Lady Gaga thrilled with Glee tribute

Lady Gaga has lavished praise on the stars of TV musical Glee after they immortalised her music in a special tribute episode.

The pop superstar's acceptance anthem Born This Way became the theme of the show in an installment broadcast on Tuesday (26Apr11).

The cast all wore t-shirts proclaiming their characters' insecurities, with Matthew Morrison donning a shirt emblazoned with the phrase "Butt Chin," while Chris Colfer's gay character proclaims across his chest "Likes Boys".

The storyline drew some criticism from conservative campaigners for its pro-gay themes, but outspoken activist Gaga has given the episode her full backing, writing in a post on her Twitter.com page, "I really loved Glee's Born This Way episode. I admire the show for being brave + fighting for such modern social messaging. Never back down."

Jarrett Barrios, president of Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), has also staunchly defended the TV musical, telling the Hollywood Reporter, "Fair-minded Americans are tuning in by the millions to inclusive shows like Glee... because they don't care whether someone is straight or gay - what they care about is seeing characters and stories they can relate to. Most Americans today support full equality for their gay and lesbian friends, family and neighbors. That anti-gay critics continue to be out-of-touch with the majority and can't see that fact is no surprise."