Queen of Pop? King of Pop?

Madonna. Michael Jackson. Britney Spears. What are your thoughts when you hear these names? Pop stars? Train wrecks? Pop royalty? Musicians? Talented? I can go on and on with different descriptions. I, for one, think brilliance - talented musicians that have been around for years and decades. My question is: who names them King and Queen? Why do people do that? What are the prerequisites of being crowned the King or Queen of Pop? For me, it would be experience in the industry.

Michael Jackson has been around since the 60's, with the Jackson 5. After departing from the group, he made a name for himself selling album after album. With over 50 years of experience, Jackson has fought decade after decade, creating and performing music up until his tragic death. Shortly before embarking on another tour, Jackson died, working hard and bringing music to his fans, who were everything to him, and he never wanted to let them down. Personally, I believe Jackson deserves the title of King of Pop. Can anyone else compare? Are there any other leading men that can achieve that level? With a deluge of emerging artists establishing themselves in the present music industry, it's difficult to find a single artist with the ability to make a lasting impact. Talent with staying power. A legacy and a solid inspiration.

Now it's time for the ladies of music. I personally think that the ladies have it harder. So many talented women graced the music Industry over the years. Diana Ross, Paula Abdul, Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera - the list goes on. These are just a few names I've thought of, but the list is endless. Who decides who the 'Queen of Pop' is? This could be a toss up! On one side we have Cher. Like Michael Jackson, she has been around since the 60's and is still making music. She also had some time on the big screen to add to her portfolio not to mention walking away with Oscars! Cher still has everyone talking and is still going strong. (I'm a fan, can't you tell?) On the other side we have the one who is being called the 'Queen of Pop': Madonna herself. Do I agree with this? Yes and no....Madonna marked her territory in the 80's with pop music and dance moves for years. She's physically fit and continues surprising people all over the world. Her pop music explodes at the clubs and she's constantly reinventing herself in her music. In 2012, she performed at the Superbowl halftime show and blew audiences out of the water. Why? That's the thing about Madonna, she's pop music! She's an icon. Who's had more experience though? CHER BY FAR. Cher has been making music before Madonna even came to the club scene! I just think Cher has been doing her own thing and not worrying about doing main shows and dropping album after album. Madonna constantly surprises us with new music and new appearances. Madonna also has always done pop music. Cher has dabbled in different music. Pop, club, country, rock and roll...she's done all different things. I think the debate can go on and on but Queen of Pop is Madonna's title. (So we've heard!) We needed something new in the 80's and we got it! Madonna and Cher though share something, they are both talented musicians and performers!

Now fast forward to the 90's! (My generation.) Who's coming out next? We still had all these artists out but we needed something new and fresh in the pop scene. Who came along in 1998? Britney Spears came along and started out strong with her number one single "...Baby One More Time." First single of her debut album and she killed it. With no experience, she shattered the record charts! We needed a new fresh face on the scene and we got it. Spears came along with so many other fabulous artists, but what did Spears have that other artists lacked? Presence. She knew how to work a room and never let her audiences down. She delivered album after album. Single after single. Tour after tour...and performed her little heart out. It seemed like she was working and working and didn't have much of a personal life until tabloids ruined that. Slowly but surely Britney Spears was all over newspapers and magazines. Britney Spears isn't just an Icon she's a triumph. She's reached the top, fell hard to rock bottom, survived, and continues to grow as an artist. Is she the same Britney Spears from the 90's? NO! Is Madonna the same Madonna from the 80's? Is Cher the same as the 60's? You need to grow with the times. She's survived divorces, health problems, a literal collapse in front of the world. Britney has been through it all right in front of our eyes. All these artists have gone through rough patches and it has been displayed for the world to see. Britney Spears, though--really hit rock bottom for a while and (us fans and other people) didn't know if she would ever recover and build herself up again. She did though and that's what makes her such an icon. Does she deserve the title of Princess of Pop though? I think so! She came along right after Madonna. She ran the 90's right into the 00's! Her performances were endless and she always had us talking! I think she deserves the title, do you?

What's next for the music industry?

Who's on the right track? Lady Gaga? Rihanna? Adele? Katy Perry? I will say this: You need everything I've talked about. Who's heading in the right direction? Lady Gaga perhaps might be leading the pact. Who knows though? So many different debates can go on here. I don't think any of these artists deserve a title yet though, all these artists just started up in these last couple of years. You need experience, my lovelies. It takes time before you can get a title.