Billboard’s Pop Shop Podcast, hosted by Keith Caulfield and Katie Atkinson, has become a staple for music enthusiasts. With 588 episodes under their belt, the duo offers a weekly half-hour deep dive into the Billboard charts, the latest music news, and the year’s most significant musical events. Whether you’re a casual pop fan or a chart junkie, this podcast has something for everyone.
In their latest episode, Katie and Keith discuss the resurgence of cinematic music videos, spotlighting Ariana Grande’s “The Boy Is Mine” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please Please Please.” Both videos feature high-profile leads and intricate, movie-like storylines, marking a return to the golden age of music videos.
Another recent episode delves into the unfortunate cancellations of arena tours by Jennifer Lopez and The Black Keys. Katie and Keith explore the factors that led to these cancellations and speculate on what could have been done to avoid them. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes challenges of organizing large-scale tours.
Billie Eilish’s comments about the length of concerts and albums have also been a hot topic on the Pop Shop Podcast. In a recent episode, the hosts discuss her viral remarks about three-hour concerts and her new album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft.” Billie argues for shorter, more impactful performances and albums, a stance that has sparked considerable debate among fans and critics alike.
The podcast also covers the intriguing trend of pop-to-country crossovers. 2024 has seen artists like Beyoncé, Post Malone, and Dua Lipa making waves in the country music scene. Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album, Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” and Dua Lipa’s surprise duet with Chris Stapleton at the ACM Awards are just a few examples. Katie and Keith discuss this trend and speculate on which pop stars might be next to venture into country music.
The Billboard Hot 100 has seen some exciting new entries, and the Pop Shop Podcast is on top of it. Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby” debuted at No. 2, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” climbed to No. 3, and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” rose to No. 4. All these tracks are behind Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone, which held the No. 1 spot for a second week. Katie and Keith analyze these new hits and discuss their potential to reach the top of the charts.
Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” has also been a significant topic of discussion. The album earned 2.61 million equivalent album units in the U.S. in its first week, with traditional album sales comprising 1.914 million of that sum. Katie and Keith ponder whether Swift could be the last artist to sell over a million albums in a single week, given the current trends in music consumption.
The Spice Girls’ reunion has also caught the attention of the Pop Shop Podcast. Katie and Keith discuss the potential for new music from the iconic girl group and the impact of their comeback. They also cover chart news, including Hozier’s first No. 1 on the Hot 100 with “Too Sweet” and Sabrina Carpenter’s debut in the top 10 with “Espresso.”
Future and Metro Boomin’s “We Still Don’t Trust You” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while Linkin Park’s greatest-hits album “Papercuts” entered the top 10. Katie and Keith discuss these chart movements and the anticipation surrounding Taylor Swift’s new album, which is expected to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Katie’s return to Coachella after 14 years was another highlight on the podcast. She shares her experiences from a surprise-heavy weekend, offering listeners a firsthand account of one of the year’s biggest music festivals.
Billie Eilish’s commitment to environmental sustainability was also a topic of discussion. Deputy editor Lyndsey Havens joined the podcast to talk about her interviews with Billie ahead of the announcement of her “Hit Me Hard and Soft” album. The conversation delves into Billie’s efforts to make her tours and music production more eco-friendly.
The Pop Shop Podcast continues to be a go-to source for the latest in music news, chart analysis, and in-depth discussions on the industry’s biggest trends. With Katie and Keith at the helm, listeners are guaranteed a weekly dose of insightful commentary and engaging content.
