Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Taylor Swift. Those are the names I think of when it comes to female role models in the music industry.
But when it comes to male role models in music, I struggle to think of any. I mean, you can hardly call the likes of Justin Bieber or One Direction role models. Perhaps young girls look to them and faint, but that’s nothing to be proud of. I don’t care what you say – they are not role model material.
Yes, you could say that the late David Bowie was a role model, but I am thinking of today. We want 21st century role models in the music industry.
It’s important for young people to have someone to look up to. Today’s artists have such a strong impact on young people that it’s important to have role models for both males and females alike.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBmMU_iwe6U]If we look at female role models, first we have the likes of Beyonce who is pure kick-ass mess-with-me kind of gal. She’s a headstrong woman who knows what she wants in life and her career; she’s never in the press for being caught drunk or taking drugs. Oh no no, Beyonce has a sensible head and would do well as a female role model for younger ladies to look up to.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQHsXMglC9A]And then, of course, we have the recent comeback of Adele, who’s down-to-earth and certainly no pushover. I like how she is comfortable in her own skin, showing that it doesn’t matter what shape or size you are – you can still make it. I love how she’s so bubbly and her music takes you on this journey, she uses honesty to connect with her fans.
Sadly, there was one who got away. Poor little Miley Cyrus escaped my list as soon as she hopped on that wrecking ball. She lost her class and gained more trash, as far as I’m concerned. It’s singers like her that I worry influence younger girls and get them growing up too fast and end up twerking around with a foam finger. Come on Cyrus, get it sorted.
Now, as I get my thinking cap on, whom do I select for male role models in music? I feel like I have a limited choice.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26TyH4oFQ3k]Olly Murs has done rather well for himself. I know he’s been a little quiet on the music front, but it’s great to see him presenting on the X Factor. Having had that previous experience, he knows how the competition works and is able to provide advice for hopeful winners. Yes, he’s made the odd mistake here and there, but who hasn’t – we’re all human.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp-EO5I60KA]Another artist with a rather impressive musical repertoire is Ed Sheeran. He started off as an unknown until he worked hard and started to be recognised to get to where he is now. Which is great for young lads, showing that it’s never too late to start on your career. Don’t give up because you’ll get there in the end!
But despite this, we need more male role models. I was going through lists of who else I could think of but none were mature enough. Too many men in music are all about money, sex, drugs and rock’n’roll – we need an equivalent male version of Beyonce, but there just isn’t one out there.
And I do hope that one day we will be hearing: Who run the world – boys.
Do you think there are enough male role models in music? Let us know in the comments below!
