categorization

In the making of a popstar, archetypal categorization plays a crucial role. From the “Disney Diva Glow-Up” to the “Pop Rock Rebel,” these ready-made identities serve as both marketing tools and cultural signposts, making it easier for audiences to locate and relate to an artist. These archetypes are not static; they’re flexible frameworks shaped by genre, gender, race, and era. Labels, managers, and artists themselves often draw on these templates to construct a persona that feels both familiar and distinct. The popstar becomes legible—consumable—through this sorting process. But while categorization provides clarity, it also imposes limitations, flattening complexity into brand. In our “This or That” post, we explore how popstars are funneled into these molds and what it reveals about the industry’s expectations and the audience’s desires.