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A woman with brown hair and a blue sweater is sitting in front of a background of paper covered in writing, intimately strumming a guitar. Her eyes are closed and her lips set in a stoic position, implying she is in deep contemplative as she parcels out each individual note. Her name -- Lana Del Rey -- is written on a torn piece of paper, taped to the background in the upper-right corner.

Lana Del Rey: The Evocative Melodies Behind Performative Stardom

When examining Lana Del Rey's music and history, one finds a fascinating conversation between the artist and the veil of celebrity.…

March 21, 2024

In an article about Jennette McCurdy's memoir, an illustration of her and her on-screen character behind her.

In ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died,’ Jennette McCurdy Shows the Dark Side of Child Stardom

Saba Bazzi, Wayne State University

In her memoir, the actor gives us an inside look at her baffling experience as a child star while enduring a complicated relationship with her mom.…

August 23, 2022

Photo of Britney Spears from her Instagram

‘Framing Britney Spears’ Reveals the Dark Side of Stardom

Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

The New York Times documentary boldly exposes the dark underbelly of Hollywood stardom, showing how tabloid culture exploited, harassed and vilified a young popstar — and how the people around her failed to protect her.…

February 24, 2021

image of artist, Rosalía, among sunflowers

Rosalía Shows Her Flamenco Roots On Her Rise to Pop Stardom

Emma T., UC Berkeley

The Barcelona singer spent her childhood learning music long associated with revolution. Now, Rosalía is revolutionizing the music industry herself.…

September 14, 2020

How Taylor Swift’s Billboard Woman of the Decade Speech Solidified Her Stardom

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

From the casual lyric drops to dragging misogynists, the musician took important stands and summed up an influential, storied career (so far).…

December 27, 2019

Young girl hiding her face while someone tries to film her.

Child Exploitation and Trauma on Screen: The Dance Moms Reunion

Mariana Vaca, Lake Forest College

Nostalgia breaks down as entertainment figures from the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s like Jenette McCurdy in memoir “I’m Glad My Mom Died” and Drake Bell in “Quiet on Set” reveal how they were exploited and…

April 1, 2024

Illustration of a woman reading in a park.

Existentially Impoverished: Philosophy as a Political Statement in ‘The Hour of the Star’

Emily Diaz, DePaul University

Philosophy as a Political Statement in the Clarice Lispector's Acclaimed 1977 Novella, 'The Hour of the Star'.…

March 7, 2024

Illustration of Molly Ringwald in pink with flowered background.

A Holly Jolly Molly Ringwald: John Hughes’ Sexism of an Insecure 80’s Icon

Emily Diaz, DePaul University

John Hughes success lives on through the decades, but at whose expense?…

February 29, 2024

Casino Online CA Experts Share Their Oscars 2024 Winner Predictions

Daniel Reed

The names of the Oscar 2024 contenders just rolled in, so the race can officially begin.…

February 20, 2024

A downtrodden Rachel Zegler in her snow white costume stands in front of a red background that reads "cancelled".

Modern Witch Hunts: Public Silencing of Women in Hollywood

Farah Shah, University of Central Florida

The persistent undercurrent of patriarchal influence in Hollywood and the societal tendency to scrutinize successful women.…

December 3, 2023

For an article on Sammy Rae and The Friends, a collection of drawings of different people with various instruments.

Say Hello To Sammy Rae and ‘The Friends’

Noah Hernandez, University of Texas at San Antonio

Who are Sammy Rae and The Friends and Why Is There Music So Good?…

November 17, 2023

For an article about "Piece of Me" by Britney Spears and "Blank Space" by Taylor Swift, three photos of blonde hair Britney with her left hand up are in the bottom row. three photos of blonde Taylor on the top (upper left corner with mascara running, middle in action smashing a car hood, on right yelling with a kitchen knife in hand). In the top right corner, text in bright yellow letters, "Pop Idols Off the Deep End!" On the bottom a pink better with yellow text, "Bank Space Breaks Records. Piece of Me Breaks Britney."

How Britney Spears’ ‘Piece of Me’ Laid the Groundwork for Taylor Swift’s ‘Blank Space’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Taylor Swift found herself in a somewhat similar position to Spears’ mid-2000s public scrutiny.…

November 15, 2023

For an article about female sophomore albums, three women are pictured next to eac other.

The “Sophomore Slump” Effect on Young Female Artists

Emma Troise, Manhattan College

The "sophomore slump" label seems to plague many young female artists from Alanis Morissette to Olivia Rodrigo.…

November 1, 2023

For an article about Taylor Swift's marketing strategies, a dark image of a blonde woman with a white collar necklace holds her two fingers up like a "gun." In the background, a red figure with a similar pose is seen with red horns and a tail drawn on her.

Taylor Swift: Evil Genius?

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Is Taylor Swift a well-intentioned lyrical genius or a mastermind of manipulation?…

October 27, 2023

De Niro at 80: A Look Back at his Storied Career

Daniel Reed

Hollywood luminaries assembled in New York City to commemorate Robert De Niro's 80th birthday in August of 2023.…

October 14, 2023

In an album review of "Starfucker" by Slayyyter, a woman stands with black sunglasses and a cigarette in her mouth.

Album Review: Slayyyter is Hollywood’s Latest (and Hottest) ‘STARFUCKER’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

The internet sensation swaps her signature DIY sound for opulent glamor on her second studio album. …

September 30, 2023

In an article about John Mulaney's controversies and comedy career, a man stands with a red suit on and red tie. He holds a microphone as a word bubble is beside his face with a bag of white powder and pill bottle.

John Mulaney’s Back from Rehab: Baby J’s Second Chance

Ava Coates, Emory University

Every generation has a John. How does Gen Z’s John tackle his recent controversies in his Netflix Special?…

September 28, 2023

In an article about Olivia Rodrigo's album "Guts," a hand-drawn recreation of the album cover. Rodrigo lays against a purple background with a series of rings on her finger, spelling the word "GUTS" in red letters.

Album Review: Olivia Rodrigo Spills Her ‘Guts’ in These 3 Songs

Sarah Deavers, University of Virginia

The artist’s sophomore album encapsulates tales of resentment, revenge and reflection in contagious choruses and vulnerable vocals.…

September 18, 2023

Angel Reese dominating women’s college basketball

Bayou Barbie Girl in a Bayou Barbie World

Olivia Hinck, Siena College

LSU star Angel Reese is dominating the college basketball world, all without breaking a nail.…

September 2, 2023

In an article about Angus Cloud's fans' reaction to his death, Instagram squares are stacked across a dark background containing the silhouette of the deceased.

Clouded Vision: The Troubling Response to Angus Cloud’s Death

Olivia Hinck, Siena College

Is there any empathy behind the harassing Instagram comments, or has the line between fiction and reality become too blurry?…

August 29, 2023

A close-up of actor Brian Jordan Alvarez smiling from inside a bedroom. Below his face is a grey, orange, and blue news banner with the words "Brian Jordan Alvarez" and "See 'M3GAN' in theaters now" in blue font.

Into the Genius Mind of Brian Jordan Alvarez

Alex Muniz, Pace University

A brief history of this self-made star's rising career, from heartfelt yet humorous YouTube movies to the campy horror of 'M3GAN.'…

July 13, 2023

In an article about Ed Sheeran, the pop singer looks at a large screen displaying the cover of his latest album.

Ed Sheeran’s ‘Subtract’: Cancer, Death and Lawsuits

Ava Coates, Emory University

Learn how recent tragedies have influenced this pop star’s life, career and discography through the lens of his newest music.…

July 5, 2023

In an article about the animated series "Bojack Horseman," an image of several of the show's characters.

‘Bojack Horseman’: The Most Misunderstood Cartoon Ever Made

Dominic Catalano, Arizona State University

Despite the goofy reputation of adult animation, this series broaches some heartfelt and serious topics.…

June 5, 2023

RuPaul stands in front of a drag-racing purple sports car.

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Seasons Ranked

Olivia Madrid, Florida State University

What are the best and worst moments in the history of one of reality TV's most iconic shows?…

May 19, 2023

Why Is Pedro Pascal All Over Your FYP?

Abby Worthington, Arcadia University

The actor’s face is popping up all over TikTok and causing quite a stir.…

March 2, 2023

An illustration of Bridgit Mendler standing in front of a 30th birthday cake

Bridgit Mendler: Where Is She Now?

Paul Hoskin, Weber State University

Despite never matching the fame of other Disney Channel stars, she left an undeniable impact on our childhoods.…

February 20, 2023

A screenshot from takeoff's funeral shows a group standing on stage in front of his picture on a screen.

Takeoff Left a Permanent Imprint on Hip-Hop

Liam Jackson, Michigan State University

This young rapper's life may have ended recently, but his impact on the music industry will last forever.…

November 22, 2022

"Friends" characters Joey and Phoebe sitting on a couch

Fictional Characters We All Wanted Together

Andrea Cepeda, University of North Texas

Sometimes two people belong together but are kept apart by the hands of their creators. These are some duos we wish made it through.…

November 7, 2022

In an article about his antisemitism, Kanye West looks down menacingly

Kanye West’s Antisemitism Finally Crossed the Line

Teagan Angell, Fordham University

The rapper is no stranger to controversy, but his recent series of antisemitic remarks may end his career. CONTENT WARNING: Antisemitic Language…

November 2, 2022

In an article about Hot Forever, an illustration of Iliza Schlesinger

In ‘Hot Forever,’ Iliza Shlesinger Is the Voice of Reason We All Need

Megan Miller, Arizona State University

The comedienne continues to illuminate serious topics with compassion and laughter.…

October 21, 2022

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