DAME - I would have to agree that the term does get thrown around a lot and used loosely towards some who do not deserve the title; however, Deborah Cox does deserve that title. Just like some of those house hold names which were spoken of early do not deserve the title of "superstar." They only have that title because of their popularity which shouldn't entitle them this title. I think your accomplishments in craft you are doing should entitle you this title not your popularity.
I realize it's futile, but I have to disagree with you there. Superstardom is something that comes with fame. Someone who's great at what they do may be called talented, wonderful, excellent, or any number of other laudatory terms, but superstar? No.
A "star" is someone famous or someone in a lead role, not necessarily someone talented or accomplished. And I realize language is objective to a certain extent, but to me this feels like an erosion of meaning.
I see this thread goes on. Most likely bc there are so many varied opinions on what a *superstar* is. Yes, it's all very specific, to say the least. David Hasslehoff is a household name, multiplatinum rock God in Germany, Grace Jones and Jerry Lewis are mega stars in Europe. There are pop-stars in London who can't leave their homes without a fleet of bodyguards who none of *us* would know if they fell on us, etc... HOWEVER, a *superstar* is someone that is THAT famous EVERYWHERE. That same frenzy and madness, follows them wherever they go...Think, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Julia Roberts.
The most brilliant performers I, personally, have ever heard or seen are far from being superstars. I'll even go so far as to give examples, Billy Porter, years ago at Nells, performing songs from his debut album. He was mind-blowing, as he has been in everything (short of the Dreamgirls benefit) that I've seen him in, NOT a superstar. Orfeh, her turn as Janis Joplin was otherworldly, she's got a gold album, originated a lead on B'way, etc... NOT a superstar. Heather Headley, the most compelling female I've seen on Broadway in years, has a Tony and a much hyped album, NOT a superstar. Daphne Rubin Vega, originated on of the most memorable roles in recent B'way history, was BRILLIANT(imo) in "Anna and the Tropics", has an old hit dance album, NOT a superstar. Kristin Chenoweth, fiercly beloved by most, has a Tony, is the star of a mega hit show, has had t.v. shows built around her, etc...NOT a superstar. I could go on giving examples till noon but I'm thinking even those hell-bent on *proving* their point will understand my *rant*. Do I personally wish some of the aforementioned WERE superstars in the literal sense of the word, YES, but it just isn't the case.
Welcome to the team, UDJAT. Deborah Cox is indeed a superstar in my book, however I continue to respect the views and opinions of other posters here...primarily because this topic is truly subjective.
Dame- Tamyra gray supposedly auditioned for AIDA and did a HORRIBLE job. There was a young girl from the second season of American Idol (Treynece?) who actually LANDED the role of AIDA, however she put it on hold to tour in another play.
Thanks for the welcome CRP. Please I hope no-one has got me wrong about my statements. I didn't mean any disrespect. I understand the subject should be subjective but it seems like everyone else doesn't believe so. They called you stubborn in the past but I believe they are being just as stubborn.
I don't think many people get world wide recognition like they think to make a person a "superstar".
Yeah - I've been called quite a few names on this board..."hard headed" being one of my favorites! No need to worry, you've said nothing disrespectful, in my opinion.
Crp, I didn't know that about Tamayra Gray. What a shame. She was singing on TV recently and did not sound as good as she used to. To many rifs to compensate for lack of power. And Udjat.... didn't mean to offend. As I said I love Deborah Cox.. But I guess I define superstar differently.
Yeah, I was totally shocked to hear that her audition bombed! I recall her stating that she would definitely audition again at a later date.
On the other hand, supposedly producers applauded Treynece for sounding as good as Heather!!! I'll post a link to the actual interview once I locate it.
Back onto topic. If the star of a show doesn't perform 8 shows a week do they still get paid for it? Im guessing some absence is worked into the pay but not every week.
As was the case with Toni, 6 shows/week is what was negotiated. Needless to say, these r&b SUPERSTARS are paid a bit more than what the fulltime cast members are paid - regardless of the their schedules. I hear Toni was paid VERY, VERY, VERY well.
Tamyra gray supposedly auditioned for AIDA and did a HORRIBLE job. There was a young girl from the second season of American Idol (Treynece?) who actually LANDED the role of AIDA, however she put it on hold to tour in another play.
A shame about Tamyra, though she could refine her acting chops, as apparent from what had been seen on t.v. She has such a rich voice, and Trenyce has a creamy, divine range. That said, after this third season, they best look no further than the STUNNING LaToya London.
^^YES^^ - LaToya London is EXTRAORDINARY! I was blown away when I heard her sing that B. Streisand song...the title slips my mind (somehow, somewhere...something like that). If she doesn't win the American Idol title, I'll lose even more respect for the show.
