Richard Dyer developed the star persona theory which argues that audiences are influenced by their perceptions of stars formed through various media representations. A key aspect is that stars have identities beyond their music careers that form cultural impacts and brand awareness. Once this level of recognition is achieved, stars can remain significant even after periods away from performing. A star is essentially a constructed image rather than the real person, built from marketing materials and grooming on shows like The X Factor to fulfill audience and industry expectations.

1. { Richard Dyer’s
Star Persona Theory

2.  In 1979, Richard Dyer published his most
notable work called ‘Stars’ in which he
developed a concept that audiences of a film
are heavily influenced by the perception of
stars.
 Evidence is shown as audiences either buy
merchandises of these stars or adapt hegemony
(‘culture’) where they attempt to copy the star’s
behaviour.
Star Persona Theory

3.  Pop performers are people who perform pop
music while pop stars are those who have an
identity or persona other than their music
career.
 Once an artist has made sociological or
cultural impact or brand awareness amongst
a wider market over a period of time, they
gain more fans which make them last their
significance even after months of their career
break. It also makes them prone to being
copied or parodied. Example is Justin
Bieber’s bowl cut.
Difference between Pop
Performers & Pop Stars

4. “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 (e.g. advertising,
magazines etc. as well as films)”. –Dyer, 1979
An example of this is a TV programme called The
X Factor that show a construction process: an
ordinary person is groomed or styled into
fulfilling record company and market
expectations.
Stars as constructions

5. Annotate three magazine
covers and focus on the
star persona.

6. Seductive persona
Parted lips & bold
lipstick emphasizes
the lips
Lazy eyes
seducing the
audience; inviting
Dress code -
slightly scant
clothing, revealing
much skin.
Hairstyle – slightly
covering her face,
as if its giving a
sneak peak to the
audience: playful,
tease.
Pose – highlights
her contoured
face
Side cut hairstyle
– usually for a
rock-star chic look
but she is
portrayed in a
feminine sense in
this magazine

7. Punk persona
Pose -
Allows prejudice
from audience as
being fearless or
intimidating.
Hand directs the
eye to look at the
main singer
Make-up applied
on the main singer
is a smudged
eyeliner; it suggests
a carefree attitude
that most punks are
seen as.
Most vocalists are
the main focus or
the face of their
band. Thus, it
creates a Star
Persona as he is
portrayed
differently among
his band members
One of the accents
of an emo person
is their hairstyle:
bangs. They are
commonly
coloured as black
as a part of their
personal
expression

8. Feminine persona
Dress Code –
light pink floral
patterned dress
denotes the
stereotypical
representation of
women
Accessories –
stylish rather than
sophisticated
suggesting a
teenage-like
representation
instead of an adult.
Most teenage girls
are seen as girly.
Light make-up –
similar to prom
makeup where
every tool that
enhances the face
is slightly
applied: lipstick,
eyeliner, blush,
mascara and etc.
Pose – directs
the eye to face
instead of body