Watching Hugh Grant’s character in Music & Lyrics as Alex Fletcher, a former popstar, brought back memories of the 80’s. Big hairs, spray nets that contributed to the Ozone hole, rubber shoes, polka dots, People Power and the many songs that defined the lives of every deranged teenager of that era. I guess every 14-year-old girl that time wanted to look like Alyssa Milano and be paired to Jordan Knight.
While Madonna and Michael Jackson largely catered to an older crowd then, I remember younger stars pitted against each other and tabloids were all after them to grace their covers. One of the most famous celebrity matches was Debbie Gibson versus Tiffany Darwisch.
I am not even sure if these two girls really gave a rat’s ass to this so-called competition. They were young and all they could have cared more about was singing than the millions they made from sold-out albums.
Debbie Gibson started recording her first album at age 16. Her single “Foolish Beat” was #1 in the charts making her the youngest person to write, produce and perform a #1 single. That earned her a place in Guinness Book of World Records. A year after Debbie made her mark, Tiffany’s debut album “Tiffany” was released and her single “I Think We’re Alone Now” soared the charts. It was a big hit in 1987. Tiffany was the first to do mall concert tours to promote her albums, something Britney Spears did later on.
While these two pop teen icons sold concerts and recorded hit singles, the entry of rock and rap in the scene changed the musical landscape of the 90s. The two young celebrities, along with other pop bands like New Kids On The Block, found their dwindling careers unable to take off despite attempts to reinvent their songs and their images. Tiffany’s career was badly hurt by squabbles between her parents and manager over her income.
In mid-90s, Debbie turned to theatre and was active in plays in Broadway and London’s West End. Tiffany married make up artist (now ex-husband) Bulmaro Garcia and had a child. She also released albums in Asia.
In attempt to revive back lackluster career, former teen princess Tiffany posed nude in the pages of Playboy Magazine in 2001. Deborah, now Debbie no more, followed suit in 2005. It came in as a shocker to people who adored them.
At present, Deborah Gibson still record songs, performs in concerts and appears in movies. Tiffany is currently busy promoting her new album this summer.
Recent Comments