Pop singers have been trendsetters on many occasions, some use their style to make a statement, while others focus their outfits on self-expression. A prime example is Madonna, she is an icon of empowerment with her bold fashion choices that often challenge traditional femininity. When pop singers are confident and proud of their own looks, they inspire their fans to also be confident to dress how they want. Music videos, red carpets, and concerts are all ways that artists showcase their fashion. These are sources of inspiration for their followers.
Some pop stars even launch their own clothing lines to share their style with fans. Rhianna’s style has always been a part of her appeal. She mixes high fashion with streetwear and adds her own unique elements. She collaborated with Puma, Dior, Armani, and other major brands before launching her own clothing line in 2018, Savage x Fenty. Her brand recenters lingerie and loungewear to fit the female gaze.
Another former pop star, Jessica Simpson made the transition from music to fashion. Her affordable brand is sold in over 600 stores in American. Her brand sells clothing, perfume, and jewelry and it is estimated to be worth $1 billion.
What many people do not know is that pop music even influences politics. Presidential candidates use pop music in their campaigns in things like commercials, rallies, and conventions. Music can attract voters by showcasing the candidate’s music tastes and beliefs. Protest anthems have been around since the 60s since artists like Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Marvin Gaye all created powerful messages through their lyrics. The song “Imagine” by John Lennon and Yoko Ono is an iconic symbol of the anti-war movement that stood for hope and change.
Beyond the 1970s, Beyoncé, one of the most influential pop artists of all time, has combined art and activism. At the 2016 Super Bowl, her halftime show performance celebrated her black identity and addressed issues of racial inequality. Her dancers wore outfits that resembled the civil rights group, Black Panthers and raised their fists to represent Black Power. Four years later, also during the Super Bowl halftime show, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez shared the stage to celebrate Latina culture. The stage had little girls in domes that looked like cages, representing the children encaged at the border.
Politics and music go together because they share something: the goal to inspire their audiences and put their ideas into the world. Music unites people, taking the National Anthem for example, it is a symbol of national pride that unites the entire country. Click the link below to see a list of some songs that have an important message.
https://wpstudents.towson.edu/crowan3/2024/05/08/playlist/