It seems that over the past few years, the first ladies of popular music have been experimenting with bondage. Ok, maybe not in the bedroom, but certainly on stage and about town. They’ve been strapping on the thigh high boots, lacing up the corsets, and getting out their whips, chains and riding crops. And we’re not just talking about goth rockers or punk chicks or Gaga–we’re talking Britney, Christina, Janet, Rihanna, and even wholesome little Miley Cyrus.
Now, I see the obvious connection between rock star and dominatrix–what, you don’t? It’s all about projecting an image of strength and sexuality, and there were always boots and corsets involved. What I find more interesting is the fact that these ladies are just as often placing themselves in the submissive role. No one could forget the stir created by Brit’s sweaty video, “I’m a Slave 4 U You” (2001). I mean, is there anything better than a song title that combines S&M with teen text speak?
So put on some fishnets, break out your ball gags, bend over and prepare to be spanked. Here are some of the all time great moments in pop fetish.
Where did it all begin? As usual, the answer is Madonna. Here’s her 1995 video for Human Nature. Latex and corn rows? This one really has it all.
.Back in the saddle for a more recent W Magazine spread.
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Britney was dressed like a general in the leather militia at the VMAs in 2002.
But turned into a glittery submissive during her 2009 Circus Tour. She even hired some burly leather-daddy backup dancers to help her in and out of that swing. How adorable.
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To me, Miley Cyrus looks pretty tame, but that didn’t stop this Elle photo from causing a stir of the “she’s growing up too fast” variety. I guess she is still a teenager–she was only 3 years old when Human Nature was on MTV.
And that cruddy desk looks like something out of a snuff film.
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For her upcoming album, Christina Aguilera has ditched nice for naughty once again, but I think we’re already over it.
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Rihanna has been rocking the vinyl warrior look onstage and off for a while now. I know it’s supposed to make her look powerful, but it just looks like a Hot Topic exploded all over her.
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And then there was Gaga. It seems to me that this might not just be for show and LG might be a real-life submissive. She certainly loves to wear binding clothes–let’s not forget the feather neckpiece that wouldn’t allow her to turn her head, the slim jim lacemask, and the SNL full-body gyroscope. Here we have the most literal translation of her submissive tendencies.
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But honestly, with this 2008 photo spread for BlackBook, I think Janet Jackson might have out-submissived Gaga. No, it doesn’t seem as genuine, and she didn’t actually wear it through a performance, but the hardcore headgear is pretty extreme.
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Apparently, she was promoting an album called–what else–Discipline.
