I feel like nepotism aka Vitamin C (Connections) is bigger than ever in the entertainment industry. You have girls like the Kardashians or Jenners or Hadids who have no quantifiable abilities or talents whatsoever having huge success just because of their connections and followers. These aren't the only examples, you have tons of upcoming stars who only are getting big because they have huge amounts of followers on social media.

The rise of social media in general seems to be correlated with the rise of nepotism. No one cares anymore if you are talented, creative, have original ideas or concepts in your field, are a hard worker etc. You only have to be know and huge on social media and that's enough to rise to the top.

It's really sad tbh

They're all that matters in general, including real life.

Yes, it's one of the major drawbacks of the internet making everything so open and available with a low barrier of entry into the entertainment industry. There's always been untalented people who got famous because of connections or money, but the internet has amplified it ten-fold because now all you have to do is get a large social media following and companies will throw money at you. Talent and actual ability has taken a backseat to follower numbers.

Oh definitely. I saw this happening at the beginning of Lady Gaga's career when back then her marketing team were top notch and realised social media platforms was the place to be. Now we are at a point where any random can become famous because of their following.

I would say power and money are key.

If you have power and money and you wanna make it, one way or the other you will get there, talent is just a cute cherry on top.

Sadly real talented people without power and money have to get chosen or controlled by someone else to make it.