2024 IS THE YEAR OF THE POP STAR RENAISSANCE
Gen Z knows pop music well, whether they like it or not. For those who grew up singing along to “Toxic” or “Genie in a Bottle,” pop is imprinted on our collective memory. But for all its influence, many of us eventually strayed from the genre. Some found other sounds that felt more authentic, others got tired of radio’s Top 40, and some couldn’t look past the endless scandals. Pop was the genre people loved to hate. But now, it’s back, reimagined by artists who are blending archive fashion, sharp marketing, and honest lyricism to bring fresh life to its glittery edges.
Before we dive into who’s reviving pop, we have to understand the foundations they’re building on. Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Christina Aguilera didn’t just make pop hits; they redefined the culture around it. They turned music videos into high art, pioneered looks that remain iconic, and made pop music synonymous with escapism, fame, and power. And yet, each of these women, in different ways, faced a public unraveling—pressured by fame and pummeled by media scrutiny. Spears struggled under a restrictive conservatorship, Aguilera’s career suffered as her image was endlessly criticized, and Gaga eventually pivoted to other genres. Only Beyoncé maintained a consistent image, but even she couldn’t rescue pop from the backlash that loomed.
As society grew more vocal about the flaws they saw in pop stars, the criticisms mounted: pop stars were “out of touch,” “divas,” and “unrelatable.” The genre’s once-fanatical appeal faded, making room for the rise of rap, R&B, and alternative music. Ironically, many of these genres also had their own scandals, but pop’s glamour made it a particular target. The public’s obsession with the genre’s highs and lows turned a cultural love affair into disillusionment.
The Digital Age: TikTok’s Rise and the Rebirth of ‘Disposable Pop’
Then, in the late 2010s, the landscape changed again. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, gave music a new level of visibility, but with strings attached. TikTok could make a song go viral overnight, but the price was that many of these tracks felt engineered for quick clicks, not lasting impact. Viral “TikTok songs” got airtime and airplay, but listeners often saw the formula as lazy. Sure, these songs would trend for a week or two, but they lacked the staying power of classic pop. Instead of sparking genuine fan engagement, TikTok hits often became fodder for critique, mocking the emptiness behind their catchy hooks.
This wave of disposable pop added to the genre’s decline, making audiences long for the kind of music that went beyond a quick chorus designed to go viral. Pop seemed like it might fade out for good.
A New Era: Pop Reimagined by Gen Z
Today, pop’s revival isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a rethinking of what pop can be. A new cohort of pop stars is bringing back the genre’s allure while also pushing it forward, blending spectacle with depth. Artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Chappell Roan are making pop feel refreshing, ironic, and emotionally resonant. Their music takes cues from the genre’s past but adapts it for a more self-aware, digitally savvy audience.
Sabrina Carpenter leans into vulnerability without losing her self-assured edge, Charli XCX turns hyper-pop into an almost meta-commentary on fame, and Chappell Roan’s “Brat” rollout—bold, irreverent, and meticulously crafted—has already captured imaginations. Pop’s comeback is less about going back to its roots and more about using those roots to reinvent it for a new era.
Performance and Visuals: Bringing the ‘Wow’ Factor Back
The live show is also making a comeback, reminding us why pop is as much a visual experience as it is an auditory one. Artists like Tate McRae, who brings her dancer’s sensibility to her shows, are infusing their performances with choreography that feels integral, not just added on. McRae’s approach isn’t just about dance; it’s about creating an immersive world on stage, where music and visuals combine to offer an escape. Unlike the mid-2010s, when choreography sometimes felt like an afterthought, these artists are making performance a core part of their artistry.
Accountability, Authenticity, and the Digital Audience
But if pop stars are bringing back the genre’s charm, they’re also operating under new rules. Today’s fans expect transparency, accountability, and a sense of connection from their idols. When Katy Perry faced backlash over her association with Dr. Luke, the controversy underscored the pressure artists now face to make choices that align with their audience’s values. Pop stars today are held to a standard where personal and public choices matter more than ever, and artists know that their every move will be scrutinized.
Pop stars are embracing this dynamic. When a photographer told Chappell Roan to “shut up,” she didn’t just brush it off. Her outspoken response gained praise, showing that audiences support artists who don’t shy away from confronting real-world pressures. Vulnerability isn’t just allowed; it’s rewarded.
What’s Next for Pop: Riding the Wave of Reinvention
The future of pop looks less like a comeback and more like a reinvention. The genre has survived and adapted, and today’s artists are taking it to new places, blending spectacle with substance and making pop once again feel relevant. This era of pop is about tapping into the genre’s roots while expanding its boundaries, creating a space where both glamor and grit coexist.
In the end, pop’s revival isn’t just about riding the nostalgia wave; it’s about artists who are willing to play with the genre’s conventions and, in doing so, capture the cultural moment. Pop, once the genre we loved to hate, has evolved into the genre we can’t help but respect.