The document discusses Richard Dyer's Star Theory, which proposes that celebrities and artists are manufactured by media institutions primarily for financial gain. The theory has three parts: that stars are designed to be relatable to increase revenue by attracting a loyal fanbase; that institutions construct unique stars and brands to appeal to target audiences; and that fans develop admiration and sometimes emulate stars, which could influence behaviors both positively and negatively. The document uses Lady Gaga and Rihanna as examples of how stars are fashioned to appeal to audiences in ways that increase their popularity and commercial success.

1. Richard Dyers Star
Theory
Alex Reddish

2. What is the Star
Theory?
• This is the idea that artists and celebrities are
manufactured by institutions for purely financial gain.
• Dyer believes that the stars are made to represent
‘real people’- this allows the audience to connect
with the artist more.
• An artist who is more relatable is more likely to sell
more records and have more fans- creating more
revenue for the music industry.

3. The theory is split into three
sections;
• Audience and Institutions:
Stars are made to earn money. A more unique artist
who has their own brand is more likely to become a
household name and this will therefore increase the
number of platforms their products are available in and
this will increase sales. Dyer uses the example Lady
Gaga and says that she was modelled to attract
fashion forward people as her target audience- this
means that the audience can relate to her more as a
person and also her music; this will then create more
sales creating more revenue for the institution.

4. • Constitutions;
This is similar to the previous part of his theory
• Hegemony;
We relate to the star because we have something that we
share with them or admire them. This then develops from
admiration to idolisation. Many people tend to try and
replicate the things they like about the star (their look or
hairstyle). Sometimes this can be negative because some
chose to take controlled drugs and alcohol and their fans
may chose to copy the actions of their idols.

5. Rihanna
• Rihanna was only a teen when
she burst onto the music scene;
as she grew as a star she was
dressed (or chose to dress) in a
more provocative way.
• Many of her fans have grown
with her and are still only teens
themselves, the stars dressing
may lead to her fans doing the
same.
• However, Rihanna has created a
‘brand’ for herself as a fashion
icon and pop star.