Lady Gaga Covers January 2010 Issue of "Elle"

Lady Gaga dons a sexy strapless top on the January 2010 cover of Elle magazine.

On a recurring theme in her work: “I feel that if I can show my demise artistically to the public, I can somehow cure my own legend. I can show you so you’re not looking for it. I’m dying for you on domestic television - here’s what it looks like, so no one has to wonder.”

On being a former waitress: “I was really good at it. I always got big tips. I always wore heels to work! I told everybody stories, and for customers on dates, I kept it romantic. It’s kind of like performing.”

On using her sexuality: “My album covers are not sexual at all, which was an issue at my record label. I fought for months, and I cried at meetings. They didn’t think the photos were commercial enough.The last thing a young woman needs is another picture of a sexy pop star writhing in sand, covered in grease, touching herself.”

For more from Gaga, including more exclusive photos, visit http://www.elle.com/.