Lights are flashing as paparazzi dash around attempting to capture the celebrity’s perfect shot as they walk across the carpet; however, many begin to put their cameras down as they see that the person on the carpet is not actually a celebrity but, rather, a Tik Toker who has somehow managed to get themselves an invitation to yet another awards show.
“I personally think [influencers being present at award shows] is a fun way for the media to follow along with them. I do not really see the harm in it if the influencer is extremely well known,” Aiden Daughtery, sophomore, said.
Social media influencers are certainly not new to the spotlight, with people like Charli D’Amelio walking the same red carpet as famous A-listers since she first began receiving followers on Tik Tok. However, celebrities, fans, and commoners alike are becoming annoyed by their presence at certain special events. Billie Eilish specifically commented on how she had seen quite an abundance of “Tik Tokers” at the People’s Choice Awards; if one ventures to platform X, one can see post after post expressing how social media influencers simply should not be bunched in with real celebrities.
“Am I the only one that gets annoyed when I see influencers at these award shows? They just look so out of place,” one Tweet on X said.
One of the main reasons that many have expressed distaste for this influencer era is the fact that many on social media have simply not put in the work or shown the talent to deserve a spot on the invite list alongside those who have spent their lives and careers dedicating themselves to their skills. For those who are being named some of the best actors and musicians in the world, it can appear almost demeaning to have to sit at a table next to a Tik Toker who merely films themselves trying on clothes. If one is not even capable of receiving an award at a ceremony or is not there to support a specific someone, there truly is not much point in being there to take seats from those who deserve them.
“Watching award shows, you expect to see many popular celebrities you are a fan of, but lately, I have seen so many unfamiliar faces. I think it is unfair in a way that they are easily getting on the red carpet because there are so many celebrities who have worked so hard and are so determined in what they do. These other ‘celebrities’ are walking in with little background and taking away the spotlight of others,” Emily Ivers, junior, said.
With selectively known names waltzing into these prestigious ceremonies, one can only begin to question the reputation surrounding these once highly acclaimed events. Now that nearly anyone with over a few thousand followers on Instagram can stand alongside Hollywood legends like Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez, many are tuning out of these award shows as they begin to recognize fewer and fewer faces captured on the red carpet.
“I do not think that influencers should be walking on red carpets or award shows meant for celebrities in music or movies and television shows. People expect celebrities at those award shows, people that they know and have heard of, not people that are just famous for being an influencer,” Ashley Miller, senior, said.
Whether one loves famous influencer Alix Earle or is a hater of any so-called celebrity with nothing but hundreds of vlogs to their name, social media is making its way into the spotlight, and there is little anyone can do to stop it.
