top of page

Dyer's Star Theory Analysis

Dyer's Star theory can range from broad blanket descriptions to specific, individualized analysis'. Therefore, we are going to take a look at Katy Perry's many album covers to gain an idea of the persona her record company could be building around her. 

 The first thing one would notice is the fact that she is never smiling in any of these images. While she does smile quite often during performances or interviews, there is little photographs that depicted that smile. This could be an attempt to add more value to seeing her in action, at concerts or on TV, rather than through publications where she does not display her full brightness. Another reason she might refrain from smiling on album covers specifically could be that the marketing team wants to make her look distant, and unattainable, and this would reach into her fanbase, seeing as her albums is where they would see most of her. 

The next noticeable aspect is undoubtedly the amount of stereotypical femininity and sexualization. It is clear that her company is trying to gain male attention by displaying her like this, as according to Laura Mulvey's theory of the male gaze. 

The topic of her sexualization has not been brought up often in interviews, and she has not replied to the many that berate her on social media. This could be evidence of Dyer's theory applying, or at the very least she's ashamed of the example she's setting for the young girls in her audience. On a less extreme, her record label may be leaning on her not to address the situation, as most interviews would have their questions monitored by her manager, they could also prevent it coming up as well. 

bottom of page