Hairspray is a beloved classic among people that shines light on the problems plus-sized people and POC face, such as discrimination and hate. Hairspray follows the main character, Tracy Turnblad, on her journey of following her dreams to become an actress. She has the chance to audition for the Corny Collins Show, but at auditions, she faces discrimination and rejection. Despite this, she kept trying and fought for other minorities who faced the same discrimination as she did. By the end, Tracy reaches fame and continues fighting for those in need.
This show has a deep meaning that relates to many who feel like they don’t fit in because of how cruel the industry is. Tracy Turnblad and many characters from this show give people who are often overlooked because of
size or skin tone their time in the light. The show does this in a fun fashion, making it meaningful and enjoyable at the same time.
Despite this, on March 11th, 2025, Vogue did a cover of the song “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” starring Gigi Hadid, a famous American fashion model and TV personality. Gigi Hadid performed in Hairspray at 9 years old, playing as Amber Von Tussle. While the musical deserves attention, it’s important to also remember the plot of the show and carry it into your interpretation, as the entire show is centered around it.
In Vogue’s rendition of the song, there is not a single plus-sized person featured in the music video. While the video does show POC representation, it lacks on one of the main points of the show. The fact that it misses that Hairspray is about plus-sized people trying to find their way in the industry truly shows how hard it is to get a role and how easily people get overlooked because of their weight.
While the show may have had sentimental meaning to Gigi, the music video lost its significant meaning and the video proves the point the show tries to make. When working with media, it’s important not to lose the plot of a show like this, especially when so many people resonate and connect to the concept the show gives the viewer.
