Star theory argues that pop stars have constructed personas not defined solely by their music. Pop stars are commodities produced by record companies to appeal to audiences. Famous stars like Madonna and David Beckham have brand recognition because their personas represent shared cultural values and are sustained over long periods of time through constantly nurturing their image.

1. Star Image Theory

2. Richard Dyer
 ‘ Pop stars have an identity or persona which is
not restricted solely to their musicianship
 A true pop star does have a lasting significance
and has a ‘brand awareness’ amongst a wider
market over a period of time.
 For example Madonna,
 And David Beckham who is recognized in many
different modern forms such as advertising.

3. Star Theory
 1) Stars as constructions
 2) Industry and Audience
 3) Ideology and Culture
 4) Character and Personality

4. Stars as Constructions
 Stars are constructed as artificial images for
example Madonna’s pointy bra and bonos
glasses
 ‘ A star is an image not a real person that
is constructed out of a range of
materials.

5. Industry And Audience
 Stars are made to appeal to audience in order for
success.
 Record companies nurture and shape their stars to
become what they want.
 For example boy bands are always the same.
 ‘ Stars are the commodities produced and
consumed on the strength of their meaning’

6. Ideology and Culture
Stars represents shared cultural values
and attitudes to promote a certain
ideology and enhances ‘star quality’

7. Character and Personality
 Stars provide audiences with ideas of what
‘their supposed to be like’ or providing
difference eg thin or fat.
 Second album syndrome – when a artist is
unable to sustain their persona over a period
of time.
 Popstar’s persona needs constant nurturing