Richard Dyer states:[Stars as Constructions] “Pop performer” and “pop star” are separate. ‘Pop stars’ have significance over a period of time and “brand awareness.” They are constructed in a specific way to appear as “real people". If they have a USP, they can therefore be copied or parodied. Their representation may be metonymic. (i.e. the ability to dance or stand behind a cause. ) “A star is an image not a real person but is constructed out of a range of materials including advertising, magazines etc.TV programmes such as The X Factor show us the construction process from an ordinary person into a “pop star”. We prefer to believe in stars who are their own rather than constructed “products” for financial gain.

Our society categorises stars into the social group/class/gender to which they belong. Also, society suggests that certain norms of behaviour are appropriate to given groups of people, which people may disagree with (e.g. representation of blacks, women and gays in recent years)

[Ideology and Culture] Stars promote a certain ideology and this allows the audience to gain interest in these values, enhancing their 'star quality‘. Radio, TV shows, magazines and websites are devoted to star scrutiny. A star may initiate a fashion trend, with legions of fans copying. Stars can create an on-going critical commentary with the use of social media. For example, Lady Gaga who expects her fans to engage with that discourse.[Industry and Audience] The music industry constructs stars for financial gain. They tend to manufacture what they think audiences want. However, not all markets are convinced by the hype / formula and may therefore gravitate toward bands/artists who are perceived as 'real‘. (Stars are commodities)The music industry is aware of the range of the audiences / market it caters to. The 'conveyor belt' approach to new stars means that talent isn't developed . It includes making sure there is always a fresh star who attracts the younger audience by constantly mutating genres of music . Another way is to produce a star with long-lasting appeal who can cater to a solid fan base for several decades. However, younger fans can't identify with these stars because of the focus on a particular generation. A healthy music industry develops both types of talent, who mean different things to different audience segments.

[Character & Personality] A star begins as a "real" human and transforms into a construct. This construct is a reflection of their time and culture, the product of a particular generation. Whilst film stars are represented primarily through their characters with the personality and characteristics making them similar/different being created for them, pop stars, on the other hand, have to establish their character and personality through their endeavours. Pop stars are not seen in dramas or sci-fi movies which takes them out of place in time and space and confuse their audience.

Stars represent ideals to an audience. (e.g. for women, thin/beautiful) - they may support hegemony by conforming or providing difference (conventionally unattractive / still lovable). We gather an understanding of the star's persona on the sentiments expressed by their songs. Having said this, their persona can be difficult to maintain, or become repetitive, meaning they are unable to create a consistent account of their character and personality to carry them through to their second major release. This can contribute to an issue known as the “sophomore album slump/ syndrome”.

Debut Album Jessie J – ‘Who You Are’ (2011)

105,000 first week sales

Sophomore Album Jessie J – ‘Alive’ (2013)39,270  first week sales