Pop Shots – Where’d You Get That Idea?

Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from Avril Lavigne’s surprising new title, to Demi Lovato’s unique inspiration, to Offset of Migos doing a very good thing, and since this is Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.

* Avril Lavigne has earned a title I’m not sure she ever expected, or wanted, to have – she’s been named the most dangerous celebrity on the internet. This isn’t because she’s become an expert hacker in her spare time. Rather, according to cybersecurity firm McAfee, Avril was the most likely celebrity to land users on websites that carry viruses or malware. Searches for her name have a 14.5% chance of landing on a web page with the potential for online threats, and that number increases to 22% if users type her name and search for free MP3s. I’m not sure what’s sadder, trying to illegally download “Sk8er Boi” in 2017, or having to explain that your entire hard drive was wiped out because you tried to illegally download “Sk8er Boi” in 2017.

* In an interview with Howard Stern, Marilyn Manson revealed he and Maple Leif Garrett, aka Justin Bieber, have squashed their reported beef. I hate the image I now have in my head of Marilyn Manson singing along to “Baby” while driving a mom van.


* During an appearance on The Tonight Show, Demi Lovato revealed the video for her latest singe, “Sorry Not Sorry,” was inspired by Snoop Dogg getting high in her house during a friendly gathering that got a little out of control. My only question is – where was my invite, Demi?!??! Where was my invite?

* Gucci Mane has released a memoir titled The Autobiography of Gucci Mane, and while I’m absolutely sure Gucci has led a fascinating life, all I want to know is the thought process behind getting a tattoo of an ice cream cone on his face, and if he really fell asleep while casting the girls to simulate sex with him in Spring Breakers. In a barely related story, here’s a picture from Spring Breakers, because … Vanessa Hudgens.


* Bhad Bhabie, better known as the “Cash Me Outside” girl, scored a “multi-million dollar, multi-album deal” with Atlantic Records. This is the kind of thing that almost makes me long for the phrase “Vine star.”

* Kellie Pickler has begun work on a syndicated weekday talk show titled Pickler & Ben, which pairs her with Emmy-winning television veteran Ben Aaron, and is being executive produced by Faith Hill. I guess they didn’t like my ideas for Pickler & Ben which included Kellie standing next to a giant clock in London and telling everyone the time, and a buddy cop show starring Kellie Pickler and Ben Roethlisberger.


* In music industry good guy news, Offset, of the hip-hop trio Migos, launched a $500k fundraiser to promote cancer research in honor of his late grandmother. This gives me yet another reason to crank up “Bad and Boujee” whenever I hear it on the radio.

* Sean Hall and Nathan Butler, who are the writing duo behind 3LW’s 2001 song “Playas Gon’ Play,” are suing Taylor Swift, claiming “Shake It Off” – which was released in 2014 – infringes on their lyrics. “The combination of playas/players playing along with hatas/haters hating may seem like common parlance today, however, in 2001 it was completely original and unique,” writes their attorney, Gerard Fox. Umm, you’re suing in 2017, not 2001, and if, as you noted, it’s common parlance today, doesn’t this mean you can’t claim ownership of it? Congrats on ruining your own case!

* The Prodigy are gearing up to release a new album in 2018, which will be their first through their new deal with BMG. One has to assume that as part of the deal BMG signed up for a healthy amount of fire insurance.


And with that, my time is up for the week, but I'll be back next week with more shots on all things pop.