Stardum (Source- Mediaknowall.com)

Richard Dyer's star theory applied to Pop Stars:

'Pop Performers' and 'Pop Stars' are not necessarily the same thing in Media terms. Whereas a Pop Performer is known for performing pop music, a Pop Star however has something more than just 'musical talent' as they have an individual identity or persona that complements their musicianship.

                    Pop Performers can quickly become known more as Pop Stars of higher status, through easy promotion by the artist's management. This can be done simply by getting them within headline stories in celebrity magazines or newspapers, having them attend premiers/ parties with lots of media coverage and having a famous boyfriend/ girlfriend etc. Media attention and promotion is imperative to promote an artist to a higher status.

                    However, a pop star with true lasting appeal and brand awareness to the target market (their audience) will more than likely last much longer in the 'limelight' and performing for a longer period of time. Pop stars that either lack musical talent or media attention will eventually disappear from the public eye as they are not classed as true Pop Stars.

- Stars as Constructs:
Richard Dyers Star Theory suggests that ‘stars are constructs’. They undergo a transformation process, whereby they get remodelled into what is expected from the music industry. They are simply artificial images constructed by their management teams… A facade that conceals their true identity. Do we see the real person, or are we seeing clones of the music industry?

- Industry and Audience:
As previously stated, pop star management teams and record companies nurture and construct their artists. This is done in a way that they feel is what people want in order to make money out of their audiences. Manufacturing them in this way creates popularity; and popularity means more money.


- Ideology and Culture:
Stars mainly share the same views, attitudes and shared cultural values in order to gain audience interest. They promote a certain ideology which in turn helps give them their star persona.

- Character & Personality:
Stars begin as 'real people'; but this theory suggests that once the stars have gone under construction to become pop stars by their management teams and record companies they then become 'representations of real people'. Stars can leave a lasting impression on their audience, that they are exactly what everyone is supposed, and should be like. 'They may support hegemony by conforming to it (thin/beautiful) or providing difference (fat/still lovable)'- Hegemony- Antonio Gramsci.


Take Lady Gaga for example; perhaps the most flamboyant Pop Star in History. Being the most popular Twitter user- having a recorded 40,239,970 followers (13/10/2013), she certainly doesn't lack fame and the fans. She is consistently appearing within the Media as an influential Icon of the music Industry. The question however, is all this down to her own personal style and individuality or is it all an act by the order of her management and record companies?