When 10-year-old Maria Aragon posted a video of herself on YouTube covering Lady Gaga's latest pop smash, "Born This Way," she probably had no idea what kind of opportunity the video would lead to.
It all started on February 17, when Gaga tweeted her praise for the young singer's cover of her track. "Can't stop crying watching this. This is why I make music. She is the future," she wrote.
The love affair culminated in Gaga bringing the young Canadian fan onstage with her during her tour stop in Toronto. Gaga even posted a photo of them together backstage, making monster paws, each wearing T-shirts with the other's image on it. Gaga shared, "Myself +10 year Old Lady Maria of Winnipeg. She signed my t-shirt, she ate my heart, just like you."
In footage posted online, the crowd went crazy as the young singer took the stage decked out in a black leather jacket, a pink hoodie, sparkling black leggings and high-top sneakers. Gaga gave her a big hug, then sat down at the piano and put the girl on her lap as they sang "Born This Way" together.
"Maria represents what this song is all about," Gaga told the excited crowd. "It's all about the next generation and the future."
As the pair sang the track acoustically, Gaga became visibly moved by the performance and tears began to form in her eyes. When the song ended, Aragon held up her stuffed orange monkey as she told the crowd, "I just want to thank all of you for your support. I hope you enjoyed it. Also, a shout-out to all my friends in Winnipeg and my family."
Gaga continued to tear up as Aragon made her way offstage, telling the room, "Little monsters, thank Maria from Winnipeg."
