Pop Shots – They Said What?

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 reason behind Iggy Azalea’s comeback, to Taylor Swift’s embarrassing excuse in court, to Jewel assuring fans of her safety after a bus fire, and since this is Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.

* Iggy Azalea took to Twitter to announce the end of her short-lived retirement from music, writing, “A year ago I was willing to walk away from music because I was tired of the negative energy it attracted. But what I’ve learned is that even when I’m minding my business, y’all gonna be negative AND nosey. So if I can’t have peace, neither can you. I’m coming back. Cry about it.” Honestly, I hope she names the album If I Can’t Have Peace, Neither Can You, because that’s f*cking perfect.

* Machine Gun Kelly’s tour bus was defaced with a homophobic slur before a concert in Omaha. On one side of the vehicle someone spray painted “RAP DEVIL F*****,” and on the other side they drew a penis. Do you ever notice how the people who spew homophobic BS are the same folks who LOVE to draw penises? Also, if MGK is gay, he has the greatest beard ever.

* Taylor Swift had an interesting response to a lawsuit claiming she plagiarized lyrics from 3LW’s 2000 song “Playas Gon’ Play,” saying she had never heard of the song, or of 3LW, before the lawsuit. While I don’t think 3LW should win this lawsuit, “Playas Gon’ Play” was in rotation during the summer of 2001, and the video currently has over 15 million views on YouTube (their biggest hit, “No More (Baby I’ma Do Right)” has over 38 million views), so Taylor should probably have to pony up some dough for either never having heard of 3LW, or for lying about never having heard of 3LW.

* Ozzy Osbourne made his triumphant return to the stage at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in England. It was his first appearance since undergoing a medical procedure in June. There’s still no word, however, on when he’ll be able to resume biting the heads off of bats.

* Frank Ocean has released a $25,000 diamond-encrusted sex toy. The only time I’ve spent that much money on something involving my junk it was to have a cancerous testicle removed, and insurance covered most of that bill.

* J Balvin will headline the 2022 NFL Kickoff Concert on September 8th before the Buffalo Bills take on Los Angeles Rams. I know the game is in L.A., but Bills Mafia travels well, so J Balvin might want to ask his buddy Bad Bunny what to do if folding tables make an appearance.

* Jewel posted a quick video on TikTok to let fans know that she and her crew were safe after her tour bus caught fire. I feel like when your tour bus catches fire, singing “Who Will Save Your Soul” suddenly gets a lot heavier.

* In extremely sad news, Olivia Newton-John passed away at the age of 73 after a long, and brave battle with breast cancer. An accomplished actress, and singer, her legacy includes changing the way record contracts are written, and creating the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in Australia. Today, hit the gym, and get “Physical” in her honor.

That’s all for this edition of Pop Shots, but come back next Monday for more shots on all things pop.