Richard Dyer Star Theory

Richard Dyer's theory states that artists and celebrities are constructed by institutions for financial gain and everything is to appeal to the target audience. This image is so the artist is instantly recognisable for the audience and differs from other celebrities and separates them from them actual selves.

Audience, Institutions and Star Persona
The primary goal for the record label is to make as much money as possible from the artist. Companies will modify the artist to appeal to more people and will sometimes hire a publicist. They can modify the artist by controlling what they say in interviews, what music videos are released for them and what they do in them. Everything will be done with the target audience in mind.
 The star persona of an artist is a constructed image that is instantly recognisable, some good examples are Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Sia.
Other artists however constantly change their style like David Bowie and others may capitalise on other artists style like "Weird" Al Yankovic who is known for parodying other musicians.

Male Gaze 
The male gaze is used to so it appeals to men and make celebrities aspirational for women. The attractiveness of a star means people are more likely to listen to them and therefore watch their videos and then buy their songs. A good example of this is "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus, where sex appeal is used to draw the viewer in.



Voyeurism and Objectification
Both are used often to sexualise artists to draw viewers in.

• The idea of watching or looking without the subject knowing 
• Links in with the male gaze theory and uses sex appeal
• Sees women as just pretty people "objects" to just be there instead of being seen as people (e.g "Blurred Lines")
• Some artists are now trying to change the way they are viewed, not in a sexual way or objectifying way but in an empowering way