John you are quoting sales figures and statistics that are born of hype and the gullibility of people who buy into this crap.
Macdonalds sells billions of burgers...does not make it quality, healthy gourmet food......It is a testament to the stupidity of people rather than a quality product. The same applies to MOST of the pop music stars. They are there beacuse silly teenagers buy into it hook line and sinker. I know dozens of young musicians and songwriters who could easily fill their shoes. I bet the Gagas could not fill our shoes though. We play to discerning audiences who can see right through this crap.