The Marching Band Debate at Billboard Awards 2019
The intense online debate surrounding Taylor Swift's performance at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) centered around the use of marching bands, a trend that seemed to trigger comparisons and criticisms. This article explores the real reasons behind the controversy and sheds light on some of the myths and misunderstandings that fueled the debate.
Are People Overreacting?
Some have argued that anger over Taylor Swift's marching band performance is misplaced. Marching bands have appeared in many areas of entertainment, from the musical film The Music Man to football games and even the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It's not exclusive to any one performance or artist.
The question then arises: why did this particular instance ignite such passion and outrage? One possible explanation is that Taylor Swift's rising prominence and newfound ambitions may have stirred skepticism among some fans and critics.
Taylor Swift vs. Beyoncé: A Hated Figure?
Many believed Taylor Swift was copying Beyoncé, particularly when her marching band in the performance of "ME!" was compared to Beyoncé's performance at Coachella the previous year. This perception wasn't just about borrowed ideas but an assumed superiority of Beyoncé's work. However, if one delves into the history of pop music, this notion is far from new. Other artists, like Gwen Stefani, also incorporated marching bands into their performances long before either Swift or Beyoncé.
It's worth noting that Taylor Swift's use of marching bands was not a mere copycat act but a deliberate and stylistic choice. In the 2009 "You Belong with Me" video, Swift was already paired with an ensemble that included marching band elements. This clearly demonstrates that the use of marching bands is not a new concept invented by either artist.
The Internet's Role in Amplifying the Controversy
The internet, with its tendency to amplify small disagreements into major controversies, played a significant role in the uproar over Taylor Swift's performance. Social media platforms fostered a culture of divisiveness, where every minor difference or perceived failure by an artist was dissected and criticized.
Moreover, the internet's forgetfulness and selective memory can often lead to misunderstandings. For instance, in this case, the internet quickly attributed the use of marching bands to Beyoncé without considering the broader context. This forgetfulness can create a narrative where artists like Taylor Swift are always in the wrong, regardless of the truth.
Friendship and Competition
Interestingly, both Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have emphasized their friendship and have occasionally engaged in friendly banter. The anger and jealousy that surfaced during this debate suggest that the intensity of the criticism may stem from a deep-rooted issue of personal or professional envy rather than any serious artistic merit.
Ultimately, it's clear that the debate over Taylor Swift's marching band performance was driven by a mix of cultural frustrations, social media culture, and a desire to maintain traditional hierarchies in the music industry.
Conclusion: A Call for Objectivity
As artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé continue to evolve and experiment with their performances, it's essential to maintain a critical yet objective perspective. Instead of getting embroiled in pointless debates, the music community should value originality and artistic expression over superficial comparisons and criticisms.