Dyer's Star Theory

CONSTRUCTION - This is when an artist has a great transformation that is displayed to the public through any media text, typically a reality television programme such as the X Factor.

Example: Cher Lloyd

Lloyd has explained on many occasions, even during her time on the show, that she is not a "pop" artist. In fact, she deems herself to be a "rapper" and has wanted to be taken seriously for a long time now. Unfortunately she made the mistake of going onto a pop talent show and allowed the programme's staff to alter her public personality into being very cheesy. If you compare the video above, something that she had minimal say into, to this video, a video that she directed and choreographed, then you will understand the huge construction that the media has had on her. Her USP that the media has chosen for her is that she can rap and still sing songs in a very cheesy way. This allows fans of cheesy pop and possibly rap to be brought together to create an even bigger fanbase. However, these two genres are so differed from each other that she has no received a very loyal fanbase, however because of the constant attention being brought  on to her, Cher Lloyd has received a total of four gold rated singles and three platinum ones, one of them (Want U Back) going double platinum in the US. Clearly because of her constructed background, she has received this attention due to her filling up the gap in the market.

STARS AS PRODUCTS - This is when an artist is constructed to fit exactly the way that the record label wants them in order to fill up a market niche.

Example: Justin Bieber

When this artist first came out, there was no dominant male teenage singer. At this time the most popular male vocalists were the pop group "Jonas Brothers". Justin Bieber has been constructed in order to fill up this market niche that has been left open. He fits this as he has grown up into somebody completely different from what he first started out as being. When he first began as a professional singer he wore overly baggy clothing with a face that looked like it should of had been wearing much more fitted and childish clothing. However, for his record label to attract teenage girls into being into him they needed an artist that would look more like a poster boy rather than a child entertainer. This is his artificial USP. In terms of media attention, Justin has received a lot and even went through a very PR themed week one time in Europe where he turned up late for a concert, fought with a paparazzi and almost "fainted" on stage. The media gave a great uproar of attention, thus exemplifying his superficial background.

STARS AS EMBODIMENTS OF IDEOLOGIES/CULTURES - When an artist has something to say, they are made into an embodiment so that they can constantly preach their words and showcase their true feelings.

Example: Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is a very unique artist that preaches about feminism and most importantly (to her), homosexuality. She is the epitome of equality and constantly tries to make sure that the world become less sexist, misogynistic, homophobic and transphobic.  She represents all of the minorities through her music. For example, in the video above she talks about how it does not matter what ethnicity, sexual orientation etc. somebody has, because they're on the right path as they were born with that. Nobody is wrong as long as they are happy with who they are. She chooses to not wear much clothing as she likes to represent the love that people should have of themselves and others.

STARS AS PERSONALITIES - This is where a celebrity does not hide their true personality and uses their real personality as part of their image.

Example: Miley Cyrus

Originating her fame from the Disney Channel production of "Hannah Montana", Miley was very controlled by the Disney Channel. A few years after the show has finished she is now beginning to show her true colours. In her latest single for her new album is a great example of it. She sings about how she can't stop taking drugs, partying, being with boys etc... much different than the Miley from Disney. In interviews and the streets she wears little amounts of clothes as this is something that she is comfortable wearing. She even cut her hair to show that she is not the innocent girl that people think she is but she is much more rebellious (See: P!nk). Miley is a very big example of a star as a personality as her new image is the one that is truly who she is and is something that has been used to market her products. This has proven to be successful as Miley's latest video above, the video that showcases who she really is, holds the VEVO record for the most views in 24 hours by any artist.