Richard Dyers star theory

The star's theory suggests that the "Star" being a singer, actor or a model takes several forms in order to sell a product to their target audience:

The star is seen as a construction, a commodity and an ideology.

 

As a construction the stars image is constructed and developed by the star him/herself or the management across various different media outlets such as magazines, advertising, television or the internet. It helps if the star has a unique selling point for example, Lady Gaga's eccentric fashion and use of masks and other props has made her the superstar she is today.

As a commodity the star is a marketable, saleable unit constructed by the record label in order to make it money. the record label will listen to the demands of the audience and develop that star to fulfill their needs. For example, One direction are constucted to sell there music to teenagers mostly being girls who will fall in love with them and see them as heartthrobs or boys may copy there fashion style.

 

As an Ideology the star represents a set of values and attitudes that reflect the audience's own values. For example, Miley Cyrus or the Jonas brothers claim that they are virgins and will stay virgins until marriage showing this by wearing promise rings has received alot of attention by the media. There young fans will want to follow there lead, which can be seen as a positive thing and the older generation may respect them more. Stars are connected to their audience through the beliefs they present in their work.