Women in pop have been on top of the charts all of 2024, and this summer was especially a testimony to that. With Chappell Roan’s “Midwest Princess,” Olivia Rodrigo’s “Guts,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short and Sweet,” Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poet’s Department” and Charli XCX’s famous “Brat” being prime examples of hit albums, it’s not surprising they’ve taken up most of the top 10 spots according to Billboard’s Hot 100.
“Brat” has even amassed so much popularity to the point where people are creating entire aesthetics around the album, stating they’ve had a “brat summer,” referring to a crazy and carefree era that’s a little messy and might include some not so smart decision making.
With amazing music comes seamlessly endless fame with its drawbacks. For example, before Ariana Grande’s “Eternal Sunshine” was released this year, she faced fans leaking her unreleased song, ”Fantasize,” which was set to be on her new album. Despite this, she quickly retaliated by confidently releasing her 13 track pop hit.
It seems to be a trend with once niche and underground artists having a more confusing relationship with their newfound fame. In an interview with Music News, Charli XCX states, “I’m constantly going back and forth in my conflict around fame and what constitutes success. This new music is not going to be played in Starbucks. It’s pop music and I’m being true to myself.” Chappell Roan has also taken a controversial stance on the spotlight, making a post stating that she doesn’t owe anyone pictures. She goes on to compare fans who yell and run up to her to cat calling which has caused a major divide within her fans as well as in pop culture in general.
As a collective, we’re extremely used to a culture of paparazzi swarming and blinding celebrities with their cameras and asking questions that are always a little too personal—so celebrities standing up for themselves has been jarring to some people. Although it seems controversial now, Chappell’s statements could potentially pave the way to future women in the pop industry and knowing when to stand up for themselves. Because of her, this might be the end of the paparazzi era as we know it; Regardless of your opinions on this, it’s important to respect people’s wishes.
