1. Madonna

2. Star Theory
Madonna has her own USP. This makes her a star because she stands out for the rest. For
example, her famous conical Bra that got her noticed in the early 1990’s. This helps people
remember her. This is how she has been so successful over a long period of time because
she is unique and stands out from the crowd.
People adore her fashion and her lifestyle making them want to listen to her songs and
buy tickets to her concerts to see her in real life as she became almost fictional because
of her fame.

3. Pastiche/Parodies
Lady Gaga and Madonna
both have many parodies.
They can be seen as
similar stars as they are
most famous for their
style and how they can
shock the nation with
their wacky outfits.
Beyonce, recently, did a pastiche to
Madonna in one of her music videos.
In 1992, Madonna’s Erotica video
involved her in a suit walking around
corridors. Beyonce mimics this in her
video for Horror. She also copies
Madonna iconic blonde hair with
finger waves .

4. Gender Representation
Madonna has explored many representations of woman
such as, a nymph, a materialistic girl and a glamorous
girl. She sings about in one of her songs (Like a Virgin)
how sex has made her stronger and bolder, not a
possession of a man. She represents woman as being
strong and independent. “Express Yourself” is another
example where Madonna sings about self-expression
and female power. She also explores cultural identity.
She has a lot to express in her music videos and always
has an underlying meaning of feminist power.

5. Gramsci’s Hegemony and Male Gaze
Madonna isn't the stereotypical artist of her
time. She stood out from the to be a males
possession or inferior to the male.
However, some may argue crowd as she
represented woman as being powerful and
independent and didn't refer them that she
brings up a gender issue making woman an
object to admire (male gaze) and not
necessarily and independent woman as
Madonna uses her body and image to
attract male gaze. Madonna uses the male
gaze in most of her music videos, this was
unusual for her time and this is the reasons
why she is well remembered as she brought
up sensitive topics/issues in her songs.
Madonna has never conformed with her
music genre as she has always caused
uproar and has been criticized greatly.
Madonna targets the male gaze and woman
who take comfort in her work.