Why the "Sell-Out" Standard for Pop Stars is Unrealistic and Unfair

What Beyoncé, J.Lo, and Charli XCX are Really Up Against

In the music industry, there's an intense pressure on pop artists—especially women—to sell out every single show on their tours. Recently, Beyoncé faced criticism for not instantly selling out shows for Cowboy Carter, while artists like Katy Perry and J.Lo have also faced backlash for not meeting sky-high expectations.

But let's be real: expecting every tour date in every city to sell out is unrealistic. Even massive names like Beyoncé face a changing landscape where audience preferences, economic factors, and sheer tour volume play a role.

Not every artist, even those at the top, can or should be expected to sell out arenas night after night. Take Sabrina Carpenter, whose 'Short n' Sweet' tour did sell out every date, but that's not the norm for every pop star and will not last forever. Factors like genre, audience demographics, and timing all influence ticket sales.

Ageism also plays a role. The industry and fans often hold older female artists to a different standard, judging them more harshly if they don't sell out every venue. Meanwhile, newer or niche artists like Charli XCX and Chappell Roan might not face the same scrutiny, even if they don't sell out every show.

Ultimately, measuring an artist's success solely by sold-out shows ignores the bigger picture of artistic impact, cultural relevance, and fan connection. The focus should shift from sheer numbers to the quality of the experience and the resonance of their work.