Rob examines the crossroads of Usher’s pop star persona and Lil Jon’s unique vocal and musical genius this week when taking a look back at the smash hit “Yeah!” (1:00). Then, he is joined by Clover Hope to talk about the construction of Usher’s career, the imagery and storytelling that went into making him more interesting to audiences, his staying power, an ... Show More
Jun 25
“Since U Been Gone”— Kelly Clarkson
Rob contemplates the art of making an ironic cover song sincere as he enters the dark realm of the 2000s hit TV show, ‘American Idol’. He follows the inevitable success of Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson, who proves with her impossible-to-sing hit song, “Since U Been Gone,” that s ... Show More
1h 37m
Jun 18
“How to Save a Life”—The Fray
This week, Rob examines the hallowed art of employing songs within the soundtrack of a crucial TV scene to emotionally manipulate the viewing audience. Along the way, he evokes classic moments from ‘General Hospital’ , 'ER', and ‘Scrubs’ before ultimately expounding on the highly ... Show More
1h 27m
Mar 2025
‘I Said I Love You First’ | Every Single Album: Selena Gomez
Nora and Nathan talk about the Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco coproduction: ‘I Said I Love You First.’ They discuss the undeniable hit off this album, "Call Me When You Break Up" (1:00), the evolution of Selena's career as a pop star (33:46), and where exactly Benny Blanco fits in ... Show More
1h 5m
Mar 2018
Must-Hear Music: Leon Bridges, Anderson .Paak, RuPaul & More
Billboard staffers discuss Leon Bridges' "Bet Ain't Worth the Hand" and "Bad Bad News," Troye Sivan's "Strawberries & Cigarettes," Anderson .Paak's "Til It's Over," Courtney Barnett's "Need a Little Time" and RuPaul's "Kitty Girl" ft. Trixie Mattel, Shangela, Kennedy Davenport an ... Show More
33 m
Feb 2025
'So Close to What' | Every Single Album: Tate McRae
Nora and Nathan try to figure out whether Tate McRae is so close to stardom on her new album, 'So Close to What.' They talk about the all-star production team behind this album, which included Ryan Tedder and Amy Allen (1:00); some of their favorite songs on this record, includin ... Show More
1h 5m
Dec 2022
S10E9 - GONE GONE / THANK YOU by Tyler, The Creator
Our season-long analysis of IGOR continues with GONE GONE / THANK YOU, a gorgeous double song in which Tyler memorializes the time shared with his beloved before finally becoming at peace with moving on. Shop Season 10 merchandise here. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter ... Show More
45m 55s
Nov 2024
Pop News Grab Bag: Sabrina Carpenter, Beyoncé, and Gracie Abrams
Nora and Nathan talk about a mix of pop music news from the week, including the end of the U.S. leg of Sabrina Carpenter's Short n' Sweet tour (1:00), the news that Beyoncé will perform at the halftime show during a Christmas Day NFL game and whether this is the start of her Gram ... Show More
1h 9m
Mar 2025
New Music Corner: HAIM, Chappell Roan, Jennie, and Selena Gomez
Nora and Nathan talk about a slew of new music that has been released, including HAIM's "Relationships" (5:26), Chappell Roan's long-awaited "The Giver" (21:25), Jennie's debut solo album 'Ruby' (39:45), and the latest single from Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's forthcoming album ... Show More
1h 6m
Feb 2025
'SNL50,' 'Short n' Sweet' Deluxe, and New Selena Gomez and Addison Rae
Nora and Nathan talk about all of the musical performances that happened as part of the 'SNL50' celebrations over the weekend (1:00) and speculate as to why Taylor and Travis might have been absent from the event (30:19). Then, they talk about the new songs that Sabrina Carpenter ... Show More
1h 11m
May 2024
May 20-Diddy Issues An Apology, Sabrina Carpenter Performs “Espresso” On SNL & More | Billboard News
It’s Monday, May 20th, and Diddy shared an apology video after CNN obtained a video of him physically assaulting former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016. Katy Perry said goodbye to ‘American Idol’ after being a judge for seven years. Sabrina Carpenter performed her latest hit, ... Show More
9m 31s