When I think of icons, I think of people who represent something and are remembered for it. Marilyn Monroe, for example, was the perfect woman in the 50s and we recognize that even today. Britney represents teen pop in the late 90s and early 00s, I think it's safe to say she's an icon. We call a lot of the new girls of today icons but I think we need to give them more time to see if they actually are remembered.

When I think of legends, I think of people who were not only commercially successful, but they also were very critically acclaimed, and they have to sustain this for very long time.(to make sure they aren't just flash in the pan). Many years later people would look back on them and most would recognize how great they were. It also helps that they are extremely and uniquely talented in performance/singing. Tributes for them are plentiful. Examples: Aretha, Stevie, etc...



Idk, what do you think. I just think it's too soon for most of the girls.

Yes. Today's everybody a "living legend" or an "icon" just because they've been around for a few years.

What bugs me most is the term "fashion" or "style icon" just because some random celebrity chick has money and is able to get some designer clothes and suddenly they're an icon. That makes me so mad.

I disagree.

Commercial success or longevity play a role in becoming a legend but arent necessary. There is plenty of legends who managed to shook the industry with just one revolutionary album/idea, or those who werent really understood and thus popular at the time of their artistic peak. Yet they are legendary.

What is necessary though is contribution/innovation and long-lasting impact and influence on next generations. And thats something only time can prove.

Commercial success doesn't really come into it. I'm pretty sure Iggy Pop would spontaneously combust if he had a #1 record, and who doesn't consider him a legend?

This annoys me too. Lady Gaga is really the only current popstar who could be considered a fashion icon, though Rihanna seems to be ascending the ranks (not to mention she's essentially a glorified model) - I'm sure Beyoncé or Katy fans would disagree, but what have they contributed? Nothing. They just wear what's given to them.

Gaga is the only one who has really joined the likes of Madonna, Grace Jones and Debbie Harry because of how she's incorporated the avant-garde into her pop stardom.