The concept of a superfan is nothing new; there have always been people who are much more than just casual music listeners, from The Beatles to One Direction.
This is demonstrated by the JArmy Facebook group, an online task force with more than 20,000 members and led by former X Factor winner James Arthur.
When their hero receives criticism, the loyal infantry are always prepared to defend him by "flooding the comments with praise" on social media.
This week Arthur gained national attention when he was called "unrecognisable" following the revelation of a new appearance during a TV appearance, sparking some jeering on social media.
The JArmy cavalry were "up in arms" at the double because of the unfavorable response. As a result, they have been defending him in Facebook comment sections ever since.
I asked four JArmy recruits about their unwavering devotion to the North East heartthrob and their desire to fight for him.
Hartlepool resident Noosha Laverick has met her favorite performer 12 times and seen him perform twice as many times.
In order to prepare for gigs, the 35-year-old makes her own hoodies using iron-on paper. Each of the 24 has an outfit she made herself.
What is it about him that I love? God, how much longer do you have?
Everything is it. ".
Noosha has encountered James following performances, at meet and greets, and even once at the Dogs Trust in Darlington.
Although James Arthur is one of her favorite singers, she claimed that he "hits different.".
He once claimed in a book that he has an addictive personality. I'm not sure if that causes other people to become addicted to him.
"Honestly, it's like an addiction, despite how stupid it sounds. ".
Noosha claimed that she and the rest of the group members "fight battles" for the Impossible singer.
There are a lot of trolls. We see some really offensive comments, particularly in light of recent headlines focusing on his appearance.
"Some people ignore the trolls and overflow the comments with supportive remarks, while others engage with the trolls.
"People don't have to enjoy his voice, but I don't believe you should be disparaging about his appearance after that. We feel like we have to constantly defend him, but it's not appropriate. ".
In the JArmy for two years, Hayley Allen enlisted.
The group is described as "a lovely network of people brought together through the love of James" by the 34-year-old Hull-based school kitchen assistant.
"I'm preoccupied. I'm pretty committed because I saw him three times in the previous year.
"I watch any of his radio or television interviews. On the One Show last week, I even had a remark read to him!
"I love the way I can relate to James because I've experienced severe anxiety. He is such a talent, and he is such a role model.
"Last year, I brought my daughter to see him perform; it was her first concert. We were fortunate to be seated in front of his family, which added to the magic.
"Now that he's a big fan, my nine-year-old son wants to go. I'm already starting to save money and want to see more than one show this time.
"It's unfortunate, but I've never had the pleasure of meeting him, but that's my goal.".
In response to the news stories from this week, Hayley said, "People can be so mean.".
I wish he would receive the break he deserves because he is a handsome man.
"I, along with the JArmy, vigorously defend him. ".
It'll All Make Sense In The End, Arthur's most recent album, reached its peak in the UK album charts at number three in 2021.
The singer-songwriter ranks as the 77th most streamed artist on Spotify with more than 36 million monthly listeners.
However, some fans feel that the music industry does not give their favorite artist enough credit.
Group members planned social media posts in 2021 to continuously add his music to radio station segments where listeners can make song suggestions.
One person, who was likely a JArmy foot soldier, even complained to Ofcom about a perceived lack of airtime that year.
According to Ofcom, editorial choices like song selections fall outside of its purview.
Val Bainbridge, a retired 76-year-old, wishes "people would give him the recognition he's due.".
James is a "local lad who I try to support as much as I can," according to Norton native Val.
"We're all in agreement that James doesn't receive the credit he deserves or enough airtime.
There is more to life than Lewis Capaldi and Ed Sheeran.
Val discusses the "campaign" by JArmy to get people to stream and buy his music.
"We carry out that. The group administrators keep a close eye on social media and, when they notice a tweet or anything else, they direct us to retweet it or to keep sharing things on Facebook.
We're all in a tizzy right now over comments about his new appearance. He allegedly underwent various procedures, including botox.
"Look, he just got a haircut.
You should focus on his music rather than how he looks, I recently wrote in a comment. ".
Val claimed that she recently attempted to attend a charitable football game in Sunderland in which James participated, but was unable to do so.
She's hoping to run into him someday.
The foreign legion includes JArmy recruit Barry Bowlin.
The 50-year-old West Virginia taxi driver stands up for the Car's Outside singer online with "vigor.".
"Despite the fact that he will face criticism from the public and the media, he puts himself out there to help others. For his fans, he does it.
"He does so much to shed light on men like me who experience mental struggles.
"When I got home from witnessing the death of my mother, I kept playing the song Get Down on repeat. I was able to get through that time thanks to his songs.
"It's amazing to be a part of JArmy. Speaking with so many people from different countries and realizing we all share this one trait is reassuring.
. "
