Star Theory

Richard Dyer, designed a theory for all Popstars "A star is an image, not a real person that is constructed (as any other aspect of fiction is) out of a range of materials"

• Stars as constructions
• Stars are constructed, artificial images
• USP - they can be copied and/or parodied because of it
• Stars are made to appeal to audiences, which will in turn generate revenue for record companies.
• Record companies nurture & shape their stars
• They tend to manufacture what they think audiences want, hence the 'photocopied' nature of many boy bands, teen bands etc.

"Stars are commodities produced & consumed on the strengths of their meanings"

Common values of music stardom:

• Youthfulness
• Rebellion
• Sexual magnetism
• Anti-authoritarian attitude
•  Originality
• Creativity/talent
• A disregard for social values relating to drugs & sex
• Conspicuous consumption of sex,drugs & material goods.

Characters & personality

• A star begins as a "real" human, but the star transformation process turns them into a construct.
• A pop stars persona needs constant nurturing. Madonna has been excellent at adapting and changing her persona to keep fans interested

Star Image Motifs

• These are a running theme for an artist. The aim is to help establish the artist as a band.
• Star image motifs could be recurring icons, images or fonts
• EG Red hot chilli peppers - Star image logo, Eminem - Backwards 'e', Rolling Stones - Tongue, Deadmau5 - Mouse Head

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is an excellent example of this theory as we see her push the boundaries of our generations perception of what is normal making her intriguing through her alternative clothing choices and extreme music videos. - Gaga's ability to perform and create music is of a high standard however this alone does not create her image and keep her in the spotlight it’s this “star” factor imagery that keeps the fans invested. 

Lady Gaga has a well-known alternative persona. This persona delivers something different to the viewer and listener that they enjoy. If an artist is at either end of the spectrum they tend to be successful. 

Lady Gaga is at the one end of the spectrum where she is so wacky that people love her because she is so far from normality. Whereas artists’ such as Adele are at that other end of the spectrum where they are extremely relatable for the viewer and listener that they adopt a liking.