Lady Gaga almost quit singing forever, and she may have if it weren't for the help and guidance of her Cheek to Cheek duet partner Tony Bennett. In a new interview, the "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" singers opened up about their surprising relationship and connection.

After Gaga's 2013 album ARTPOP failed to resonate with audiences and she had a shakeup in her camp (switching managers and posting vague messages of betrayal on her Little Monsters fansite), the "Applause" singer admitted that she just wanted to give up in a new interview with Parade.

"It's heartbreaking. Six months ago I didn't even want to sing anymore," Gaga said. "The other day, Tony said, 'I've ­never once in my career not wanted to do this.' It stung. Six months ago I didn't feel that way. I tell Tony every day that he saved my life."

Gaga further hinted at the betrayal amongst her inner circle, which nearly destroyed her personally. But, she found solace with the 88-year-old jazz legend.

"I'm not going to say any names, but people get irrational when it comes to ­money-with how they treat you, with what they expect from you. ... But if you help an artist, it doesn't give you the right, once the artist is big, to take advantage of them," she said. "I was so sad. I couldn't sleep. I felt dead. And then I spent a lot of time with Tony. He wanted nothing but my friendship and my voice."

The result of the unlikely friendship is a forthcoming jazz duets album Cheek to Cheek, which is due to be released on Sept. 23. The album will be followed by a PBS special Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek Live! on Oct. 24.

Join the Discussion