Thus in 5, 10 or 20 years - who will future artists reference as an influence on their career? Take into account not only the music, but the whole package. Also look into image (fashion, persona etc.), music videos, performances and their respective development as artists throughout time. Who can people draw more inspiration from for the future, when it comes to the music industry, where other artists will reference either Lady Gaga or Rihanna in their interviews? Justify your arguments.

Gaga, very easily.

Her writing, her iconic looks and videos. Her artistry.

Rihanna doesn't really pop up to me as an artist, just a pop singer. There's nothing in her that stands out to be anything more.

Gaga

Gaga.

Gaga will have more influence on future artists. People will want to imitate her attention-grabbing style and meteoric rise to fame.

Definitely Gaga, but i'm sure they'll wish for the team that's behind Rihanna,

Gaga obviously.

I think Rihanna's influence will be that there will be more black pop stars after her. People will see the market for that and will not force black singers into the R&B box.

Gaga

Rihanna of course. She already has many clones in the music business. Everyone wants to be Rihanna. Gaga is pretty much done imo.

Many will want to emulate Rihanna's ubiquity

There you go.

Rihanna. She has much broader appeal than Gaga.

Not to mention, people are embarrassed to openly be Lady Gaga fans, whilst it's cool to be a Rihanna fan.

Also, Rihanna was around for longer. She was around when I was growing up, but I was already out of college by the time Just Dance smashed.

Rihanna of course! the influence of the haircut from GGGB is already a clear reminder of her huge impact!

Rihanna I guess.

But Rihanna only has three years on Gaga. Even if you don't think Gaga has passed up Rihanna yet, as time goes on three years will seem like nothing. And Rihanna wasn't really a serious factor until 2007 anyway.

I don't know if being a Rihanna fan is that much less embarrassing, but people can still be influenced on the down low

You may have been out of college by that time, but everyone will have a different situation depending on how old they are.

.

Lady Gaga.