Lady Gaga receives support from Madonna

Lady Gaga has received support from "queen" Madonna for 'Born This Way'.

The 24-year-old star has responded to criticism that her latest single sounds like the elder singer's 1989 track 'Express Yourself' - saying Madonna has personally given the song her blessing.

She said: "The good news is I got an email from her people sending me their love and support on behalf of the single. And if the queen says it shall be, then it shall be."

The eccentric singer also went on to address the allegations of copying the 52-year-old icon further, adding: "You know, there is really no one that is a more adoring and loving Madonna fan than me.

"I am the hugest fan personally and professionally."

Gaga added her song deliberately has an "early '90s vibe" which she wanted to include to enhance its party feeling.

Speaking to host Jay Leno on 'The Tonight Show' she added: "The freedom in the song, the R 'n' B, early '90s vibe that it has, it's so full of love and spirit, and I think that it's the spirit that people are reacting to the most. I just want everyone to rejoice and celebrate and be unafraid to be happy.

"It doesn't always have to be so dark. It doesn't always have to be so sexy. Sometimes it's wonderful just to celebrate life and kind of go to church with it."

'Born This Way' is presently number one in the US Billboard hot 100 chart, and number three in the Official UK charts.