This document discusses how stars are constructed and perceived. Stars are manufactured images used to create profits through products and experiences. Record labels and agencies churn out similar stars to copy successful patterns. Stars also represent certain ideologies, often portraying upper-class lifestyles as ideal, but some indie stars promote working-class values. Celebrities can now promote their own ideologies through social media to trigger social change.

1. STAR THEORY
RICHARD DYER

2. 1. STARS AS CONSTRUCTIONS
• Icons and celebrities are
manufactured and artificial
images used for advertisement
and entertainment.
• Audiences believe that the
celebrities are conveying a certain
emotion and that they are
‘relatable’ through a variety of
mediums such as their music
videos, social media and magazine
interviews/photoshoots.
FOR EXAMPLE:
Taylor Swift markets herself as her younger fans’
“older sister” figure.
• Her songs discuss typical matters many teenage
girls can connect with, such as heartbreak and
friendship troubles.
• She keeps up-to-date with trends in order to
portray herself as “one of us” yet,
simultaneously, emphasises how “uncool” she
is.
• Her social media presence is powerful and her
posts/tweets allow her fans to feel much more
connected with her.

3. 2. STARS AS COMMODITIES
• Stars are created to create a profit for their label and
the institutions surrounding them.
• This profit can be obtained through products or
experiences – albums, merchandise, ancillary
products (e.g. perfumes, make-up lines), concert
tickets, meet and greet experiences.
• Agencies and labels continuously churn out similar
stars to those already in the spotlight as they
acknowledge certain patterns and styles working to
generate money.
• This is the sole purpose of programmes such as X
Factor and American Idol, which have produced
some of the most popular groups.

4. 3. STARS AS AN IDEOLOGY
• Stars represent certain social groups and views, thus certain
ideologies are created.
• Celebrities often reflect bourgeoisie and upper class
lifestyles, and the media portrays this as ideal.
• However, this may be contradicted with the ‘indie’ subculture
– a genre which consists of bands who originate from a
working class background and perpetuated working class
values.
• Moreover, stars may now promote their own ideologies
through the use of social media and, thus, trigger social
change. Particularly with those who possess a large
following, celebrities are able to establish their own values
outside of their music.
• FOR EXAMPLE: Lady Gaga – often uses her platform to
bring attention to issues on sexuality, feminism and mental
health. This creates cultural discourse which her fans can