Of course she is smart - when she sang with our original name and dark hair, very few people noticed her talents as a songwriter and singer.
When she changed into 'Lady Gag' with her flambouyant outfits, everyone noticed, and she is laughing all the way into the history of music, and with millions in the bank.
Happens a lot - Marylyn Mansion, KISS band, and many others.
They need a break to get noticed.
Very few people nowadays want to see a good singer and talented songwriter without some kind of 'pizazz' to go along with it.