Things here haven’t progressed into Perry territory quite yet, but it is serious. Per Page Six, GaGa could face a lawsuit based on the alleged similarities of the two melodies in question. Whether Ronsen would win or not remains in question, but even just going to court over something like this is a serious matter, regardless of outcome.
An insider spoke to Us Weekly about it, too, and noted the A-lister’s determination not to be bullied over the plagiarism accusations (below):
“Lady GaGa is outraged by these false claims and will not back down in any way.”
And on cue, her lawyers also released a statement blasting Ronsen’s copy-cat claims.
Lawyer Orin Snyder defended the star in this statement to the media (below):
“Mr. Ronsen and his lawyer are trying to make easy money off the back of a successful artist. It is shameful and wrong. I applaud Lady GaGa for having the courage and integrity to stand up on behalf of successful artists who find themselves on the receiving end of such [claims]. Should Mr. Shirian proceed with this case, Lady GaGa will fight it vigorously and will prevail.”
Well then!
For what it’s worth, a source reported to Us Weekly that “multiple musicologists” reviewed the two songs and “found no material similarities.” One expert noted the melodic combination in question is “common,” and can be heard in songs “from centuries ago.” Hmmm!!!
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It still doesn’t mean GaGa is free and clear; the musicologist who reviewed the songs on Ronsen’s behalf came to a very different conclusion, and there’s a shot the songwriter could still pursue legal action. Judging by the payout levied against Perry over her recent lawsuit loss, these types of accusations are very serious — and could turn into a serious payday depending on how a jury sees it.
Thoughts, Perezcious readers?! Potentially tough times ahead for Shallow… we’ll keep you posted on how this turns out!!!
P.S. Listen to the song in question (below)!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yXIb0yNZfU
[Image via WENN]
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