How Stan Culture Warps Artists and Music Culture
In today’s music world, fans aren’t just listeners - they’re powerful forces shaping how artists are perceived and how the industry operates.
But when fandom turns toxic, it traps artists in rigid roles, distorts conversations about their work, and even stalls careers.
Miley Cyrus captured this tension perfectly when she said she sees herself as a friend to her fans - not a “mother” or untouchable icon. That distinction matters. It shapes how fans connect with her music and with her as a person.
Comparing Miley’s grounded approach to Beyoncé’s revered “mother” status reveals how toxic fandoms can build walls around artists instead of bridges.
Miley’s music feels like an open conversation, it is raw, honest, and personal. She sings for the friend who gets you through tough times, not for worship or perfection.
This invites fans to relate rather than revere, creating a healthier dynamic where both artist and audience can be real and evolving.
Beyoncé’s fans, the “BeyHive”, elevate her to almost sacred status, dubbing her “Mother” to the world. This role demands perfection and untouchability, making it difficult for Beyoncé to show vulnerability or experiment creatively without fan backlash.
Lady Gaga took a different route. By calling herself “Mother Monster” she empowered her fans rather than herself.
Gaga’s “Little Monsters” feel seen and strong, not obligated to worship her.
This two-way connection has helped Gaga maintain longevity and creative freedom - an approach more artists might benefit from.
Nicki Minaj’s “Barbz” are fiercely protective, often attacking critics and rivals.
While loyalty is powerful, it has sometimes backfired, which has limited discussions about Nicki’s artistic growth and allowing newer female rappers to rise beyond her cultural dominance.
Taylor Swift’s “Swifties” operate with a similar intensity, fiercely guarding her image and turning criticism into personal attacks.
This environment demands near-perfection and unwavering loyalty, which can suffocate open discussion and stifle creative evolution.
Doja Cat bucks the trend by bluntly rejecting the typical artist-fan love narrative. She’s said, “You don’t even know me. I don’t love you.”
This honesty challenges parasocial expectations, treating fans as consumers rather than family. It protects her creativity and mental health, showing artists don’t need constant affection to succeed.
Real Love Isn’t Ownership.
Toxic fandoms thrive on ownership with fans acting like gatekeepers of an artist’s image and legacy.
But real fandom means giving artists room to grow and change.
It’s about honest conversations, not blind loyalty.
Music connects us best when it’s a shared, evolving experience - not a battleground for control.
Written by Paulina Vazquez
