Former Glory Vs. Future Gain: The Plight of the (Aging) Pop Queen

Published: Wednesday 28th Mar 2012 by Rashad

An array of awards line their shelves. Millions line their bank accounts and album sales statistics.  Adoring fans line concert venues, fan pages, and front stan wars in defense of them.  Yet, interestingly, even with all the aforementioned, stars like Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, and Madonna find themselves placed in quite the pop pickle.  For, in their hey day, they revisited, revamped, and, to then contemporary music fans, replaced the divas of old.  Putting the Chers, Diana Rosses, Aretha Franklins, Barbra Streisands, and co.s ‘out to pasture’ while they dominated the pop charts.

But, insert a 20 year fast forward, and they find themselves in (or approaching) somewhat of the same jam.

Redefining the standards of pop excellence, the latter 21st century divas (unlike those before them) used the music video medium to push their agenda.   Glossy visuals, accompanied by high octane choreography, cinematic quality themes, and live performances to match.  But, now the pop queens that paved the way for Britney Spears, Beyonce, Rihanna, and more are now finding themselves in their direct competition – sonically and visually.  Some will argue that no copy will ever trump the original, while others say they’ve had their day and should step aside.

We at TGJ want to know:  when one reaches a level of legendary status…what’s to gain from continuing?  You’ve paved the way, had the fame/fortune, and the adulation.  What’s next?  As Madonna’s 12th LP ‘MDNA’ landed on shelves this week, and Janet and Mariah (amongst others 40+ year old divas) are hard at work at their latest offerings,  sales dwindle and once universal praise turns into mock.

The inescapable age/gender bias leads us to ask:

Former Glory Vs. Future Gain:  Do stars who continue to push “pass their prime” ruin their legacies?  Is the gain – at the risk of ridicule, changing one’s sound for the sake of sounding “current”, or dressing/acting much too young – worth the gain of a new generation of followers?

Your thoughts?

 

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  1. Lolo March 28, 2012

    Sales dwindle for all musical acts over time, not just female pop stars. It’s just the course of events. The reason it seems more noticeable with female pop stars over male singers or bands–take the Rolling Stones for example–is that they never relied as heavily on selling s** as the women did. There might be pressure on female stars based on looks and image, but they choose to go along with it. Older acts stop dominating the singles chart and focus on touring. If you can put on a good live show, you can last. Age and gender don’t matter. Just ask Tina!

  2. MOFAN95 March 28, 2012

    I think Mariah and Janet pushed it with Memoirs and Discipline but as for them I think they have what it takes to comeback! As for Madonna I think she is getting caught up with this whole gaga situation and she took a huge hit with give me all your love. She choose the wrong single for this! Even when the demo came out she should’ve taken a hint from her fans they it wasn’t really their cup of tea and the fact Girl gone wild is really charting is making this era look dark! I love her new album but the wrong single was chosen and ruined the hype!

  3. MOFAN95 March 28, 2012

    *isn’t charting

  4. Boopi March 28, 2012

    Well I’m not sure about the other two, but Janet will always be The Queen so I’m not worried about her age.She DEFIES it! Get it gwuurl!

  5. Romeo March 28, 2012

    Out of Madonna, Mariah and Janet…Madonna is the one trying the most to appeal to younger audiences. Mariah, while attempting to reach younger audiences, still has music for the grown and mature while Janet does too. I think ALL three have a good comeback left in them…Unfortunately for Madonna, M.D.N.A. isn’t it…although it may end up charting well!

  6. Truth March 28, 2012

    Janet is plastic, has no talent and is only famous being MJ’s sister.
    Mariah is a drunk w**** who messed around with her label CEO to build a career.
    Madonna, the less said about her the better.

    Celine Dion is the real Queen of Pop and the only one whose lifestyle isn’t questionable, hasn’t done anything publicly offensive and still as impressive talent-wise as she was 20 years ago.

    Celine wins.

  7. YOOSONDALOOSE March 28, 2012

    Love Mariah, if she plays her cards right she could be around for a lot longer, she shouldn’t follow trends blindly, but should embrace in her music, no more hip-hop Mariah, pop Mariah is what is needed and wanted.

    Janet could comeback with something big, there is always a need for a Jackson, but she needs to be so new and original. Try something so different!

  8. Popeater March 28, 2012

    this story line is getting TIRED!!! These women are legends, no one is going to be on top forever. They will forever have their core fanbase, and will always remain relevant. None of them have anything else to prove. You can’t take away from their past success. The Rhianna’s, Beyonce’s, and others of today, will be replaced in 5-10 years by someone else, and it will not take away what they’ve achieved.

    Janet, Mariah, and Madonna are legendary regardless of what you think. The should be respected for what they’ve achieved.

    #Janetstan4ever

  9. Bobby March 28, 2012

    ^^^^^^ Who are you to judge anyones lifestyle?

    First of all, Rihanna does NOT belong in any type of statement involving Madonna, Mariah, Janet, Beyonce, or Britney. Rihanna has not done anything in my humble opinion. She has her factory produced #1 hits – but that was none of her doing. I do love her though, shes a bad b**** and makes great music but her artistry is nothing. While many may say the same for Britney, Britney cemented her icon status way early on.

    I think Madonna, Mariah, and Janet are ever-so rellevent. It’s got nothing to do with their age. Madonna still SLAYS. Mariah does better now than she was doing 10 years ago (ie: Glitter era), and Janet had fallen off but her tours still do very well. I think legacy’s is what it is all about and I do believe all these powerful, beautiful females are still building theres. I hope and prey Beyonce is still making music 10 years from now, but she started so young that if she does her career will have spanned out the longest and I do really wonder what her legacy would be like. She has yet to flop, and I hope she never does, but I think artist like her are one of the only still building an artisty and legacy all at once. Whereas yes, Katy and Rihanna are hugely successful but nothing their doing is iconic nor will be remembered as so.

    In a nutshell, Katy and Rihanna will be noted for their songs … just as you look back on songs from the 1980’s and 1990’s you can’t remember who sung it but you know the tune. That will be them. Beyonce, and a few other artist people will KNOW that is Beyonce just as they did with Michael.

    *I’m also unsure as to where Lady Gaga fits into all of this. Was she a fad? Will she return? Hmmm.*

  10. March 28, 2012

    @TRUTH, if you like Celine, so be it. No need to trash others. Funny she wasn’t even mentioned in this article, maybe that’s why you mad. There is no comeback needed to be made with any these ladies.

  11. Ugh March 28, 2012

    they did their thing and none of them have anything to prove.

  12. RoyalKev March 28, 2012

    As much as I’d like to think that age wouldn’t be a factor for these ladies, it is. I would be in denial of the fact that there just aren’t any 50 year old pop stars taken seriously today. I know Janet and Mariah still have a lot to offer as musicians, but I think their next album should be their last. Their legacies will be well respected, but if they choose to continue on in the industry their contributions won’t be appreciated. It’s one thing for it to be underrated, but I don’t like the idea of these great artists being degrated. Their work will always be compared to their previous albums at their peak and noone seems to give them credit for making superior music to today’s artists (when that does happen). MJ and Whitney passing just seems like a sign that tells us it’s the end of the 80’s/90’s mega star! Their all the cream of the crop, they’ve broken records and left an incredible lasting impression, so I feel that they should all wrap up soon and pass the torch.

    Random: Respect artists America!

    http://www.thepagewithroyalkev.com

  13. MichaelAngelo March 28, 2012

    I don’t think it’s really about gaining or loosing at this point. All of these women are iconic. Believe it or not, some people in this world actually like their job and would like to continue performing their job until they absolutely can’t go on.

  14. B Lamont March 28, 2012

    It’s an ageist, sexist world we live in. Yes, all artists face dwindling sales as they age, but for some reason Janet, Mariah and Madonna are expected to defeat these odds. I don’t recall all of this debate when they were on top and Aretha, Diana, Tina, etc were where Janet and company are now. The fact is the older artists still make music, so there is no reason for Janet, Mariah and Madonna to stop. The only thing they need to keep from doing is trying to cater to the younger audiences. It always fails and Madonna is the prime example. Young kids will not buy it cuz they think they are too old; and the mature adults won’t buy it cuz it sounds like bubblegum pop music. I’m sure it’s a very precarious situation for these ladies but nothing lasts forever.

  15. RoyalKev March 28, 2012

    Let me add that I totally understand those in favor for these women to keep pressing on. In a perfect world, I’d think the same. My perspective comes from a place of wanting to protect them(the legends) and allow them to keep thier dignity.
    I dispise when the media turns them into a punchline.

    http://www.thepagewithroyalkev.com

  16. Davon March 28, 2012

    @Truth- Are you retarded? Janet Jackson is way more talented than Celine Dion. Celine has her on vocals. But Janet can dance her ass,write oscar nominated songs,and act. She is not famous because of MJ. She broke out from under his shadow in the 80’s. And I literally know atleast 3 people who didn’t even know they were related until I told them. And don’t even talk about Madonna. Atleast she can keep up with the times and sell out arenas after 30 years in the business, Celine’s time was up that’s why she went to Vegas. Even Celine said it.

  17. JJFAN1814 March 28, 2012

    When you become a legend, a TRUE musician will not stop putting out music despite their age. Da f*** are you getting at Sam??? It’s there job and what they do. Legends are legends and a flop album and other business failures will not take away from what they accomplished.

    #NEXT

  18. Davon March 28, 2012

    @Truth-She’s doing a new album though. Hopefully she’ll do well. I know I’ll be buying it. I love Celine

  19. King Tasha March 28, 2012

    Mariah is STILL CURRENT..Everybody is still checking for her songs. Mariah always top charts. Mariah makes good music and she’s still a s** symbol…And who the f*** is an katy perry/rhianna(cause these lil girls are a packaged deal) TO a Mariah Carey and/or a Beyoncé..katy perry and rihanna will be the “pebbles, jody watley” where as Mariah is STILL the Mariah and Beyoncé is the Michael Jackson and ONLY SINCE what? ’03?…Miss GaGa gone still be here too

  20. King Tasha March 28, 2012

    And po’ Janet and Madonna 🙁 yeah the try and they try REALLY hard but if they can just calm down, then maybe…Janet should probably try the “Dont Stop” route again, to be back in the circle but MDNA’s face cant put her back in, the circle (REALLY, REALLY no shade but truth :-)……….

  21. NaQu March 28, 2012

    @DAVON
    Whatever you sniffin’, you better put it down or pass it. LOL. Janet is NOT way more talented than Celine. Are you kidding? And who in the hell doesn’t know that she’s Michael’s sister. Nah boo. Don’t even try and pull that. Deny it all you want, but Janet had a hookup because of her last name and never had to play the “starving artist” who paid dues performing in crappy night clubs and on street corners.

  22. UnMutedOne March 28, 2012

    Mariah is not still current and that ho does not still top the charts. Look no further than her last album for proof of that.

  23. jhongerardo March 28, 2012

    unicas y muas son ustedes 3

  24. BAA March 28, 2012

    @Bobby…PREACH! Rihanna and Katy name should never come up, when ur addressing Iconic and Legendary Women! What Mimi, Whitney, Celine, Janet and Madonna will always shine! Some of those women broke down barriers and were the first to ever do it. I will say that, Celine, Whitney and Mimi achieve their Highly Legendary fame by Talent and Sales. Janet being a beast on stage and ruling the 90s cemented her Iconic Career. Madonna sales, fashion and her not giving a damn cemented her Iconic Status. I think Madonna by releasing Pop Tart music, will ruin some of her Iconic career. When ur that Big. Why try to compete and follow trends. Now one woman that will catch up with these women and just about there is….Beyonce! Have u seen her on stage! #1 Female Performer of All Time! The girl was to made to b Legendary! Also Christina has carevd her on niche. Britney was a beast on stage n her early days, with sales and dancing. But she just cant hang with the women that had longevity, with talent.

  25. deveal2014 March 28, 2012

    if something is your career//job and you love it why would you quit ?? We all get older and to say someone is irrelevant because they are older is b******* . I appreciate a lot of the newer artist , but to be honest a lot of older artist s*** on them because they are more professional and polished and I personally prefer that more opposed to a s*** load of lip syncing , dancing , back tracks , smoke mirror and lights. Ageism , sexism, racism all exist and plays a huge part in album sales as it always has.

  26. POP ROYALTY ( RUDE BOY) March 28, 2012

    mariah – a has been
    janet – a has-been
    madonna – still going strong !

    the end.

  27. JohnVidal (RIPWhitney-true great) March 28, 2012

    This is so easy to answer:
    These people LOVE creating music, why should they stop? They love it, it´s their life. And if people think they degrade their status is their problem (ignorant problem). Even if they can´t create what they did in the past… so what? Still better than nowadays models

    That said, the first bunch Sam named… brilliant (Barbra, Aretha, etc), the second bunch… brilliant (Mariah, Madonna, Celine, Whitney, etc)…. the problem is nowadays pop stars… can´t compare (Britney, beyonce, Rihanna, etc). Sorry. It´s so clear

    @poproyalty
    Hey, remember our argument about JLo? Where is she in all of this? Can u see now she is irrelevant when it comes to the huge ones? I hope you accept it in public now, you hot b**** 🙂 Not the status, not the talent

    Also, to the person saying Janet can act trying to say Celine can´t… sorry but Celine CAN, way better than madonna and Mariah. I saw a Canadian series in which she appeared for several episodes and she has it. Never went that route anymor, but she definitely has it
    Can´t wait for Mariah and Celine new albums this year. Oh Whitney I miss you

  28. Hush March 28, 2012

    If you’re a real artist, you will continue to put out music because it’s what you love and for the fans who you know will appreciate it. The idea that “they’ve had their day, and now should step aside” is preposterous. The “Chers, Diana Rosses, Aretha Franklins, Barbra Streisands” before them didn’t step aside and stop making music when they emerged, so why should they do it for the likes of clowns like Rihanna and Britney? That’s stupid. Plus, not everyone likes today’s batch of “pop stars”. I’m sitting here patiently waiting for about 95% of them to go away. When a pop star who emerged pre-2000 releases a new album, I revel in it. It’s like I’m getting another slice of the way things SHOULD be.

    Britney, Rihanna, Gaga, Katy & Co. can all exit stage right.

  29. TruLegends March 28, 2012

    you guys really need to find some new topics. I swear you bring this up every other week.

  30. Po March 28, 2012

    @ NaQu. Hook up or not, Janet is an ICON because of Janet. Without mentioning Michael, no other Jackson has had major success on their own.

  31. POP ROYALTY ( RUDE BOY) March 28, 2012

    @JOHNvidal :

    if only i could turn back time …… 😳

    and if TGJ was allowing me to edit my comments. 😳

    #i’m embarrassed man 😳

    but i love OTF and well … J.LO is not ….. U KNOW IT

    about this post :

    aging is not a crime , a crime is to pretend you are not your real age and act as if you are in your twenties and keep saying “GIRL” while your hymen got bombed centuries ago *a strong side-eye to madonna*.

    the dance queen : this f*****’ janet ” i dislike the h** , but gotta give it to her”
    the voice : MC *hands down*
    the visuals : ” how cute of me to sum up madonna’s career in one word ?! ” : MADONNA.

    all of them are great , but it is time for new generation to be great and take it to the next level and THEY should accept it. *a strong side-eye to madonna again*

    U like me when i’m real @john ?! 😆

  32. POP ROYALTY ( RUDE BOY) March 28, 2012

    and yes , i agree with the touring idea so much.

    if there is ONLY one QUEEN/LEGEND/ICON that got @rude boy’s respect then she is going to be ONLY celine dion. she depend only on her voice , not her sexiness ! and she is aware/conscious about her real age and what she can do while keeping her class.

    this woman is so f*****’ great , so bad i like B****** like MADEG more 😳

  33. ASAP (As Sincere As Possible) March 28, 2012

    It’s difficult for these artists to maintain a career after they’ve reached legendary status, mostly because everything you do is inevitably going to be compared with the accomplishments of their heyday ( i.e : Madonna’s ‘MDNA’ compared to ‘ROL’ and ‘COAD’ and paling in comparison of course 😳 ).

    Imo, after reaching a career peak, the only thing left to do is to experiment because that’s the only gain you can have from pressing on and retiring. A great experiment forward thinking album can earn those artists respect, which is not any less important than glory, fame and money if being remembered is what they’re going for. What do they have to lose anyway? If their experimentation turns out to be rubbish, they’ll still be legends with a short career slump, but if they pull it off, they can push boundaries and expand their domination.

    And this is why I’m a little disappointed with Madonna. I don’t think MDNA is half as bad as some people are trying to make it out to be, it has its moments, but it’s not anything new or revolutionary. She can do MUCH better. If Christina can risk her entire career by going from pop to soul/ jazz/ blues before even turning 30, then I bet the 45-year old legends should be brave too 😉

  34. TheMan4u March 28, 2012

    none of them will ever have the success of their prime but they can/should still make music, but they need to cater to their audience and not the teens of today. Madonna is off to a shaky start and hopefully Janet has learned that she does still have a following if she makes the right music. i feel that mariah will try to regain her Emancipation days and will fail again and hopefully realize where her true audience is. Whitney did show a few years ago, you can still push platinum despite being over 40 you just need the right material, the audience is there waiting.

  35. honey March 28, 2012

    As long as the artist(s) remain true to their music and not sell-out, fine by me. I’d NEVER suggest U2 phase out…..And was really saddened when R.E.M. called it quits. Staying relevant is what matters to me. Had he not passed away – WHO in their right mind would’ve told MJ to step aside?! NOT ME!!

  36. JohnVidal (RIPWhitney-true great) March 28, 2012

    @poproyalty
    Hun yes I like you like this haha
    Although I disagree, let them do whatever they want with their image, as long as they give us MUSIC

  37. ANNE March 28, 2012

    IMO Janet will never fully recover from the superbowl incident although her sales were decreasing before that. As for Mariah and Madonna, while they don’t have a scandal that overshadows their accomplishments, they also have reached their peak. Although somewhat tarnished for Jamet, all three have a legacy that will remain no matter how good or bad their future projects fair.

  38. Onyx March 28, 2012

    MMM….. let me say this, this is their art, their passion so this is like take away a barbie from a 6 years old baby, new music is not going to ruin their discography, they have already make the best albums by a female musicians of course nothing would be the same neither for the young singer they’re strong now but then you will see, only time would tell us if they can have a career like Madonna, Janet, Whitney, Celine and Mariah, the last albums by those divas are not the best of their career but are still good albums, i enjoy Discipline, i enjoy Mariah Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, i enjoy Whitney’s I Look To You and i f****** love MDNA, those are still great albums those divas are still an amazing musicians, i’m a modern person but when it comes to the new generation of female singers, yes i i like some of them but the old divas are light years ahead of those news.

  39. SHESDUMB ★ THE CAPS LOCK I CON March 28, 2012

    I AM MAD, YALL GOT JANET IN THE MIDDLE OF MADONNA AND MARIAH CAREY LOOKING LIKE SHE IS POUTING. THERE IS NOTHING FOR JANET TO POUT ABOUT B******!!!!!!
    SHE SLAYS BOTH MARIAH CAREY AND MADONNA!

  40. POP ROYALTY ( RUDE BOY) March 28, 2012

    @shesdumb :

    oh Puh-lease …. for the world to be a better place , shut your d*** sucker.

    Janet is not bigger than MC or Madonna. —> _/

    your avi slays though 😉

  41. POP ROYALTY ( RUDE BOY) March 28, 2012

    @johnvidal :

    i tried my best to stay real 🙂

    @ONYX :

    B**** , i missed u !

    and did you see that ” truth or dare ” ad ?!

    DITA NEVER LEFT !
    but mama need to tone it down MORE 🙂 !

  42. Bobby Bulgaria March 28, 2012

    I will never stop listening to Mariah’s incredible voice and music – new or old, and I know she will be doing it as long as she could – cuz she loves it and it’s great fun… Why stop? 🙂

  43. Onyx March 28, 2012

    @POP ROYALTY ( RUDE BOY)
    yes i saw, i think she should appear like that in GGW video as Dita, as for that, you know Momma’s Pop refuse to get old hahahahaha she think she would live 4ever who knows maybe she can do it and be touring half naked at 200 years old hahahahaha.

  44. mobwife March 28, 2012

    @SAM/TGJ

    This is an EXCELLENT POST! I was pondering this very question as I reflect on how disapointed I am with Madonna’s return. MDRN….NA or something or other, simply lacks the quality of music & style I have come to expect from M! Anybody including Gaga, could have made this CD. I’m still smdh!

    “Former Glory Vs. Future Gain: Do stars who continue to push “pass their prime” ruin their legacies?” <—- YES! 🙁

    I do think a certain type of DIVA (female or male…LOLl) can always remain. The Whitney's (RIP), Anita Baker's, & I would say the Barbra Streisands' of the world IMO, will always remain. WHY? They never really sold S**-APPEAL. They simply stood and sang. Kathleen Battle, Astrud Gilberto, and late Cesária Évora (RIP the legend my DIVA) needed nothing but a stool and a mic to burn down the stage and the entire building. That type of ability will ALWAYS BE IN DEMAND! S**-appeal however, will fade!

    **Don't believe the hype, there are MALES who also try to comeback but find that the music scene has passed them by…shall we name a few? 🙂

  45. mobwife March 28, 2012

    @RoyalKev

    VERY WELL SAID right done to this statement —-> “Random: Respect artists America!” 🙂

  46. mobwife March 28, 2012

    @RoyalKev

    *DOWN*……..I’ve got to give up late night coffee drinking! :–)

  47. POP ROYALTY ( RUDE BOY) March 28, 2012

    @ONYX :

    imagine Madge perform erotica/you thrill me or even hung up while being naked at 100 Y.O.

    that my friend will be a damn great show 😆

    her body is great though for a woman in her age , i’m impressed 🙂

  48. Onyx March 28, 2012

    @POP ROYALTY ( RUDE BOY)
    Hahahaha her body is still good but i swear i will laugh till i die if i see her at 80 years old naked on stage hahaahahaha that would be funny, i hope she never lost her confidence and her passion for life.

  49. POP ROYALTY ( RUDE BOY) March 28, 2012

    hope so @onyx 🙂

  50. mike March 28, 2012

    Mariah is always one hit and great promo from being on top!

  51. Kyle March 28, 2012

    I think the very first commentator, LOLO put it very nicely. Well done. Madonna, Janet, and Mariah each have a tremendous back catalogue of hits but let’s be honest, IMAGE was just as important to them as the music was. With female pop stars, the image thing will always carry on with them regardless of their age. So the older you get, the more the generational gap begins to increase and the more you have had to try to keep up with the image trends. If you ask me, they’ve all struggled a bit for the past few years but musically, they haven’t really changed and if you’re a die-hard fan who has been riding with them since the early stages of their careers I think you’ll appreciate them regardless. Critics have been pretty brutal with Madonna’s latest release because they are comparing it to today’s young pop starts like Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Ke$ha but I think “MDNA” fits in nicely with the rest of Madonna’s record collection. So to answer the question of this post, IMAGE is really the only thing holding pop icons like Mariah, Janet, and Madonna back. The music is always consistant. Like the saying goes, out with the old and in with the new. True fans always stick around though;) I love all three of these women.

  52. marcus March 28, 2012

    Excuse me all you haters Janet Slays and Mariah Slays! The dont look old at all. As far as Madonna goes I dont like MDNA at all. I like her as an artist but she sounds so desperate on this album. I prefer Confessions.

  53. Onyx March 28, 2012

    @KYLE
    Co-sigh with you

  54. Small_angel March 28, 2012

    We all know Christina is the new Whitney, Beyonce is the new Mariah and Britney is the new Madonna.

    But kudos to Xtina for being the Bravest.

  55. LTM March 28, 2012

    lol @ old stans shading Katy and Rihanna. Not here for that. IMO, iconic status can be reached at any stage in your career. Hit Me Baby One More Time was an instant pop classic along with the album. Britney became an icon over night. Same with Christina with Genie in a Bottle, Come On Over, and What A Girl Wants. Even to today with Gaga and Just Dance and Katy with I Kissed A Girl. Legendary status comes with time. In order to be a legend you need a legacy.

  56. LTM March 28, 2012

    I consider Beyonce, Xtina, and Britney legends.

  57. ChristinasAlmostHere March 28, 2012

    Out of all the current women this generation…Christina remains the bravest all them all. She’s taken risks, chances, criticism, etc…she’s been on all sides of the spectrum and she’s still standing strong.

    Gaga tries too hard, Katy is tasteless and tacky and also tries too hard, Britney has lost it all, and Rihanna…poor poor Rihanna. What do the latters all have in common? With the exception of Britney, none of them will have any longevity and will not be thought of 10 years from now. They’re more of “in the moment relevancy” than anything and that’s where the train stops. They’re all reductive and typical.

  58. TheMan March 28, 2012

    Beyonce the new Mariah what are yo smoking. Mariah and Janet ain’t ole. Madonna looks good. It’s about staying relevant and making great music which they all are still/continue to do. Madonna’s latest album in it’s first wk. is outselling just about every other female artist other than Adele. What good stuff are you on Sam. The ag ing thing is crap. Most of the newer artists are complete flops. You sound dumb Sam. If your music is amazing then thats all that matters. Talent has no limit. Madonna has always done dance music so she’s not following anything. Mariah has had hits on each of her last three albums. They all still sale albums and Mariah earns hit singles. You do what you do because it’s your passion. Some of these commenters are really ignorant.

  59. TheMan March 28, 2012

    It’s not about following trends but more so about being current but still be yourself. Infact most of the artists that do well on the charts are artists that have been doig it.

  60. ADC143 March 28, 2012

    I’m sorry, but Madonna has 3 albums that sold over 20-25 million copies worldwide, and 2 US diamond (10 million) certified albums. Can Rihanna, Gaga or Katy claim the same thing? No Madonna will never recapture the sales of her prime, but today’s crop of pop stars will never see those numbers DURING their prime. They’re lucky to go double platinum. Gaga’s biggest selling album topped out at 13 million WW and 4x platinum US. That’s a loooooooong way from M’s Like a Virgin and True Blue sales. And before anybody comes with that “don’t compare today’s sales to yesterday’s sales”…f*** that! If 20 million people today wanted an album, then 20 million people would have it. Case in point: Adele. It wasn’t that long ago when Norah Jones, Usher and Alicia Keys were seeing those #’s too.

    Today’s pop stars don’t excite fans enough to get them to go to the record store to cop their whole damn album. Today’s pop stars only inspire those ridiculous single downloads from iTunes, which IMO is a joke.

  61. Gr3g March 28, 2012

    Why must these topics because they always turn into a versus situation? All three are legends in their own right and should continue to do what they love to do for however long they want to. Despite the negative comments you can’t hate on a status all three have earned.

  62. Gr3g March 28, 2012

    Why must these topics always turn into a versus situation? All three are legends in their own right and should continue to do what they love to do for however long they want to. Despite the negative comments you can’t hate on a status all three have earned. Sorry for the previous typo… LoL.

  63. Saetana March 29, 2012

    There is no reason why these women should not continue to make music, the problem comes when you try to pander to the “yoof” like Madonna is doing. A 53 year old woman singing about being a Girl Gone Wild sounds tacky and silly, it isn’t even a decent tune to take attention away from the awful lyrics. More songs like Free Falling and Gang Bang are what I would like to see from Madonna.

  64. aishaaguilerakeys March 29, 2012

    At a certain point it’s no longer about the money, or least not only. They’re addicted to performing, to singing, to being in a studio, in front of a crowd. Hell, James Brown performed until his death, Aretha’s still performing. It’s also hard to imagine them having a peaceful life growing petunias in the countryside, I think it’s hard for them to hang it up, it’s something they’ve being doing for decades. It’s hard for some ordinary people to retire from their everyday jobs too, they can’t see themselves doing anything else. And what do you want them to sing about? I can hardly imagine Madonna singing about cultivating her garden or bringing her kids to school and performing in a knee lenght dress. Come on, this is Madonna, it’ll be a blow to her reputation! And as a performer, wearing long clothes won’t help, and I doubt Madonna wants to be doing a march of the penguin à la Lana del Rey on stage.

  65. Miguel March 29, 2012

    Well, for Madonna I think it was EXTREMELY ironic to see that, for several weeks, her single “Like a Prayer” from the 80’s was outselling her latest single on iTunes USA after the Super Bowl!

    Just shows that, if you’re in the Pop Royalty league, you should be making efforts to releasing songs that are gonna be classics, people want to hear GOOD SONGS, not disposable cheesy crap that nobody will care about in 20 years. I mean, just the fact that lots of kids bought “Like a Prayer” which is over 20 years old, speaks volume for how the melody/lyrics of the song speak to the crowds. A good song is always a good song and it moves people 20 years later.

    So yeah you should definitely put out material that matches the quality of your classics. Not some half-assed effort just to “further your brand”, lol

  66. PS March 29, 2012

    @Truth
    Celine Dion’s talent? What would that be? Being her husband’s puppet, singing other people’s songs?? Laughable. Janet, Madonna and Mariah are artists. Celine is just a singer. An interpreter. Not a creator.

  67. LOL March 29, 2012

    Janet is the floppiest among the three. Her last major commercial hit was during the All For You era. After that, her material has been reductive – it all tries to emulate All For You. I know what I’m talking about as I have her albums post All For You: Damita Jo, 20 YO, Discipline. I can barely listen to them as they sound so alike. I respect her glory days until the 90s, but post 2000, I am resigned to the fact that her time was waaaaayyyyyy over.

    I love Mariah, and happy that she was able to do a huge comeback with EOM. Even E=MC2 showed she still got it. I was just puzzled with Memoirs. But with the strenght of what she did in EOM, I think she can still pull a comeback as she is the remaining one who posseses “THE VOICE”.

    Madonna is a chameleon & a shrewd businesswoman, that’s why she works harder than the 2 to compete with stars half her age. I love her musical diversity. Confessions was her last best album. MDNA is good, and i hope she can still do another Ray of Light before she goes

  68. stfu about madonna and her age, who gives a flying fok about that shiot. You will be 50 too, imbeciles. March 29, 2012

    I laugh at all the f*cktarded imbeciles who keep dissing Madonna because of her age.

    Do you idiots realize you will also reach your 50s, one day??

    Madonna is allowed to dress however she wants. Everybody is allowed to have their own personality and style at any age! Madonna is healthy and can still dance very well! Why should she retire or stop being herself? She is not doing anything illegal.

    Pop music is for anyone that likes pop music. Even if you are in your 70s or 80s or 90s, etc!!!

  69. xtina voicelera here to stay and sing 2012 til infinity March 29, 2012

    Christina Aguilera is the most bad@**, epic underdog.

    Lee Ranaldo has written a song about her called “Xtina as I knew Her”

    Google/Youtube that shiot.

    Christina is on the mind of everybody in the music industry, including artists of other genres like alternative rock, etc.

  70. Onyx March 29, 2012

    @stfu about madonna and her age, who gives a flying fok about that shiot. You will be 50 too, imbeciles.
    I agree with you

  71. JANET’S ICONIC NIPPLE March 29, 2012

    I think Janet can come back big. With this next album I think she’ll have bigger success then with 20 Y.O and Discipline.

    20. Y.O was crap, i love janet and ill admit that. Jermaine Dupri inspired that mess. smdh.
    Discipline actually wasn’t too bad.. management and label disagreements totally mesed that up. + Janet didn’t write at all on the album 🙁 which sucked.

    Have you seen Janet lately she looks better then ever. Healthy & Happy. And she can still dance circles around the younger girls.

    All Janet needs is the right material. Something different & creative. The talent is there.

  72. REALTALKBSWALK March 29, 2012

    Janet has and always will be queen to me and to the people who is calling her a has been just remember your NOTHING to her so whats your point? Your opinion goes no further than this blog which doesn’t really matter, your not even a has been to her why because she knows nothing about you nor would she really care about what you think about her lol your favs don’t even know you exist lol.

  73. LOL March 30, 2012

    The facts don’t lie: Flopnet is under-performing among the 3 ladies. Both 3 had their share of scandals & melt downs but Madonna & Mariah had managed to comeback. The Superbowl incident was like what? 10 years back & no comeback? Mariah shook off her meltdown & Glitter & did Emancipation. Madonna shook off bad press Erotica with Bedtime Stories/Ray of Light & she shook off American Life with COTD. How many albums does Janet need to do to shake off the Superbowl mess as an excuse?

    So to even mention her in the same sentence as the true Queens Mariah & Madonna is a compliment to her. It’s the reality, so face it: figures don’t lie. Her chances of having a comeback is very slim, to say the least. Unless she does something truly radical: she should go hard or go home.

    On the question on if they have to continue or mess their legacies, as long as the fans are alive, they should continue. They don’t need to compete sales-wise with the younger generation, as they have proven themselves already. They should just release music that they luck, and the ageist people can just go to hell 😛 Remember, your faves will age do, and good luck to them if they even reach the longevity than these icons have.

  74. Al March 30, 2012

    Janet is not hard at work on a new album. She’s not recording. She’s going back on tour, and then producing a film for Lionsgate. She seems over the music thing.

    Madonna is the one who will always be on top. She’s Madonna. She works like a dog. She will never stop.

    Mariah COULD come back. She seems refreshed, and happy now. I can’t really put it into words. She’s already recording lines for either “Family Guy” or “American Dad”, which is hilarious. She’s really putting herself out there.

    I think Janet is really in Paula Abdul territory. I don’t see her ever making a comeback, sadly. She just doesn’t know what to do, and plenty of people have tried to help her. Nothing has worked. Perhaps she’s picked up on this. No one wants to hear it, but her ex-husband was the best thing to happen to her career. She had one successful album after his departure, and that was due to the fact that she was going back to dance music after “The Velvet Rope”. After that, it was all downhill, and no, it was not all due to the Superbowl incident. That album that came on the heels of that performance, was not going to chart regardless. Then she spent time allowing Jermaine Dupri f-up her career. She proved for ten years, that she is not good at making career decisions for herself. LA Reid tried to help her, but thanks to the egging on of Jermaine, she dropped LA too. I remember her saddest state where she left some ghetto phone number for fans to call her, and she would talk to them. It was like she was lonely. It was too damn weird. Once she did Jenny Craig, it was over for her. She had nothing else, unlike Mariah. The fur nonsense hasn’t helped Janet either.

  75. Al March 30, 2012

    “With this next album I think she’ll have bigger success then with 20 Y.O and Discipline.”

    There is no “next album”.

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  77. maturebrotha April 9, 2012

    Madonna sucks. Her gay fan-base loves her but she’s clearly untalented

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