Richard Dyer

Richard Dyer born in 1945 is an English academic specialising in cinema.

He believes that the terms 'pop performer' and 'pop star' have become interchangeable. The difference between the two is that the pop performers are simply known for performing pop music. Pop stars are known for having an identity or a certain persona which is not necessarily restricted to just their musical talent. If a performer was described as a star, it would only be because it was done by their management via placing certain stories in the press.

Pop stars have an advantage over film stars in that their constructed image  is much more consistant over a longer period of time whereas an actor's representation is not so consistant over a period of time.

Dyer's star theory stated that pop stars are constructed and manufactured by their record label in order to make money. They have their own unique selling point which helps us the audience hold on to their attention. For Justin Bieber it was the iconic hair and hoody, Kanye West had the gasses and Britney Spears had the school girl outfit. These stars are manufactured to serve one purpose;to make money.