Pop Stardom in the Age of Too Much
Graphic by Julianna Medina
Where is the song of the summer? The indie, underground artist about to become the next big thing? Where is that once-in-a-lifetime, generational talent that rivals can’t help but stan themselves?
In an era of infinite content and the oversaturation of—well, everything, nothing, and no one will ever be good enough again.
When nothing is affordable (including concert tickets), the future is uncertain, and social media allows us more access than we ever could have needed into everyone’s lives, people become apathetic, harsh, and greedy—and it’s translating over to the music industry as well.
Let’s start at the top—top of the charts, that is.
For those who are chronically online, the name Alex Warren should be familiar. This TikTok-made-ex-Hype-House-member (not to be confused with former colleague Addison Rae) has the #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time of writing this article.
With a #1 hit and summer just days away, you’d expect more love and fanfare surrounding him—remember the absolute inescapability of Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan’s #1 hits Espresso and Good Luck, Babe? Where are Alex Warren’s record-breaking festival crowds and dedicated I-knew-him-when fans?
To many, Warren’s fame and success aren’t ‘legitimate.’ Starting on social media and building a dedicated fanbase from the ground up, engaging in business ventures to grow his name and pursue his passions, is not a valid story to have.
Remember that former white boy of the month Shawn Mendes’ career started on social media, followed by his participation in the Vine-crazed Magcon meet-and-greet tour with the long forgotten names of Cameron Dallas and Nash Grier.
In a time where everybody wants to be somebody and has the viral tools to do it, no one is allowed to succeed this way without scrutiny. Alex Warren has followed a proven blueprint, but this time, it is not okay.
What about everyone’s favorite backflipper, Benson Boone? Coming off of multiple Billboard hits and even a Grammy nomination, Boone still hasn’t been able to fully secure his spot as a well-recognized pop boy.
The verdict on Benson Boone? Manufactured.
A former Mormon would never authentically wear bedazzled jumpsuits and bootleg pants. But if they were to, then it’s just an obvious attempt to capture Harry Styles’ feminine pop image.
Or maybe he’s copying Prince—or was it Bowie?
Anyways, following a year of female popstar dominance, we were all waiting to see what new, male popstar would contribute to this pop prestige. Unfortunately for Benson Boone, though, no amount of flips, sequins, abs, or musical talent will be enough.
But fear not! The shortest and sweetest pop star is here to save the day.
Coming off of her record-breaking and Grammy-winning year, Sabrina Carpenter heard our cries and released her song of the summer to accompany her new album announcement.
But here society comes again—nothing will ever be enough.
Despite the constant cries for the return of pop ‘divas,’ for raunchy performances, and pop stars that know their image and execute it well, when handed to society on a silver platter, it is picked at and then mercilessly thrown to the wolves.
Of course, her fun, upbeat, silly man-shaming song couldn’t be just that. Accused of sounding too much like other songs, working too often with the producer behind most of your favorite songs, Jack Antonoff, and her intentions questioned for dropping a new single so soon after her last album, society has made itself clear.
We act as though we’re owed something—some perfect piece of music that speaks directly to us, reflects our beliefs, comes from the right background, and doesn’t seem too much like anything else.
But that was never the point of music.
Artists and musicians give to the world forms of expression, entertainment, and art. Music is one of the most precious and significant things we have in the world, and we are blessed to have so much out there and so much to be uncovered.
Not every piece of music or every musician is for you. Music is to be enjoyed. It can be therapeutic, it can create conversations, and it has every right for constructive criticism. Still, music is about the journey we take to find it, the meaning and memories we assign to a song, and it’s about forging your own impression and appreciation, not about ripping it apart.
The thing is, music gives us the beautiful gift of choice—what we want to listen to and when. There are over 200 million songs out there to be listened to—listen to one you like and leave the Sabrina Carpenter for the rest of us.
