Pop megastar Lady Gaga has opened up about her decision to perform under a pseudonym and admitted that it protects her from vulnerability.

In a brand new interview with Elle magazine, the 'Applause' beauty explained that she took on the name Lady Gaga so that she didn't have to take on criticism or fame personally:

"I am - Stefani is - a perpetually tortured artist. That's why I changed my name. I can't be her in public. She would be a mess!"

The hitmaker also confessed that she works well under pressure, adding: "What are you talking about pressure? I'm great under pressure. I'm a warrior. I'm Rocky, round 12."

She graces the cover of the magazine's October edition (shown above left) and her photo comes with the intriguing tag line: 'Lady Gaga - more outrageous than ever. You won't believe this story'.