The Evolution of Pop Music: The Rise of the Biggest Pop Stars

In recent years, the music industry has witnessed a significant shift in the type of pop stars that are emerging at the forefront of popular culture. Gone are the days of power belters from the 90s and late 2000s; instead, we're seeing a new breed of artists who position themselves as outsiders, filter their confessional lyrics through slick productions, and refuse to be pigeonholed into a specific genre.

One such artist is Selena Gomez, who got her start in the entertainment industry as a child star on Disney. Along with Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, and Ariana Grande, she was part of a wave of young stars who transitioned from television to music. But Gomez's journey has been marked by significant growth and evolution, both musically and personally.

Her 2013 solo debut Stars Dance saw her make the transition from bubbly teen to mature female artist, inviting listeners to 'Come & Get It' with her Bollywood-inflected track. Since then, she has continued to push boundaries and challenge herself as an artist. Her latest album, The Pains Of Growing, sees her matured from ingénue to confident singer-songwriter.

Gomez is not alone in this evolution; other artists are also embracing their individuality and refusing to be confined by genre or expectation. One such artist is Cara, a 21-year-old Canadian singer who got her start singing precocious covers of hit songs on YouTube before signing with Def Jam and releasing her debut single 'Here', a catchy ode to introverts who hate parties.

But what sets Cara apart from other pop stars is her willingness to take risks and challenge herself as an artist. Her sophomore effort, The Pains Of Growing, is a testament to this, featuring lyrics that are both confessional and socially conscious. One notable example is her appearance on rapper Logic's track '1-80', which features pop-R&B star Khalid and is titled after the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

The single was a slow burn, released without fanfare but later topping every critic's list by the end of 2015. The rest of her album Know-It-All was solidified by two subsequent singles, 'Wild Things' and the self-affirming anthem 'Scars to Your Beautiful'. These songs showcase Cara's ability to craft catchy, memorable melodies while also tackling tough subjects like insecurity and self-acceptance.

In an era where pop music is often criticized for being superficial and lacking depth, artists like Gomez and Cara are a breath of fresh air. They're refusing to conform to traditional notions of what it means to be a pop star, instead choosing to forge their own paths and create music that resonates with listeners on a deeper level.

As the music industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more artists like Gomez and Cara emerge at the forefront of popular culture. They're proof that there's still room for growth, innovation, and creativity in the world of pop music – and we couldn't be more excited to see what they have in store for us next.

Biggest pop stars