The Age of the ‘Star’, but not the ‘Superstar’

As more and more iconic celebrities die, I come to realize how we don’t have superstars like we used to. For example, think of watching the Grammy’s in the 80’s. You had Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and plenty more I could mention. All of those people were superstars at the time. Regardless if people didn’t like them, they knew of them, and they had to know at least one song of theirs. These stars broke boundaries, they had hit upon hit song and their talent was unmatched. I think of the stars we have today and it is a bit hard to place any of our current stars in “Superstar” category. I can think of maybe one star that can fit into the “Superstar” category - Britney Spears. With Lady Gaga and Adele coming close behind her. These three women have followed in the footsteps of the ones before them - breaking boundaries, having hit upon hit and having unmatched talent. I mention these three because Britney, Gaga and Adele have seemed to break the age boundaries. Everyone, of all ages, knows of them. And they know at least one hit song they’ve had. It is important to have appeal in every age category - that is how you last in the industry. Michael Jackson, for example, appealed to adults, teen, children alike. That is why he lives on today, even after his passing. People can bash Britney all they want - saying how she has no talent, she can’t sing etc. But there was a time when she was on top of the world professionally - “Baby One More Time”, “Oops I Did It Again”, “Toxic” for example are all hit songs that remain timeless. She was in the tabloids every second, going to every award show and everyone just knew about her. “You can’t always be out there” Britney said in her MTV documentary “For The Record” and she’s right. There will come a time when the hype will slow down, but if you have true superstar status, you will have earned your title as a legend. Think of Michael Jackson, Prince and Madonna. These three practically owned the music industry in the 80’s. Now think of the last time the three of them had a super hit song and I mean something that took over the world. Can’t think of one right? But it doesn’t matter. Even if they had their last huge hit 20, 15 years ago, they’re still relevant. Because they proved themselves to be superstars in the beginning. And they will always be remembered for those hits, even if they aren’t releasing hits anymore. Whitney Houston hadn’t released any crazy spectacular songs in the last 5-10 years, but when she passed, people were blasting the songs that made her legendary, the songs that broke records and the songs that reminded us just how much of a superstar she was. I think of Jennifer Hudson, who performed a tribute to Whitney at the Grammy’s. She has an amazing voice. But why isn’t she more popular? I can’t name one huge hit she’s had. People know she has an amazing voice, but what about some music that reflects that? I don’t know if songwriters aren’t what they used to be, or if something else is lacking in the music industry today. When I watch the Grammy’s now, I don’t know probably 2/3 of the people there. These people are ‘stars’ but they haven’t reached that ‘superstar’ status. They don’t make the entire world watch them when they get up on that stage and they don’t fascinate people. When Lady Antebellum got up on stage, my mom asked me who they were. It’s a shame that artists and groups that are constantly played on the radio aren’t becoming superstars. “Need You Now” was a great crossover hit and I know my mom has heard it, but it didn’t leave an impression on her I suppose. P!nk has an amazing voice, a great catalog of music and an originality that is lacking today. Why isn’t she more popular? What is missing from these stars that isn’t catapulting them to superstar status? It’s a question I’m determined to find the answer to. Mind you, I am not bashing any of the artists I’ve talked about here. I love them all and admire their talent and work deeply. I wish Prince would come out with a huge hit song. I wish P!nk was way more popular than she is now. I’ve just used them as examples to prove my point - that (with the exception of a rare few), no one is a superstar anymore. And I just don’t get why.

3 months ago with 1 note
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