>>45202588>primarily singers with training in acting, dancingIn the vtuber context, that’s a good short summary, given that “idol reps” is short for “singing, dancing and vocal lessons”
> Idols are commercialized through merchandise and endorsements by talent agencies, while maintaining a parasocial relationship with a financially loyal consumer fan base.That is the dumb part. There is nothing particularly “parasocial” about idol groups with regards to their activities that doesn’t also apply to pop singers, rock singers, movie actors and pretty much every artist in show business.
