Pop Pantheon

Note: This episode was updated shortly after release to correct a missing audio clip. If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts and hear a gap or missing section, please delete the episode and re-download to access the updated version.Omri Rolan joins Pop Pantheon to unpack the ups and many, many, many downs of girl grouper turned solo pop flop, Nicole Scherzinger. Louie and Omri dig into Nicole’s origins on the reality show Popstars, her first hit with Eden’s Crush, “Get Over Yourself,” and her road to The Pussycat Dolls. From there, they discuss the string of unsuccessful singles that led to her first solo album being shelved permanently, her eventual Red One-assisted 2011 album Killer Love, 2014’s tepidly received Big Fat Lie and Nicole’s unlikely comeback as a prestige stage star. Finally, they rank Nicole Scherzinger in The Official Pop Pantheon. Nicole Scherzinger Essentials Playlist on SpotifyGrab tickets to our Best Pop of 2025 Live Show LATE SHOW in NYC on 12/9Grab tickets to the final Gorgeous Gorgeous of 2025 in LA on 12/5Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on Instagram

In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ are joined by the LA Times' Suzy Exposito to break down Rosalia's ambitious, orchestral, multilingual fourth album, Lux.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.

Troy McEady, co-host of Beyond The Blinds, dives deep into the fascinating history of The Pussycat Dolls, who started as a burlesque troupe. He discusses their breakthrough hit 'Don’t Cha,' how Nicole Scherzinger recorded the debut album mostly solo, and the internal tensions that plagued the group. Troy elaborates on their chart-topping success, the impact of burlesque on their aesthetic, and the messy attempt at a reunion in 2019. The conversation highlights their cultural legacy and lasting influence on pop and girl groups.

In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ react to the 2025 Grammy nominations plus dissect new songs from Katy Perry and Hilary Duff.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.

Max Martin is the biggest pop producer of all time, having crafted hits across three decades for everyone from Britney and Backstreet Boys to Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande and so many more. He recently re-teamed with Taylor for her 12th album, The Life of Showgirl, a record that many believe didn't reflect his best work but also made us wonder: What is?  Pop Pantheon favs Aisha Harris, Molly Mary O'Brien, and Sam Murphy return for a roundtable with DJ Louie to break down the secret sauce to Max's 30 years of in the biz, before each sharing their top 5 Max songs of all time.Grab tickets to our Best Pop of 2025 Live Show in NYC on 12/9Check out a playlist of our Max Martin picksJoin Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on Instagram

In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, in anticipation of the 2026 Grammy nominations which will be unveiled this Friday, Louie and Russ share their predictions for the nominees in the big four and pop categories.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.

Dive into fascinating discussions about Taylor Swift's interpolation credits and the legal nuances behind sampling. The hosts tackle the careers of Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus, debating who's in a tougher spot. They ponder Olivia Rodrigo's musical future and reflect on how deep research changes our views on artists. Plus, enjoy a fun ranking of Britney Spears' lead singles and insights into how the hosts first connected. It’s a whirlwind of pop culture insights and diva debates!

In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ discuss new albums from Lily Allen and Demi Lovato and also dive into recent changes to the way Billboard tracks the Hot 100.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.

Time's Taylor Crumpton returns to Pop Pantheon to explore the deeply personal and trenchantly political R&B of neo-soul earth mother Erykah Badu. Taylor and Louie discuss Erykah’s upbringing in Dallas, her early work as part of a rap duo, and her early collaborations with the Roots and D'Angelo. From there they break down her legendary 1997 album Baduizm, her follow up Live, which included her improv'ed hit "Tyrone," and 2000's socially-conscious Mama's Gun. Along the way, they touch on her legendary love life and innovative later era work, like her 2015 mixtape But You Caint Use My Phone. Finally, they rank Erykah Badu in The Official Pop Pantheon. Listen to Pop Pantheon's Erykah Badu Essentials Playlist on SpotifyGrab tix to Gorgeous Gorgeous Halloween in NYC and LAJoin Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and MoreShop Merch in Pop Pantheon's StoreFollow Pop Pantheon on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on InstagramFollow DJ Louie XIV on Twitter

In a preview of this week's Pop Pantheon: All Access episode, Louie and Russ discuss buzzy new albums from three very different pop girlies: Zara Larsson's Midnight Sun, Audrey Hobert's Who's The Clown?, and Olivia Dean's The Art of Loving.To hear the rest of the this episode plus receive weekly bonus episodes of Pop Pantheon, gain access to our Discord channel and so much more, subscribe to Pop Pantheon: All Access at the Icon Tier. You can also subscribe for the audio only directly in the Apple Podcasts app.Note for iOS users: Subscribe using your desktop or mobile browser, not the iOS Patreon app, for cheaper rates on Pop Pantheon: All Access.