Starstruck

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How did Nike transform from a $900 million company to a $9.19 billion powerhouse by betting on Michael Jordan? What drove the record sale of Jeff Koons’s Balloon Flower (Magenta) for $25.7 million in 2008? Celebrity culture captivates us, encompassing sports stars, Wall Street tycoons, film icons, and even local heroes or social media influencers. We obsess over the intricacies of their lives, from romances to daily habits. While celebrity can lead to immense wealth and social elevation, the question arises: why do some achieve fame while countless others remain unnoticed? In Starstruck, Elizabeth Currid-Halkett offers a thorough examination of celebrity, revealing how our inclination to "celebrate" certain individuals significantly impacts social status, careers, and businesses, yielding substantial economic returns. She explores this phenomenon across various domains, including art, gaming, and film, framing celebrity as a reflection of economics, geography, and networking. Combining extensive research with insights from industry professionals—agents, publicists, YouTube executives, art dealers, and sports experts—Currid-Halkett illustrates the profound influence of the celebrity industry and uncovers the patterns that lead to stardom. Ultimately, she argues that celebrity is a crucial social phenomenon and a powerful force in the global economy.