Icons: Musicians today, Icons tomorrow?
Friday, October 29th, 2010Here at Red Karaoke, we've shared some of our favorite icons from the 80's and 90's, but who will be the faces to watch for the future? Join us in our last installment of this icons series as we share our favorite musicians of today who we think may have staying power to become musical icons to future generations.
Lady Gaga
We might as well start our list off with a bang, and who better than that to do the unique, daring and a little bit crazy Lady Gaga. With an outrageous style and writing/vocal skills to match, its no surprise Gaga is at the top of her game. But what will give her staying power as a true icon is the feeling she gives to all her fans that the "fame" is for them too. Whether you sing her first big successs Just Dance or her mega hit Bad Romance, you can put on a crazy outfit, platinum wig and 6 inch heels and easily channel this icon of today's pop world.
Beyonce
One of the other reigning queens of music is the oh so divalicous Beyonce, whose incredible voice and beloved dance moves have her on a thrown swept right out from under the bottoms of generations before her. There is no denying Beyonce's star power and ability to put out an infectious hit, and with her beauty and style, she's got staying power too. Throw on a black leotard and dance around to Single ladies, or maybe channel your inner rebellious boy and sing Beyonce's If I were a boy.
Taylor Swift
You may want to argue this next one, but whether you like her or not, there is no denying Taylor Swift is an icon to millions of young girls, and some older ladies too. With her sweet, sentimental pop/country cross overs and that curly blonde hair, Swift is an instantly recognizable young star. And though she hasn't had an album top the unbelievable success of her debut album, she is still topping the charts with that familiar cute crooning. So grab your guitar and strum out Taylor Swift's Mine or maybe her first big single, Tim Mcgraw.
Kanye West
If you asked him, he'd probably tell you himself, Kanye West is most definately an icon of our time, even if he is a divisive, controversial one. With hit after hit and the ability to spin a few lyrics on a track to turn it to gold, West is undeniably music's newest big timer, and he knows it. Channel Kanye's cocky style with a pair of funky shade and sing anyone of his hits, or maybe just rock in the background of the latest up and comer's single… Kanye style.
Jay Z
Much like Kanye, everything Jay Z touches turns to gold, but this man deserves all the respect you can give him as one of the biggest music mogul's in the industry, though he has about half the egotism of his colleagues. Jay Z has built his career on the foundation and roots of hip hop. Pay tribute to the biggest icon of hip hop in our day and sing his huge success Empire state of mind.
Shakira
As one of the most successful Spanish-English cross over artists, Shakira has become a staple in every young person's music collection and the epitome of sexiness for many. With a musical style inspired by world travel and her own unique tastes, it's hard to describe every song by Shakira, but she certainly knows how to write a dance hit too. Throw on your tightest pair of jeans and start shaking your hips to this Latina icon's hits She Wolf or Hips don't lie.
Jack Johnson
The beach bum guitarist of our generation, Jack Johnson's surfer dude persona and low key music has made him a musical icon, whether he cares to be one or not. With albums full of laid back tunes that a reminiscent of summer days or make you wish you grew up in California, this is one cool musician. Grab a pair of board shorts and mess up your hair a little for that Jack Johnson look, then sing the epitome of perfect when it comes to chill love songs, Better Together.
Black Eyed Peas
Since the rise and fall of boy bands and girl groups in the nineties, with those groups dispersing and becoming solo acts that quadrupled the fame of their former groups (ie Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, etc.), its been rare to see a pop group that can really put out hits and appear to be all on the same page. But the iconic group Black Eyed Peas has put out one hit after another, playing on all the different talents of their members allowing them to create number 1 songs in every genre from hip hop to pop to dance. Whether your a Fergie or a Will.I.Am you can channel one of the BEP's many looks and sing their biggest hits on RK.
John Mayer
Possibly one of the greatest guitarists of our times, with a voice that makes the likes of Jennifer Aniston swoon and a cooler than you attitude, John Mayer has already reach rock star iconic status, and will probably hold a place along side other famous guitarists of the past. Sexy is simple for Mr. Mayer in his white tee and with a guitar strapped over his shoulder. See if you can channel his smooth voice and moves in his sexy hit Your body is a wonderland.
These are just a few of the faces that may impact the future of music. Who are your choices? Share your favorite icons of today in the forum and don't forget to enter into Red Karaoke's Halloween Icon Contest!












