Lady Gaga would "rather die" than leave a performance early.

The 'Telephone' singer - who crumpled to the floor and had to lie down during the last song for one of her recent sold-out 'Monster Ball' shows in Auckland, New Zealand - insists her apparent collapse was no cause for concern, she was just worn out from so much travelling.

"I'd rather die on stage than walk off because I was going to pass out."

The 23-year-old star - who was forced to cancel several shows in January because she was suffering from exhaustion - insisted that she'd since had a rest and felt "completely rejuvenated and excited."

However, according to those close to the singer, the exhausted hitmaker is reportedly on the verge of a breakdown because of her hectic schedule.

A source told People magazine: "She's on the verge of tipping. She's only human."

Gaga is currently in the middle of a world tour, which will see her perform 100 shows in 10 months by the time she finishes in September.