Lady Gaga has claimed that she wouldn't have become famous had it not been for her break-up with a former boyfriend.

The US singer said the demise of her relationship with Luka, a heavy-metal drummer, has impacted everything that has happened since.

"I wouldn't have been as successful without him,” Lady Gaga told Rolling Stone. “I've never really loved anyone like I loved him. Or like I love him.”

"That relationship really shaped me. It made me into a fighter."

Lady Gaga wouldn't be drawn on revealing more about her former boyfriend, but admitted that she now aimed her love into her fans.

As previously reported, Lady Gaga also used the interview to speak about her new album, which is due to be released early next year.

The US star also revealed that she was trying to model herself on Michael Jackson.

Lady Gaga is currently enjoying a break before her Monster Ball tour resumes in North America later this month.

(by Jason Gregory)