Pop Shots – Staying Power

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 Nelly Furtado’s next chapter, to the Jonas Brothers appearing in the most random of places, to the way in which Brad Paisley is the key to longevity, and since this is Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.

* Nelly Furtado announced via her Instagram that she’s stepping back from live performances to focus on new “creative and personal endeavors.” I’d just like to let Nelly know that I, too, am focused on creative and personal endeavors, so … you know … we have something in common … just sayin’.

* Sting will headline a Super Bowl concert at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco two days before the big game. Tickets start at $750, which is perfect for the people who were upset at Bad Bunny being the halftime performer, and have $750 … all three of ‘em.

* Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl notched a third week at #1 on the Billboard 200. Being that I don’t know a soul who can name a song from it, my best guess is the album is staying at #1 because Travis Kelce is annoying the heck out of his teammates by having it on a continuous loop in the Kansas City Chiefs’ locker room.

* The Jonas Brothers had a bizarre appearance at Game 2 of World Series. After the 5th inning of the game MLB did their annual the Stand Up For Cancer segment, which was randomly followed by the trio performing their song “I Can’t Lose.” I feel like this sets a terrifying precedent that the Jonas Brothers could appear anywhere, at any time, and randomly perform. Waiting for a train – there they are! At your doctor’s appointment – there they are! I think we need to put tracking devices on all of their phones, as this seems like a matter of personal security for everyone.

* New Edition will be hitting the road with Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton for a 30 city tour that kicks off January 29th in Oakland. I don’t know the name of the tour, but I’ll be calling it – The Easiest Place for Someone in their 40s to Get Laid. In a related story … I need two tickets.

* During a live stream on Instagram, Megan Thee Stallion claimed her biggest haters online are “bots” that are getting paid to troll her. For the record, I have no problem with Megan Thee Stallion, but I do have a problem with bots taking the jobs of hard working music critics!

* Reneé Rapp had to postpone three consecutive shows, including the homecoming finale of her Bite Me Tour, due to vocal issues. Rapp wrote on Instagram, “As of right now I still don’t have a voice.” I gotta ask – would anyone in the crowd have noticed?

* Brad Paisley now has the unique distinction of singing the national anthem before the two longest games in World Series history, both of which went 18 innings. The only thing that could’ve made those games longer would’ve been shoehorning in a random Jonas Brothers appearance.

* Demi Lovato announced a 23 date tour that will begin on April 8th in North Carolina. When it wraps up it will be just about time for her to be cool for the summer.

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