I'm surprised to read so many comments that think a 'natural' phenomenon is being described. As with famous actors, it seems to me that certain faces are heavily promoted for some reason, and others are not. Certain people get endless publicity. The attention they get from the public is due to time they are gifted on TV, in newspapers - its not a natural phenomenon.

Eg Elton John and Madonna have got some good songs, but are they that good to merit the limelight they are given for so many years? And if you take anyone really, but give them access to the best producers and musicians etc, surely you will come up with lots of hits that would be associated with that act, even though the talent is in the group?