Richard Dyer's Star Theory is the idea that celebrities are constructed by institutions for financial profits and they target one specific audience/group of people. Dyer states that  there is a difference between a "pop performer" and a "pop star." He states that "pop stars" have lasting significance and brand awareness.

The star's image is fictional and many 'stars' bring in fashion trends and popular phrases to their target audience.

Robyn 'Rihanna' Fenty

the making of...

When Rihanna first started she was the "new girl in the block." Nobody really knew her so her identity was not really known. She got signed on to Jay-z's record label Def Jam.Records.

Dyer says that a true pop star has lasting significance and awareness. this means that they need to do something that has sociological and/or cultural impact in order for them to not be forgotten down the line.

what Rihanna has done to help maintain her stardom:

• She created her own charity called "The Believe Foundation"
• The charity aims to help people in need of a bone marrow transplant
• The creation of the charity also allowed people to gain jobs.
• This foundation as a lasting effect on people which means she will be remembered after her fame; making her a "true pop star"

"the star must be simultaneously present and absent for the consumer'

Rihanna is a perfect example of a celebrity who relates to this quote. This is because she is very involved with her fans and she has a lot of publicity around her. She is present for her consumer for example, as her fans may have a poster of her on their walls.

However, she may also be absent for the consumer but still have an impact on them. An example of this is when girls have red hair; this was arguably a trend set by Rihanna.

"The Star must be simultaneously ordinary and extraordinary for the consumer'

Rihanna is ordinary as she is caring, down-to-earth and funny. However she can be seen as extraordinary as some of the things she does can be deemed to be extreme.

Rihanna timeline