Madonna had two chances as I see it to prove she could go beyond the dance floor: the Sondheim songs written specifically for her for Dick Tracy and the movie version of Evita. She (forgive any pun you might think of, especially you GNT) blew it, both times. I don't know if it was her ego, but both times she seemed to shun any guidance and play it her way. Both attempts fell flat and neither one propelled her beyond her limited range. Where as Gaga paired up with a legend and allowed him to teach her what she needed to learn to build upon her talent and what she already knew. I love a lot of Lady Gaga's dance music; it's smart, playful and creative. But she is smart enough to know she doesn't want to end up like Madonna who at 58 has to still rely on puerile dance music, showing her saggy butt and acting like a twit to try to fit in. I always thought Madonna was smarter than that, but alas she hasn't seemed to really learn much over the years. Meanwhile Gaga is well on her way to actually building a career she will be comfortable with when she reaches Madonna's age.