Pop Shots – Expect The Unexpected

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 Ariana Grande’s unexpected album, to Carrie Underwood’s unexpected covers, to an unexpected occurrence at a Chainsmokers show, and since this is Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.

* Ariana Grande released a live album this past Tuesday titled petal (The Complete Live Album) as an iTunes exclusive. The release was a total surprise to fans, and to the vast majority of the rest of the world, who had no idea iTunes still existed.

* Carrie Underwood broke into a series of nu-metal covers at Iowa’s Velocity Festival, including classics by Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, and Papa Roach. In a related story, I want to hang out with Carrie Underwood … and I promise it isn’t all for the nookie.

* Bad Bunny was a big winner once again, as he took home multiple Primetime Emmys for his Super Bowl LX halftime show. Somewhere, Kid Rock is now attempting to come up with alternative programming to the Emmys.

* Fourteen concertgoers were hospitalized following The Chainsmokers’ recent show in San Jose. Even more shocking – 14 people attended a Chainsmokers show.

* Shakira announced the guest artists who will take part in her upcoming four-weekend residency at Madrid’s Iberdrola Music, which begins on September 18th. That’s all well and good, but I’m still waiting for her to book a weekend residency in my living room. There’s plenty of seating, and the sound is great!

* Macklemore faced a significant amount of backlash from pro-Israel groups after publicly supporting Palestine while opening for Ed Sheeran. Pro-Palestinian groups have been similarly upset, saying, “Macklemore? We gotta claim Macklemore?”

* 2025 America’s Got Talent contestant DeShundre Vinson, who performed on the show with his R&B group, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the drowning death of his four-year-old nephew. The inmates at his prison are reportedly looking forward to showing Vinson their very specific talents.

* Ginger Spice and Baby Spice teamed up for a new commercial for Dunkin’ where they joke that they once had a sixth member, Pumpkin Spice. Good job Dunkin’, you’re only about 30 years late with that joke. You know what, though, that’s OK, the Spice Girls are always what we really really want.

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