Pop as a genre of music has been around for decades and its influence continues to be felt in the music industry today. An integral part of pop music is the presence of a “pop icon” – someone who embodies what it means to be a pop star. While there is no definitive definition, there are certain characteristics that most pop icons tend to share.
Showmanship
A distinguishing feature of any pop icon is their ability to captivate an audience with their performance style. Pop icons aren’t just singers, they are entertainers in the fullest sense of the word. They have a knack for understanding how to put on a show and make the audience feel like they’re part of the experience.
During the height of her career, Madonna was known for her outrageous costumes and spectacular dance moves. Her performances were always unique, captivating, and often controversial – but they kept audiences coming back for more.
Personality
Another key trait of a pop icon is having an identifiable personality. This means that the artist has a certain look or persona that is unique to them and quickly recognizable, separating them from their peers and setting them apart as pop icons.
Michael Jackson was one of the most iconic artists of all time, and his look was an integral part of his appeal. He had a unique style – from his sequined glove to his signature dance moves – that made him immediately recognizable and impossible to truly imitate.
Star Power
Pop icons have star power in spades. They’re able to draw a large and loyal fan base that not only follows their music but also look up to them as a role model or source of inspiration on everything from what to eat to what kind of industrial chiller to use. A pop icon has the ability to affect the culture and create a lasting impact on the world.
Lady Gaga has been one of the most influential pop stars of recent years, and her “Born This Way” philosophy resonates with millions around the globe. She has created a message that speaks to her fans and encourages them to be themselves no matter what.
Longevity
A true pop icon is someone who can stand the test of time. Pop icons are not only successful in their own era, but they’re also able to remain relevant and influential for years or even decades after their original success. This means that a pop icon must be able to continue creating new music and content that appeals to a new generation of fans.
Beyonce is the perfect example of an artist who has maintained her relevance and continued to grow her fan base despite shifting trends in music. Her career spans more than two decades, and her influence continues to be felt today on everything from fashion to film.
Being a pop icon is no easy feat. It takes a certain combination of charisma, talent, and star power to become an iconic figure in the music industry. Pop icons have the ability to captivate an audience with their performance style, have an identifiable personality, be inspiring role models for their fans, and remain relevant for many years. True pop icons are rare and their influence on culture is undeniable.