Pop Shots – Hard Hitting

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 BTS hitting the road, to Tim McGraw hitting the ice, to the artist who said she’ll never hit the stage in the U.S. again, and since this is Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.

* BTS announced they’ll be going on a world tour in 2026-2027. Since they’ve now all served time in the military, I assume each show will be a night of war stories, told while doing insane choreography.

* Mary J. Blige will begin a 10-date Las Vegas residency on May 1st at Dolby Live at Park MGM. As per norm, hateration, and holleration will not be permitted within the confines of the dancery.

* BLACKPINK announced that on February 27th they’ll be releasing what they’re calling a “mini album.” Do kids not use the phrase EP anymore? Ah well, at least this gives Tom Brady something to get excited about.

* Tim McGraw will perform a short set during the first intermission when the Bruins take on the Lightning on February 1st at Raymond James Stadium. If he gets run over by a zamboni, the stadium will be renamed the Tim McGraw Memorial Stadium during the second intermission.

* Spotify unveiled its global list of “Artists to Watch 2026,” or, more accurately titled, “Artists to Watch Us Steal Money From 2026.”

* Diddy sent a handwritten letter to President Trump requesting a pardon, but the president said in an interview that there are no plans to pardon the disgraced music mogul. You already know the next letter is going to start, “Dear Slim, I wrote you, but you still ain’t callin’ …”

* In sad news, John Forté passed away suddenly at the age 50. Unlike Diddy, he actually did receive a presidential pardon, from President Bush back in 2008. Also unlike Diddy, we actually liked him.

* In more sad news, Bob Weir, co-founder of the Grateful Dead, passed away at the age of 78. Rather than a moment of silence, jam bands everywhere should honor him by stretching out one song for 90 minutes (and I say that with love and respect, because the Grateful Dead were … well … great!).

* Closing things out this week, Britney Spears said in an Instagram post that she will never perform in the U.S. again. Wait, not even in a diner with Vincent Chase, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch present???

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