Part 9/13:

The broader pattern, as discussed, is that almost all successful pop artists are products of a complex industry machinery. Whether they originate from independent endeavors or mainstream beginnings, the support network—record labels, marketing teams, publicists—is intrinsic to their rise. Historically, even icons like Britney Spears or Lady Gaga had to follow industry pathways, and accusations of being “plants” or manufactured products have been around since the dawn of pop culture.