"Sometimes I have dozens of single CDs for the same song, all of which I hardly ever listen to," Lee said. "Is it worth it? After spending so much money, I doubt it occasionally," Lee said.
Nevertheless, some fans view such idolization as an opportunity to make some bucks. A Houston single CD from her early career can now be sold online for 10 times its original price. If it's a rare promotional-only CD, the price can go even higher.
Why choose foreign singers over local stars? Some fans said the style of Taiwanese pop stars was the same, compared with the trendy, changing and colorful promotions connected with foreign singers. They also said they were influenced by their foreign idols because they like to speak English and want study abroad.
Many critics think that fan clubs and worshipping singers is a waste of time and money. But some experts say it's not all bad, as idols can also serve as a positive influence, especially for teenagers.
"We have to choose our heros carefully. Our role models are important to us, especially to young people," said Lin Chin-tsai (
"For adults, such idolization is not a big problem, as they are able to make judgments in a more realistic way," Lin said.
"[Idolization] is perhaps a result of the growing globalization of today, as people can easily receive the newest information about popular foreign artists through the Internet," Lin said.
Stars and their fans have always coexisted, as they are necessary to each other. As to whether it is a good or a bad thing, well, most diehard fans are happy about it -- except when they receive their credit card bills.
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