Belinda Carlisle, renowned for her role as a member of the Go-Go’s, has expressed her disapproval of the increasingly sexualized images adopted by young female artists, singling out performers like Dua Lipa as examples of this trend. In a recent interview with the i newspaper, Carlisle articulated her belief that such portrayals are not empowering but rather embarrassing, suggesting that these artists may come to regret their choices as they age.
Carlisle stated, “These days young women in the music industry are just so sexualized. Like, what happened? I don’t get it. It’s not empowering. It’s embarrassing. Yes, you will get attention, but not the right kind, and down the line you are going to look back and say: ‘Wish I hadn’t done that.’” She added that Dua Lipa is exceptionally talented and does not need to resort to a provocative image to gain recognition.
Reflections on the Music Industry
The 66-year-old singer acknowledged that while some women in the music industry during the 1980s faced severe challenges, including incidents of sexual assault and sexism, she and her bandmates were fortunate to have a strong presence. “No man ever messed with a Go-Go. We were like a five-headed monster,” she recalled.
Carlisle also shared a personal experience from her solo career, where a prominent manager suggested she should adopt a more sexualized image. “A big manager told me: ‘You should show your t*** and sing some songs like, ‘Stick it in me.’ And I said simply; ‘No. I don’t do that,’” she recounted, emphasizing her determination to maintain her integrity.
In discussing her struggles with public scrutiny, Carlisle reflected on how societal pressures regarding weight affected her mental health. “I was always described as ‘pretty and plump’, ‘cute and chubby’. The papers were all, ‘Oh look, she’s lost weight! Oh no, she’s gained weight!’ It really f**** up your brain as a young girl,” she said. This relentless focus contributed to her developing an eating disorder, which she described as a form of bulimia that still occasionally resurfaces.
Changing Standards of Scrutiny
As Carlisle has aged, she has noted a shift in the nature of public scrutiny directed at her. While weight-related comments have diminished, she now finds herself facing age-related criticism. “Now the weight comments have stopped; it’s all about my age. I’m always ‘Belinda Carlisle, 66’. They never do that to the men, do you notice?” she observed.
Carlisle’s reflections highlight a broader conversation about how women in the music industry are portrayed and the implications of these portrayals on their mental health. Her experiences serve as a reminder of the challenges that female artists face, spanning from the pressures of societal expectations to the impact of their public image. As the industry evolves, the dialogue surrounding empowerment and authenticity remains critical, with artists like Carlisle advocating for a more genuine representation.
