The Story Behind The Product Placements In Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” Video

Erika Brooks Adickman | March 12, 2010 8:25 am

After months of buzz and a series of drool-worthy photo leaks, the grandiose Jonas Akerlund-directed music video to Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” finally hit the Web last night. And while plenty of Gaga’s “little monsters” are (understandably) still trying to figure out how to pick their jaws up from the floor, many video experts are asking “What’s the deal with all the product placements?” We wondered too. And after a long night of research we’ve come up with some answers, some theories, and some mysteries yet to be solved. After the jump allow us to enlighten you on the nine-minute advertisement known as “Telephone”. Just a disclaimer, we will not be providing any answers as to what the plot of “Telephone” is. We’re still trying to figure that one out for ourselves.

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This is not the first time that Gaga has used  the HP Envy 15 Beats laptops in a music video. The same HP limited edition laptop was used in “Bad Romance”. What makes this edition of HP so special? Each includes by Dr Dre headphones and Traktor DJ software.”But these are by Dr. Dre,” you say.”Where’s the tie in?” Wait for it.

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Monster, the company that also makes Dr. Dre’s Beats headphones, also makes Gaga’s one-of-a-kind Heartbeats headphones. In case you’re wondering, a typical pair can cost you around $120.

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Lady Gaga was recently named Creative Director for specialty line of Polaroid imaging products.

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Understandably, she’s pretty proud of her accomplishment.

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No word of official sponsorship yet.  Perhaps Gaga simply enjoys “the tangy zip of Miracle Whip” and the wholesome goodness of Wonder Bread. We wonder if there will be a spike in the mayo and sliced bread companies in addition to LG’s “Telephone” downloads on iTunes this week.

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Dating website PlentyOfFish.com was allowing plenty of singles the chance to be set up on “the date of a lifetime”: a Lady Gaga concert.

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Lady Gaga’s The Monster Ball Tour is sponsored by, you guessed it, Virgin Mobile.

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As far as we can tell, this is just a coincidence and a mere aesthetic choice. Perhaps Gaga is just a big fan of the calorie free beverage.

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In this jailhouse scene Gaga is rocking some vintage Chanel sunglasses. But was this paid for by Chanel? Sure Gaga wore a Chanel suit when she was interviewed by Barbara Walters, but as far as official sponsorship from the fashion institution, we say nay. “Telephone” was filled with designs from famed fashion designers and from LG’s own Haus of Gaga. For an in depth breakdown of Beyonce and Gaga’s costumes click here.
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And in case you missed it, here it is again.