Greatest Pop Stars
Greatest Pop Stars is Billboard's weekly podcast exploring the past, present and future of pop stardom. Hosted by Billboard deputy editor Andrew Unterberger, each episode digs into the careers, hits and cultural impact of pop's biggest names. The show mixes chart analysis, industry context and critical conversation about what makes a star endure. New episodes arrive every Thursday.
Episodes
2006 Arctic Monkeys: Vintage Almost-Pop Stardom (with Thomas Smith)
In 2006, Arctic Monkeys served as the culmination of a half-decade worth of much-hyped U.K. buzz bands, and finally experienced the biggest breakthrough any group had in its home country since Oasis a decade before — although it took them nearly a decade to make anywhere near the same impact stateside. In this second half of our 2026 kickoff to our annual Vintage Almost-Pop Stardom mini-serie
2006 Lily Allen: Vintage Almost-Pop Stardom (with Sophie Williams)
In 2006, Lily Allen was a much-needed breath of fresh air during a period in pop music that had gotten a little static and stale — although we didn't really get it in the U.S. until the next year, and then never to the same level as in her home country. In this first half of our 2026 kickoff to our annual Vintage Almost-Pop Stardom mini-series, looking at close-but-not-quite pop stars during
Which Pop Stars Won September 2026? Adéla, Ella Langley & Tinashe
On this Who Won the Month episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Trevor Anderson and Kyle Denis to discuss the big pop stars, rising prospects and veteran greats who were heard from loudest in September 2026 — who closed out the summer season in pop stardom in style. We each choose our top fives for the month that was, then we talk some
2012 One Direction: Vintage Pop Stardom (With Jason Lipshutz)
In 2012, boy bands hadn't been a major part of the American pop marketplace in a decade — but by the end of the year, not only had X Factor alums One Direction (Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Niall Horan) crashed onto U.S. shores, they had absolutely taken the country over, releasing two Billboard 200-topping albums full of pop-rock bangers, swarming all of pop cult
The 2016 VMAs With Beyoncé, Rihanna & Drake: Great Moments in Pop Star History
The MTV Video Music Awards of 2016 represented the culmination of an era of pop music and culture, with career-apex-type performances from Beyoncé and Rihanna and huge moments for Drake and Kanye West, among plenty of other on-stage appearances from some of the biggest names of the period. On this Great Moments in Pop Star History episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger
Which Pop Stars Won August 2026? Olivia Rodrigo, Karol G, Stella Lefty & More
On this Who Won the Month episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Danielle Pascual and Eric Frankenberg to discuss the big pop stars, rising prospects and veteran greats who were heard from loudest in July 2026 — who closed out the summer season in pop stardom in style. We each choose our top fives for the month that was, then we talk som
Olivia Rodrigo's Daisy Chain Fields Festival: Pop Star Performance Review
The Daisy Chain Fields festival debuted at Great Park in Irvine, Calif. on Saturday (Aug. 29), with an 11-hour lineup of all female artists and female-led groups, capped by a headlining set from the festival's founder and curator: Olivia Rodrigo. On this Pop Star Performance Review episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard deputy editor Lyn
2006 Nelly Furtado: Vintage Pop Stardom (with Todd in the Shadows)
Nobody was waiting for the big Nelly Furtado comeback in 2006, but with some help from superproducer Timbaland, Furtado pivoted to a big new pop sound that very briefly made her one of the biggest — and 20 years later, most fondly remembered — pop hitmakers of her era. This episode of Vintage Pop Stardom sees host Andrew Unterberger joined by Song vs. Song podcast co-host and YouTube star Tod
Megan Moroney & Ella Langley Live in Texas: Pop Star Performance Review
The Greatest Pop Stars podcast was choosin' Texas last weekend, as two of the biggest artists in country were playing back-to-back sold-out shows in the northern parts of the Lone Star State: Megan Moroney headlining the American Airlines Arena in Dallas on Friday night (Aug. 14), and Ella Langley topping the bill at Dickies Arena in Texas on Saturday (Aug. 15). Host Andrew Unterberger was th
The 100 Best No. 2 Hits: What Do They Say About the Art of the No. 2 Hit?
This week, we're paying tribute to all the greatest and weirdest runner-up finishers in Billboard Hot 100 history, first and foremost with our staff's list of our 100 favorite No. 2 hits of all time. This week on the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by regular guest Eric Frankenberg to discuss our list — and whether the right pop star topped it (or finished second
Which Pop Stars Won July 2026? Charli xcx, Ariana Grande, Madonna & More
On this Who Won the Month episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Kyle Denis and Emily Fuentes to discuss the big pop stars, rising prospects and veteran greats who were heard from loudest in July 2026 — who got the second half of the year underway already in high gear. We each choose our top fives for the month that was, then we talk som
Charli xcx's 'Music, Fashion, Film': Rollout Report Card
It's been two years since 'Brat' Summer took over the culture and brought Charli xcx to a new level of celebrity and ubiquity — but as of last weekend, Charli is officially onto a new era with her latest LP 'Music, Fashion, Film.' For this Rollout Report Card, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Christine Werthman and Eric Renner Brown as we look at everything surrounding
World Cup 2026 With Shakira, Justin Bieber & Oasis: Pop Star Performance Review
For the past month and a half, the entire world was tuned into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the exciting tournament action soundtracked by some of our most massive global pop stars — particularly at Sunday's final, with the star-studded Cup halftime show. On this week's Pop Star Performance Review episode, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard UK's Thomas Smith to recap six weeks of big
1996 Fugees: Vintage Pop Stardom (with Angel Diaz)
When The Fugees broke out with sophomore album 'The Score' in 1996, it marked a transition moment in '90s hip-hop, while crossing over from rap radio to top 40 and MTV and making solo stars out of each of its three members — though they never reconvened for a proper follow-up. This episode of Vintage Pop Stardom sees host Andrew Unterberger joined by Billboard Hip-Hop writer and New Jersey na
Madonna's 'Confessions II': Rollout Report Card
It's been 21 years since the original 'Confessions on a Dancefloor' — and seven years since her last album of any kind — but as of last weekend, Madonna is officially back with her long-awaited sequel set, 'Confessions II.' For this Rollout Report Card, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Joe Lynch and Eric Frankenberg as we look at everything surrounding the much-ant
Which Pop Stars Won June 2026? Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande & More
On this Who Won the Month episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Xander Zellner and Emily Fuentes to discuss the big pop stars, rising prospects and veteran greats who were heard from loudest in June 2026 — which, like most of the first half of the calendar year, was dominated by some very big releases by some very big names. We each cho
40th Birthday Thanks + RIP Clive Davis
No full episode of Greatest Pop Stars this week: It's host Andrew Unterberger's 40th birthday, so he's taking it a little easy. Instead, he's just taking a minute today to express his gratitude to still be able to do Greatest Pop Stars — and to still be as invested in and connected to pop music as he's ever felt — and to pay quick tribute to the late Clive Davis, someone who remained an industry m
Olivia Rodrigo's 'You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love': Rollout Report Card
Three years after releasing her sophomore album 'Guts,' pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo has officially returned with her new wave-influenced, chronicling new album, 'You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love.' For this Rollout Report Card, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Hannah Dailey and Eric Frankenberg as we look at everything surrounding the much-anticipated release of 'P
1997 Spice Girls: Vintage Pop Stardom (with Shakey Graves)
When the Spice Girls hit U.S. shores in 1997, they detonated on impact, with best-selling albums, chart-topping singles and even a box office-topping movie — a movement that was too phenomenal to last, but one that still transformed the entire decade's pop music and pop culture. This episode of Vintage Pop Stardom sees host Andrew Unterberger joined by singer-songwriter, actor and unlikely Spice B
Which Pop Stars Won May 2026? Drake, Ella Langley, Noah Kahan & More
On this Who Won the Month episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Kyle Denis and Rebecca Milzoff to discuss the big pop stars, rising prospects and veteran greats who were heard from loudest in May 2026 — which was largely defined by one guy with his triple album drop, but also included a couple big country stars and pop legends getting f
Song of the Summer 2026 Preview (with AJ Marks)
It's late May, which means that the race for Song of the Summer is about to be officially underway! With many of the likely frontrunners already established — and some big artists about to cast their lot with much-anticipated new releases — Greatest Pop Stars host Andrew Unterberger is joined by AJ Marks of r/Popheads and the Main Pod Girl podcast to preview the battle to come. We talk about the h
Drake's 'Iceman' Triple-Album Release: Pop Star Performance Review
The entire music-listening and social-media-habitating world was stormed this past weekend by the man who calls himself Tsunami Papi, with Drake dropping three new albums at once: 'Iceman,' 'Maid of Honour' and 'Habibti.' On this week's Pop Star Performance Review episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is enjoyed by Billboard Hip-Hop's own Big Three — Carl Lamarre, Mich
2001 Janet Jackson: Vintage Pop Stardom (with Trevor Anderson)
Today, we wrap up our Janet Jackson Vintage Pop Stardom Week on the Greatest Pop Stars podcast! After visiting Janet in her 'Control,' 'Rhythm Nation,' 'janet.' and 'The Velvet Rope' eras of '86, '90, '93 & '98, we now find the pop icon single and feeling good in her 'All for You' run, and being celebrated simultaneously as a contemporary hitmaker and pivotal legacy artist. Host Andrew Unterberger
1998 Janet Jackson: Vintage Pop Stardom (with Lina Morgan)
We're four years into Janet Jackson Vintage Pop Stardom Week on the Greatest Pop Stars podcast! After visiting Janet in her 'Control,' 'Rhythm Nation' and 'janet.' eras of '86, '90 & '93, we now find the pop icon rejecting her ever-growing bigness for something more personal and intimate. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Lina Morgan of the Song vs. Song podcast as we head past the 'Velvet Rope
1993 Janet Jackson: Vintage Pop Stardom (with Naima Cochrane)
We're three years into Janet Jackson Vintage Pop Stardom Week on the Greatest Pop Stars podcast! After visiting Janet in her 'Control' and 'Rhythm Nation' eras of '86 and '90, we now catch up with the pop icon at the very top of the mountain in 1993. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by NYU professor Naima Cochrane to talk about a decade-defining year of dominance, with classic singles, albums, v
1990 Janet Jackson: Vintage Pop Stardom (with Christine Werthman)
We're two years into Janet Jackson Vintage Pop Stardom Week on the Greatest Pop Stars podcast! After kicking off yesterday in 1986, our Janet mini-series continues in 1990 with the Rhythm Nation era and arguably her first year leading the entire pop star pack. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard's managing editor Christine Werthman to talk about a year of massive hits and videos, incred
1986 Janet Jackson: Vintage Pop Stardom (with Gail Mitchell)
We've got a full week of Janet Jackson Vintage Pop Stardom coming up on the Greatest Pop Stars podcast! Our Janet mini-series kicks off in 1986 with the Control era and her first big year as a pop star. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard's legendary executive editor of R&B/hip-hop Gail Mitchell to remember the year where Ms. Jackson was first introduced to the public as a future all-ti
Which Pop Stars Won April 2026? Justin Bieber, Noah Kahan, Ella Langley & More
On this Who Won the Month episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Eric Frankenberg and Eric Renner Brown to discuss the big pop stars, rising prospects and veteran greats who were heard from loudest in April 2026 — which was largely defined by some headline-making Coachella sets, and some all-time great pop catalogs and legacies being rev
ANNOUNCEMENT: Janet Jackson Week on Vintage Pop Stardom!
No new podcast this week due to a last-minute cancellation — so instead we're going to look forward to something we're very excited to have coming up on Greatest Pop Stars: a full Janet Jackson Week of Vintage Pop Stardom! In honor of one of the greatest pop stars of all time turning 60 in May, we're going to be celebrating Ms. Janet with deep dives into five of her greatest pop star years — 1986,
1986 Prince: Vintage Pop Stardom (with Jem Aswad)
After making the leap to superstardom with 1984's 'Purple Rain' film and accompanying album, Prince quickly moved on to his next project — and the next one, and the next one. This episode of Vintage Pop Stardom catches up with him in 1986, as host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Variety executive director of music Jem Aswad use the occasion of Prince's tragic 2016 death's 10-year anniversary to di
Coachella 2026 With Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter & More: Pop Star Performance Review
Last weekend, the music world's eyes were on Indio, Calif. as Coachella 2026 went down, with three A-level pop stars — Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber and Karol G — headlining, and many more of our current greatest pop stars also operating a little lower on the lineup. On this week's Pop Star Performance Review episode, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Variety's Steven J. Horowitz to recap th
Which Pop Stars Won March 2026? BTS, Harry Styles, RAYE & More
On this Who Won the Month episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Kyle Denis and Michael Saponara to discuss the big pop stars, rising prospects and veteran greats who were heard from loudest in March 2026 — which was largely defined by a pair of massively anticipated returns by arguably the two biggest male pop acts in the world right no
2006 Justin Timberlake: Vintage Pop Stardom (with Katie Atkinson)
After confirming his solo superstardom with 2002's 'Justified' and finding himself in the middle of a cultural firestorm at the 2004 Super Bowl, Justin Timberlake returned in 2006 with an album that raised the bar not only for himself but for all of pop music. On this 2006 Week-themed Vintage Pop Stardom episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard exec
Top 100 Songs of 2006: What Do They Say About Pop Stardom 20 Years Ago?
It's 2006 Week on Billboard.com, which means it's time to flash back to all the biggest artists, songs, albums and stories of 20 weeks ago. We start off with a look at our editorial staff's list of the year's 100 best songs, including classics from Beyoncé, My Chemical Romance, Justin Timberlake and many more. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Eric Frankenberg to discuss our 2006 memories, as w
BTS' Comeback Weekend: Pop Star Performance Review
Last weekend, the music world was taken over by the return of BTS, who ended a four-year hiatus on Friday with 'Arirang,' the group's first new album since 2020 — and then just a day later, with a live show at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square, livestreamed globally on Netflix. On this week's Pop Star Performance Review, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard's K-pop correspondent Abby Webster t
1975 Neil Sedaka: Vintage Pop Stardom (with Fred Bronson)
After a full decade out of the spotlight in the U.S., Neil Sedaka embarked upon a stateside revival in 1975 — with a valuable assist from a longtime fan in Sir Elton John — and ended up bigger than he'd ever been as a teen idol in the early '60s. On this Vintage Pop Stardom episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard chart historian (and longtime perso
Harry Styles' 'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally': Rollout Report Card
After an uncharacteristically long break for Harry Styles, the pop superstar has officially returned with his club-stepping new album, 'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.,' his first new set in four years. For this Rollout Report Card, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Hannah Dailey and Danielle Pascual as we look at everything surrounding the much-anticipated release of
Which Pop Stars Won February 2026? Bad Bunny, Ella Langley, Hilary Duff & More
On this Who Won the Month episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Eric Frankenberg and Meghan Mahar to discuss the big pop stars, rising prospects and veteran greats who were heard from loudest in February 2026 — which was largely defined by major cultural events like the Grammys, the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics. We each choose our
1983 David Bowie: Vintage Pop Stardom (with Chris Molanphy)
He'd been on something of a commercial cold streak in the U.S., but in 1983, David Bowie decided it was time for him to take on MTV-era superstardom — which he did, with the biggest pop year of his career, and the start of a period he later looked back on in anger. On this Vintage Pop Stardom episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by pop and chart history expe
Charli xcx at the Movies: Pop Star Performance Review
Charli xcx kicked off what is looking to be an absurdly prolific year at the movies with two film projects already this year: Her self-starring not-quite-autobiographical January mockumentary 'The Moment,' and the Valentine's Day weekend-released latest 'Wuthering Heights' adaptation, with her doing an entire accompanying album. On this week's Pop Star Performance Review, host Andrew Unterberger i
Ella Langley Has a No. 1: What Does It Mean For Her, For Country and For Pop Stardom? (With Marissa Moss)
During a crowded past month in pop stardom, one of the most interesting stories has been the unexpected arrival of country signer/songwriter Ella Langley not just as a major new star, but a Billboard Hot 100-topping hitmaker — making her part of an extremely exclusive club of female country artists to go No. 1. This week, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by country journalist Marissa Moss of the
How'd Bad Bunny Do at the Super Bowl? Greatest Pop Stars Instant Reaction
For the second straight February, it's our Greatest Pop Star of last year's biggest moment yet! After many months of buzz and controversy — follow Kendrick Lamar's months of buzz and controversy last year — this time it was Bad Bunny's turn to take the stage at Super Bowl LX to cap his last year of triumph, delivering one of the most-anticipated and ultimately mostly hotly debated halftime show se
Which Pop Stars Won January 2026? Bruno Mars, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles & More
On this Who Won the Month episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Trevor Anderson and Eric Renner Brown to discuss the big pop stars, rising prospects and veteran greats who were heard from loudest in January 2025 — which was largely defined by the beginning of massive album rollouts for Bruno Mars, Harry Styles and other big pop names. W
Greatest Pop Stars of 2025: No. 1, Bad Bunny
Our Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 series concludes its top 10 countdown with a look at our No. 1 artist, Bad Bunny. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard's Isabela Raygoza to talk about Bad Bunny's second year finishing atop our Greatest Pop Stars rankings — with a chart-topping, Grammy-nominated blockbuster album in 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos,' a trio of top 10 hits, a headline-making residency
Greatest Pop Stars of 2025: No. 2, Taylor Swift
Our Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 series continues its top 10 with a look at our No. 2 artist, Taylor Swift. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard's Denise Warner to talk about Taylor Swift's incredible sixth straight year in the top five of our Greatest Pop Stars rankings — with a full-circle moment in her masters reacquisition, a beyond-historic first week on the Billboard 200 for her 'Lif
Greatest Pop Stars of 2025: No. 3, Lady Gaga
Our Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 series continues its top 10 with a look at our No. 3 artist, Lady Gaga. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard charts senior analyst/writer Eric Frankenerg to talk about Lady Gaga's return to the top five of our Greatest Pop Stars list — with a chart-topping album on the Billboard 200, a chart-topping hit on the Billboard Hot 100, one of the year's biggest an
Greatest Pop Stars of 2025: No. 4, Kendrick Lamar
Our Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 series continues its top 10 with a look at our No. 4 artist, Kendrick Lamar. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard Hip-Hop's Carl Lamarre to talk about Kendrick Lamar's second straight year in our top five Greatest Pop Stars — as his 2024 dominance just kept rolling through the first half of 2025, with Lamar continuing to top the Billboard charts, score Gram
Greatest Pop Stars of 2025: No. 5, Sabrina Carpenter (with Lina Morgan)
Our Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 series continues its top 10 with a look at our No. 5 artist, Sabrina Carpenter. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Lina Morgan of the Song vs. Song podcast to talk about Sabrina Carpenter's second straight year in our top five Greatest Pop Stars — with another blockbuster album and smash hit lead single, topping Billboard charts and getting Grammy nominations with
Greatest Pop Stars of 2025: No. 6, KPop Demon Hunters Cast
Our Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 series continues its top 10 with a look at our No. 6 artist, KPop Demon Hunters Cast. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard branded producer and social manager Meghan Mahar to talk about the year of the KPop Demon Hunters takeover — with the animated musical not only becoming the most-watched film in Netflix history, but with seven songs from its fictional K
Greatest Pop Stars of 2025: No. 7, Tate McRae
Our Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 series continues its top 10 with a look at our No. 7 artist, Tate McRae. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard's Kristen Wisneski and Michael Saponara to talk about McRae's ascendant 2025 — where she scored her first No. 1s on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard 200 albums chart, went on a best-selling arena tour, lit up the MTV Video Music Awards,
Greatest Pop Stars of 2025: No. 8, Morgan Wallen
Our Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 series continues its top 10 with a look at our No. 8 artist, Morgan Wallen. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard's executive editor, West Coast and Nashville Melinda Newman to look at the country's superstar momentum-maintaining 2025 — where he once again set records on the weekly and year-end Billboard Hot 100 with his 37-track 'I'm the Problem' blockbuste
Greatest Pop Stars of 2025: No. 9, Doechii (with AJ Marks)
Our Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 series continues its top 10 with a look at our No. 9 artist, Doechii. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by AJ Marks of r/Popheads and the excellent Main Pod Girl podcast to look at the ascendant rapper's breakout 2025 — where she made good on all the most optimistic prognostications about her in late 2024 with multiple breakout hits from her 'Alligator Bites Never He
Greatest Pop Stars of 2025: No. 10, Tyler, The Creator
Our Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 series kicks off its top 10 with a look at our No. 10 artist, Tyler, The Creator. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard's Kyle Denis to look at the veteran rapper's first year making our top 10 — where he pushed forward from an already-huge 2024 with the stunning Chromakopia World Tour, the dancefloor-insistent semi-surprise album 'Don't Tap the Glass,' a fu
Greatest Pop Stars of 2025: Clipse, Comeback of the Year
Our Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 series continues on with a look at our Comeback of the Year artist, the Clipse. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard Hip-Hop's Michael Saponara to dive deep into the Virginia brother duo's insanely triumphant 2025 campaign, where Pusha T and Malice not only recaptured past glories but forged new ones with their rapturously received 'Let God Sort Em Out' alb
Greatest Pop Stars of 2025: Olivia Dean, Rookie of the Year
Our Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 series continues on with a look at our Rookie of the Year artist, Olivia Dean. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard U.K.'s Sophie Williams to dive deep into the British singer-songwriter's impossibly quick-rising 2025 campaign, where she won over hearts on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond with her breakthrough album 'The Art of Loving,' hit songs like
Greatest Pop Stars of 2025: Honorable Mentions (with Todd in the Shadows)
Our Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 series gets underway with a look at our 10 Honorable Mention artists -- the stars who were great enough this year to get into the discussion but not quite onto our top 10. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by YouTuber Todd and the Shadows as we go over their cases -- and whether we disagree with any of them not making the proper list -- then give shouts to some pop s
Which Pop Stars Won December 2025? Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande & More
On this Who Won the Month episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Jason Lipshutz and Danielle Pascual to discuss the big pop stars, rising prospects and veteran greats who were heard from loudest in December 2025 — which, was largely defined by Mariah Carey making chart history and Taylor Swift marking the 'End of an Era.' We each choose
Pop Star New Year's Resolutions for 2026: Beyoncé, Adele, Dua Lipa & More
We've finally turned the calendar to 2026, and while we're not done looking back at 2025 yet by any means, we're taking a New Year's Day pause to look forward a little. For this first Greatest Pop Stars episode of the year, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard charts senior analyst/writer Eric Frankenberg to offer some New Year's resolutions for pop stars like Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter
Ariana Grande's 2015 EP 'Christmas & Chill': Great Moments in Pop Star History (with Kyle Denis)
In late 2015, Ariana Grande's smooth sailing towards pop superstardom had finally had some slightly rocky waters, so she dropped a surprise release that gave both her sound and her career a little bit of a reset: the six-song EP Christmas & Chill. On this week's Great Moments in Pop Star History episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard's Kyle Denis
1995 Mariah Carey: Vintage Pop Stardom (with Chris Hine)
Mariah Carey's 1995 was bookended by two different songs that would come to hold the record for the longest-reigning No. 1 in Billboard Hot 100 history — and in between, she released one of her biggest albums, scored her greatest uptempo pop hit and changed the game with its remix. On this Vintage Pop Stardom episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Minnesota
Year-End in Review: How'd the Greatest Pop Stars Fare on Our Year-End Albums and Songs Lists?
It's year-end season on Billboard.com! After debuting our year-end charts on Tuesday, our editorial staff unveiled its 50 favorite albums and 100 favorite songs of 2025 on Wednesday and Thursday. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard executive director of music Jason Lipshutz this week to review the top 10s of both lists, and to discuss how some of our greatest pop stars — Bad Bunny, Tayl
Which Pop Stars Won November 2025? Olivia Dean, Taylor Swift, Ella Langley and More
On this Who Won the Month episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Trevor Anderson and Michael Saponara to discuss the big pop stars, rising prospects and veteran greats who were heard from loudest in November 2025 — which, for the second month in a row was largely defined by Taylor Swift and Olivia Dean. We each choose our top fives for t
Giving Thanks for New Art-Pop Releases From Rosalía, Charli xcx, Robyn & fka Twigs
Though none are precisely taking over the charts this month, what's most exciting to pop fans this November is a rapid-fire run of new releases from some of the genre's greatest underground-ish luminaries. On this Thanksgiving episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard charts staffer and art-pop fanatic Eric Frankenberg to talk about eight days of exc
1978 Bee Gees: Vintage Pop Stardom (with Chris Dalla Riva)
In the late-'70s, disco lorded over everything, and no artist ruled the clubs like the Bee Gees: The Gibb brother trio reinvented its sound and swarmed the charts, both with their own smashes and hits they helmed for other artists, including their younger brother. On this Vintage Pop Stardom episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by 'Uncharted Territory' autho
2012 Coachella — Dre, Snoop & The 2Pac Hologram: Great Moments in Pop Star History (with Katie Bain)
The 2012 edition of Coachella was an enormously important one — shifting the festival's musical balances, premiering vital new rising stars and earning its first truly viral pop culture moment with the 2Pac hologram featured in headliners Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg's star-studded set. On this week's Great Moments in Pop Star History episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is
Which Pop Stars Won October 2025? Taylor Swift, Olivia Dean, Tame Impala (?!) and More
On this Who Won the Month episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Kyle Denis and Stephen Daw to discuss the big pop stars, rising prospects and veteran greats who were heard from loudest in October 2025 — which, spoiler art, was absolutely dominated by Taylor Swift. We each choose our top fives for the month that was, then we talk some di
2000 D'Angelo: Vintage Almost-Pop Stardom (with Craig Jenkins)
In 2000, D'Angelo was leveling up from R&B phenomenon to full-fledged crossover superstar, with a chart-topping album and a MTV-dominating video — but nearing pop stardom might quickly proved not the best thing for his art or for his spirit. In this third episode of our Vintage Almost-Pop Stardom mini-series — a spin on our usual Vintage Pop Stardom, with four episodes this month looking at close-
2011 Bon Iver: Vintage Almost-Pop Stardom (with Kristin Robinson)
In 2011, the worlds of indie and pop were starting to overlap in new and interesting ways — and one of the biggest beneficiaries of the merging universes was Justin Vernon, otherwise known as alt-folk cult phenomenon Bon Iver. In this third episode of our Vintage Almost-Pop Stardom mini-series — a spin on our usual Vintage Pop Stardom, with four episodes this month looking at close-but-not-quite p
2005 Paul Wall: Vintage Almost-Pop Stardom (with Jonny Auping)
The long-bubbling Houston rap scene finally took over the mainstream in 2005, getting the entire country invested in tippin’ on four-fours and sittin’ sideways — and the guy who ended up serving as the connective tissue for pretty much the whole moment was The People’s Champ, Paul Wall. In this second episode of our Vintage Almost-Pop Stardom mini-series — a spin on our usual Vintage Pop Stardom,
1995 Björk: Vintage Almost-Pop Stardom (with Lina Morgan)
In 1995, Björk was a phenomenon without a genre, a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter who mixed dance beats with rock attitude and pop flair and became a near-household name without scoring any major hits. In this first episode of our Vintage Almost-Pop Stardom series — a spin on our usual Vintage Pop Stardom, with four episodes this month looking at close-but-not-quite pop stars during their
Taylor Swift's 'The Life of a Showgirl': Rollout Report Card
After a brief break at the beginning of 2025, Taylor Swift is back with what after just a few days of release is already proving to (somehow) be her biggest album yet. For this Rollout Report Card, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers and Swifties Meghan Mahar and Danielle Pascual as we look at everything surrounding the breathlessly anticipated release of 'The Life of a Showgir
Which Pop Stars Won September 2025? Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae & More
On this week's episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Eric Renner Brown and Eric Frankenberg to discuss the big pop stars, rising prospects and veteran greats who got their last big pop star moments in for September 2025 — before Taylor Swift inevitably takes over shortly into October. We each choose our top fives for the month that was
Cardi B's 'Am I the Drama?' Rollout Report Card
It's been seven years since Cardi B aced her debut album rollout with 2018's rapturously received 'Invasion of Privacy' — and at long last, she's finally back with album two, 'Am I the Drama?' For this Rollout Report Card, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Kyle Denis and Emily Fuentes as we look at everything surrounding the wait-and-hurry-up promotion of Cardi's long, long-a
1995 TLC: Vintage Pop Stardom (with Naima Cochrane)
In the mid-'90s, TLC were on top of the world, with a game-changing year of hit singles, unavoidable videos and culture-shifting moments — though behind the scenes, everything that could be going wrong for the trio was. On this Vintage Pop Stardom episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by NYU professor and social media legend Naima Cochrane to talk about 1995
Sabrina Carpenter's 'Man's Best Friend': Rollout Report Card
It's been a fascinating few months for Sabrina Carpenter, who had barely started to wind down her blockbuster 'Short n' Sweet' album era before announcing an entirely new album in 'Man's Best Friend,' which dropped on Aug. 29. For this Rollout Report Card, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Michael Saponara and Eric Frankenberg as we look at everything surrounding the lead-up
Oasis' Live '25 Tour: Pop Star Performance Review
We weren't positive they'd make it, but Oasis has arrived on U.S. shores as conquering heroes on its universally acclaimed Live '25 tour. On this bonus Pop Star Performance Review episode of Greatest Pop Stars, host Andrew Unterberger is rejoined by his longtime partner Lisa Ebe to talk about the two shows on this tour they saw together — one overseas, one stateside — as well as the differences be
Which Pop Stars Won August 2025? Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter & More
On this week's episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Stephen Daw and Danielle Pascual to discuss the big pop stars, rising prospects and veteran greats who dominated August 2025 in pop stardom. We each choose our top fives for the month that was, then we talk some disappointing recent performances, and look ahead to who we're most antic
Will Smith's 1998: Vintage Pop Superstardom (with Todd in the Shadows)
We've seen plenty of pop stars and plenty of movie stars in our lifetime, but only one entertainer who has ever been one of the very biggest stars in both mediums at the same time. On this Vintage Pop Stardom episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by YouTube star and Song vs. Song podcast co-host Todd in the Shadows to talk about 1998 Will Smith — the year of
Taylor Swift's 'Life of a Showgirl' Era: Pop Star Preview
Taylor Swift had every excuse to take 2025 off — but as of last week's 'New Heights' podcast, she is once again back in full effect. On this extended Pop Star Preview episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard executive director of music Jason Lipshutz to look ahead to the 'Life of a Showgirl' era and beyond, discussing everything from the album's tr
Mariah Carey's 2005: Vintage Pop Stardom (with Trevor Anderson)
Mariah Carey spent the '90s as the biggest pop star on the planet, but after a brutal start to the 21st century, it took an all-time comeback year to get her back to the top of the pop game. On this extended Vintage Pop Stardom episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard charts manager Trevor Anderson to talk about 2005 Mariah Carey — the year of 'The
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