Pop Shots – Living in a Different World

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 a curiously well-timed Taylor Swift clip, to Gracie Abrams’ milk crate challenge, to Noel Gallagher’s review of Kendrick Lamar, and since this is Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.

* In a clip that found its way to the internet last week, Taylor Swift was “caught” on video personally tipping individual workers at a Grammy’s afterparty. The clip, which is the steadiest “impromptu” clip in history, has gone viral, and was in no way planted by her people, who just saw her get booed at the Super Bowl, and want her viewed as America’s sweetheart again. Nope, the timing of the clip magically appearing on the internet was totally coincidental!

* The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced the 14 nominees on this year’s ballot. Upon hearing this Drake said, “14? Where?”

* Gracie Abrams is attempting to sell branded plastic milk crates in her merch store for $55 each. It’s like she watched all those milk crate challenge videos from a few years ago, and thought – “If only I could make this sort of thing impossibly expensive to do …”

* Avril Lavigne will perform at one of the three stops of the freshly relaunched Warped Tour, hitting the stage for the Washington D.C. date. This will mark the first time she’s ever performed at Warped Tour, and based on the current political climate, it may also be the closest a Canadian is allowed near the White House.

* Kai Cenat revealed he’s cancelled his planned stream with Kanye West. Kanye is reportedly flabbergasted that parading his wife around like a sex doll, and selling t-shirts with a swastika on them is having negative consequences.

* The Backstreet Boys announced a nine show residency at the Las Vegas Sphere that will take place in July. If you can’t afford to go, just find an old American Gladiators atlasphere, and fire up BSB’s greatest hits while inside it.

* Beyoncé added five more stadium shows to her 2025 Cowboy Carter world tour. In addition to all the other accolades she’s received, this has to make her the most successful cosplayer of all-time.

* Noel Gallagher had quite the review of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, calling it “Absolute nonsense.” In a related story, Oasis is now Drake’s favorite band.

* In sad news, David Johansen – of New York Dolls, and Buster Poindexter fame – revealed he’s battling a brain tumor, and stage four cancer. Hopefully the doctor’s can take it out like the trash that it is.

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