Television

The manufactured pop star is not new to the music industry. Many stars such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguleria, Justin Timberlake, etc. have been groomed and styled to fit a certain mould that record companies use to make money. The Pop idol TV shows allow for a star or stars to be created along the same mould, but add an important touch of intimacy between the audience and the star. The viewers watch the idol hopefuls go through heroing efforts being ridiculed and criticised extremely and over the weeks feel as if they develop a close rapport with the tryouts. People whom sign up for this chance to win a record contract and fame on a deeper level are pawns in a multi-million dollar industry. When in New Zealand there was a show to create the girl band TRUE BLISS, the contract they signed gave them great exposure on television but all royalties, appearances, - general earnings by the group went to the shows producers leaving the musicians with little or nothing. The New Zealand idol stars have much the same deal with the show having nearly complete control over what they do. These shows maybe showcasing talent, but it comes at a price for the fame hopefuls.