"Star" Research Project

Rihanna

I have decided to carry out my research on American pop star Rihanna, I have chosen to do so as Rihanna is a massive world wide star and also has made a lot of changes to her appearance and approach to the music industry throughout the years.

Rihanna's first album 'Music of the Sun' was released August 2005 by record company 'Def Jam Recordings'. Rihanna was signed my mega rap artist and producer Jay-Z. After her first Album, Rihanna's career took off. She began with two hit singles 'Pon de replay' and 'SOS'. Rihanna attracted a young female fan-base.

Rihanna's third album 'Good Girl Gone Bad' was released in 2007 and then again in 2008 with three new songs. This album include chart topping songs such as 'Umbrella', 'Don't Stop The Music' and 'Take A Bow'. Her new album was a major breakthrough that brought her to a widespread prominence. The album won the award for best selling album in the US to date. Along with Rihanna's new album there was a 'new look' to her. Her hair had been cut shorter and she was no longer seen as the 'fresh, young, sweet' singer. She now had a more 'fierce and sexual' look to her. This attracted a different audience, teenagers, boy and girl through to young adults.

Rihanna released her fourth album 'Rated R' in 2009. Rihanna was now girlfriend of RnB upcoming artist Chris Brown. They seemed to help each others career with the use of publicity on their relationship. Rihanna then followed with three more albums 'Loud' (2010) 'Talk That Talk' (2011) and 'Unapologetic' (2012) in which she released many hit number ones such as 'Rude Boy' and 'What's My Name'. By this point in Rihanna's career she had made some huge changes to her whole image. Her songs became a lot more sexually based and her 'look' became more focused on her body. This seemed to help her career, gaining more fans and publicity. Rihanna became a fashion icon (now has her own clothing line for retail shop River Island).

Rihanna has been compared to other artists such as Beyonce and J-Lo however she has now become so big that artists such as Rita Ora has been compared to Rihanna. Rihanna has named Madonna to be her idol and biggest influence. Rihanna seems to present herself as a sexual object to gain popularity. Her fan base continues to grow massively. Rihanna has also been associated with the 'illuminati' and has actually been named the 'illuminati princess'. This allows Rihanna to 'do what she wants' as her excuse is now the devils work.

Rihanna advertising herself in sexualised way allows a buzz to be given to the public. Shocking people and therefore creating more articles and press coverage. Live performances can cause a huge uproar within the public. Social networking sights go crazy with comments and opinions on the chosen clothes and dancing.

There have been many articles written about Rihanna and the way she portrays herself. She has been criticized massively in the media by many different reporters. Here is an example of Rihanna being slated and also the reply.

Rihanna's look has changed drastically throughout the years and this is due to the advisers. If Rihanna has been advised to show off her body more, sing songs about sex and it has been gaining her more fans, then what does this show about the music industry?