Pop Shots – A Whole New Scene

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 the ascension of Cardi B, to a different kind of spotlight for Madonna, to Luke Bryan’s new gig, and since this is Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.

* Cardi B's "Bodak Yellow" dethroned Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do" from the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, but there are clearly no hard feelings, as Cardi B posted a picture of a bouquet of flowers Swift sent to her in celebration of the song’s success. Taylor Swift has yet to send me a bouquet of flowers, though, and I’m sure I’m #1 at something! What’s up with that, yo? #BrosCanLikeFlowersToo

* It hasn’t solely been love being thrown Cardi B’s way, as occasional artist, and full time internet troll, Azealia Banks called the rapper a “poor man’s Nicki Minaj.” Cardi B responded by posting a video of Banks rapping along to “Bodak Yellow.” So in addition to having the #1 song in America, Cardi B should also probably have her own character in Mortal Kombat.


* Madonna took to the stage alongside Amy Schumer at the legendary Comedy Cellar in NYC. Madonna doing stand up? Wow, the AARP really does do a good job placing seniors in new careers.

* Demi Lovato will be launching a documentary project titled Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated on October 17th. I just want to know how the heck that wasn’t the title of an Avril Lavigne documentary.


* In a statement posted to Steven Tyler’s Twitter account, the singer announced that Aerosmith would have to cancel the last four shows of their South American tour, noting he required “immediate care,” and that his doctors advised him not to travel or perform. Isn’t simply being Steven Tyler always cause for requiring immediate care?

* Luke Bryan is reportedly set to join Katy Perry as a judge for the reboot of American Idol. Hmm, let’s see, they now have a pop star, and a country star … nope, they aren’t taking a page out of The Voice’s playbook at all.


* Pitbull lent his private plane to move cancer patients from Puerto Rico to the US so they could receive the chemo they need. Speaking as someone who needed chemo earlier this year, I applaud Pitbull for this, and promise to crank up “Timber” next time I hear it on the radio.

* In more “artists doing good” news, Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez announced the creation of Somos Una Voz (We Are One Voice), a relief initiative backed by a bevy of celebrities to bring aid to areas affected by recent natural disasters. As of now there's no word on if they’ll be able to do anything for those involved with, or affected by, Katy Perry’s most recent album.

* Finally, sometimes YouTube absolutely nails it with a recommendation. This would be one of those times.


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