Hi Cate
We had Soweto Kinch a jazz saxophnonist come in and perform for us for section B and then those students that were inspired by him interveiwed him and researched him for part C. There was just one student who didnt enjoy his performance or feel inspired by him so they researched their favourite pop star.
I think so long as the students can explain why they like the artists work and why they are inspried by them/see them as a hero its a good way to do it as it makes it real.
Matthew