Do looks count for more than music nowadays in the music industry?

[-:Undertaker:-]

Do looks count for more than music nowadays in the music industry?

In recent years, mainly since the rise of the boyband in the 1990s - critics of modern day pop music have claimed that bands such as Take That, Boyzone One Direction and The Wanted are only popular purely for their looks rather than any real musical or vocal talent. The most recent example of a pop band, which appeals mainly to younger markets, is One Direction - a group formed from the British X Factor who have done better than any other winner of the show despite not actually winning the show.

Others will hit back and say that of course looks matter and make something appeal more than it would normally as it's simply a natural human instinct to admire something somebody you lust over has done (that's a bit of a mouthful I know, but let it sink in!). An example of this could be for instance Elvis Presley and the Beatles who were good looking when in their younger days - but then critics would also argue that Elvis and the Beatles were immensely talented compared with todays selection of pop singers and bands.

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The debate is open to you.

[Jurv]

i wouldn't say so completely but i guess it depends on what sort of music you listen to. i mean, i'd say looks were more important within popular chart music than say any other, a good example being one direction. obviously they have some sort of vocal talent (i guess..) but i honestly don't think they'd go anywhere without their looks. the same with the majority of boy bands though, the target audience for that type of music is generally aimed at the opposite sex and when it comes down to it, i don't think the music is as important as the appearance (obviously it has some sort of relevance but not as much imo.) although saying that i do think there are and have been artists who have achieved well purely for their music and vocal talent within chart music recently, one example being ed sheeran. idk how people feel about him but wouldn't say he's the best looking guy in the music industry but has still seemed to do alright.

[Daltron]

My answer to this is yes. Absolutely. More than ever now artists are being found through social media and televised shows and no one wants to watch someone ugly on television (as harsh as that sounds), and if they are not attractive they have some form of sob story we can try and relate to.

[Matt]

I am inclined to say yes to this seeing as a majority of people/groups in the AU/UK/US charts are good looking. It's extremely rare you get a not so good looking person (ugly enough to create a reaction where the worldwide audience says outloud that an individual is ugly). Of course you'll have exceptions but you just expect an artist/future artist to be good looking. A part of being popular, even in schools in current society today, means the looks are a "must have" on the criteria list. Rihanna, Beyonce, Justin Beiber all have features that others would love to have which is what makes them so popular. As long as other people want to be them, appearance wise, then they will almost always be successful. A good example in my opinion would be Susan Boyle. When she stood out on stage the reaction of many was to snigger and laugh at her physical appearance and manner. Once she started singing, yes, she blew everyone away but the point is that everyone instantly judged her upon physical appearance and didn't give her a proper chance (even Simon Cowell made a reaction without even giving her a chance)!!!. This is reflected in our society today as many people judge others on appearance and disregard their personality and manner.

I do believe that the majority of famous singers and artists current today only got where they are because of how they look. It's a whole new argument when they get plastic/cosmetic surgery to help them look a million dollars, then you can argue that they got it to get attention and elevate their levels popularity. After all celebrities are often looked upon to represent fashion labels and promote products. Who would buy a product if the advert had an ugly ambassador showing off the product. But in answer to the question and to stop me from writing more and more nonsense, yes i do believe looks count for more than music.

[H488041!f3]

Honestly, I think unless it comes to someone with undeniable, undebatable talent, looks are once of the largest factors in the music industry. For example; say you have an incredibly pretty girl with a decent voice, she'll go pretty far compared to an (for lack of a better word) "ugly" girl with a great voice. I mean I can speak from personal experience. My friend (who's not the most attractive girl) has an incredible voice but is overshadowed by a more popular and "hotter" girl who's alright at singing. This happens in all sorts of genres, not only the mainstream pop music. Just go to a random genre on itunes and look at the bands showcased, none of them look unflattering unless they were blessed with amazing talent. Some of these "eye-candy" artists don't even sing that well, I mean if you just listen to their voices rather than the catchy tune and all the musical effects, you'll see that they're not that great. I'm not saying that Justing Bieber and One direction are not talented I just don't think their fanbase would be as large if it weren't for the image.

[mrwoooooooo]

Lol no. Adele.

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[Daltron]

Lol no. Adele.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Adele isn't even that bad of a looker tbh

[karter]

Adele is a bit overweight but she is very beautiful lol

[MKR&*42]

Think its a factor but not a gigantic one. Most singers I find to only look "average/decent" anyway , Wirh a few exceptions.

With*

[Zelda]

I would say it is quite a big factor in some areas but not so much others. Pop music certainly though, and some labels can be completely ridiculous about it tbh, example being Marina's label telling her that she isn't releasing her original video for how to be a heartbreaker cause she looked "ugly" in it (not possible ever really wow) even though her fans really didn't care and were outraged too. It's not so bad in areas like indie and stuff though but it can still be a factor sometimes really