Divided Divas
Throughout history, the entertainment industry has exemplified how Hollywood has a tendency to pit two accomplished female artists against each other time and time again. These depictions of female artists in the media perpetuates the belief that women are incapable of getting along, reinforcing the notion that female collaboration inevitably leads to conflict. Many times, the women in the music industry who are pitted against each other have openly voiced their support for one another.
So, why is it that successful and unproblematic female artists always appear to be competing head to head? In this article, Hollywood Branded shines a light into the origins of female rivalries in the music industry and examines the roles played by media and gender discrimination in fostering competition among female artists.
women under the spotlight
In the glittering world of the music industry, success often comes hand in hand with scrutiny. However, for female artists, the spotlight often shines harsher, casting them not only as competitors but also as adversaries in a narrative fueled by media sensationalism. Artist rivalries, meticulously constructed by the media, have become a staple of tabloid culture, with comparisons and controversies dominating headlines. This phenomenon isn't new; it's a recurring pattern that has persisted throughout the years.
Media-crafted controversies
From Britney Spears versus Christina Aguilera, to Cher versus Celine Dion, to Kelly Clarkson versus Carrie Underwood, the trend of female artists feuding in the media is far from new. However, these comparisons often lack substantial evidence of genuine animosity between artists. More often than not, these women must publicly declare their friendship and deny any ill feelings towards each other, despite what the media may insinuate.
Take, for instance, the rumored feud between Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, which both artists have vehemently denied, emphasizing their mutual respect and friendship. Similarly, while the media sensationalized a supposed altercation between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, Cardi B herself has expressed frustration at the constant comparisons and the lack of similar scrutiny among male rappers. In interviews, she has questioned why male artists aren't subjected to the same level of rivalry despite similar musical styles and genres. Even comparisons between Cardi B and Beyoncé, perpetuated by headlines like "Be Careful, Beyoncé! Cardi B Just Broke Two of Your Biggest Records," and lead-ins saying “Cardi B ain’t sorry she’s coming for Beyonce’s throne,” serve to pit women against each other in unnecessary competition.
Another pair frequently compared are Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, both immensely successful artists with fiercely loyal fan bases. Despite years of constructed rivalry fueled by fan debates over who is superior, the reality is quite different. In truth, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift often demonstrate mutual respect and support for each other's work. While the rivalry narrative dates back to the 2009 Video Music Awards incident, where Beyoncé famously invited Taylor Swift onstage to finish her speech, it has persisted through the years, despite both artists making efforts to dispel it. Taylor Swift even addresses this phenomenon in her song "You Need To Calm Down,” in which she wrote, “And we see you over there on the internet. Comparing all the girls who are killing it,” acknowledging the habit of comparing successful women in the industry.
Photo credit: Billboard
Photo credit: The Telegraph
Social Media's role in Amplifying Industry Rivalries
Social media plays a significant role in magnifying the narratives surrounding female rivalries in the music industry, further exacerbating the issue. Specifically, the media tends to amplify conflicts that may have originated from minor differences or misunderstandings, or create conflicts that were nonexistent in the first place. Fans often engage in heated debates over which artist is more talented or influential, creating a toxic environment and fostering defensiveness within the online community. This culture of comparison and competition thrives on social media platforms, where discussions about authentic sound, musicianship, and even unrelated aspects of an artist's identity can quickly escalate into divisive arguments.
While social media definitely has its benefits, in this age of instant communication and viral content, social media has also become a breeding ground for negativity and sensationalism, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and hindering genuine collaboration and support among female artists.
Photo credit: Entertainment Tonight
Unveiling musical Misogyny
Why is it that women struggle to carve out their individual presence in the music industry? Like many other fields, the music business remains entrenched in misogyny and gender bias. This bias manifests in the unfair comparisons drawn between female musicians.
One underlying factor behind this trend is the pervasive misogyny and male-dominated nature of our society. Consequently, there's a tendency to undermine the achievements of successful and influential women. When women attain success, they are frequently pitted against each other, contributing to the spectacle of what's often labeled as a "cat fight." Society ultimately utilizes this tactic to assert control over successful women. This phenomenon isn't limited to the music industry; we see similar dynamics play out in politics and literature, where powerful women are often targeted in the same manner. Consequently, women are held to a higher standard for success, and are expected to excel in whatever they pursue.
Perpetuating the idea that women cannot collaborate or work harmoniously alongside one another also reinforces the notion that women are less serious than men. Unlike female co-stars, it's more uncommon to hear about feuds between male counterparts. Accusations of such behavior portray women as petty and incapable of assuming the serious roles typically reserved for men in the entertainment industry. Consequently, women are often perceived more as sources of entertainment rather than as powerful and determined artists.
Photo credit: Elle
Balancing Expectations & Confronting Scrutiny
Women in the music industry face constant scrutiny and pressure to excel, particularly evident in the expectations surrounding their performances. While male artists often maintain a simple stage presence, female artists are expected to sing while engaging in elaborate physical performances, such as dancing or even riding a bicycle onstage, as seen with Ariana Grande at the 2016 VMAs. This dichotomy often places women in the role of entertainers, while men are viewed more as heartthrobs.
Female artists also encounter significant pressure and scrutiny regarding their appearance. Women across all genres frequently experience sexualization, such as through their own music videos or in those of male artists who objectify women for display. Balancing authenticity with societal expectations of appearance also adds to the challenges faced by female musicians. This pressure is then exacerbated by media narratives that fuel competition between women, often focusing on superficial comparisons like "who wore it better”—a common theme amongst media articles.
As if that wasn't enough, female artists are often expected to continually reinvent themselves with each new album release, a demand less frequently imposed on their male counterparts. For example, Taylor Swift changed her hairstyle with each album release in the 2010s, and Miley Cyrus successfully shed her previous Disney Channel image by evolving the emotional tone of her music, as seen through the release of songs like "Wrecking Ball." Once more, these expectations become a benchmark for comparison, amplifying the issue of rivalry among female musicians when they fall short of top-tier standards.
Photo credit: Billboard
Photo credit: Glamour
Eager To Learn More?
Curious to learn more about female artists, the music industry, or notable female accomplishments? Check out these 5 article to keep reading:
- Taylor Swift's Eras Tour: A Marketing Masterclass
- The Power of Music Video Integration
- Breaking the Mold: The Rise of Women-Owned Celebrity Brands
- How Pop Music Artists Use Brands In Song Lyrics For Partnerships
- The 2023 Women's World Cup: Celebrating Players and Brand Activations
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