6/26-6/30 ICYMI: Pop Culture Recap!
This week was full stacked with events from babies and albums dropping, to apologies in song, and divided fandoms. Let’s run it back.
1- Kelly Clarkson Drops "Chemistry" Album
The week started off with a bang, as “Chemistry,” Kelly Clarkson’s new album dropped at the end of last week. Though some critiques say that Clarkson’s new drop didn’t live up to expectations of her powerful voice, but others loved the range of growth she shared through her music. Clarkson focused on bringing all the aspects of her ex-relationship to the album- the highs and the lows. Have you heard the album yet?
2- Bollywood Remake of Pakistani Hit 'Pasoori' Divides Fans
If you haven’t heard ‘Pasoori’ yet, what in the world are you doing? This Pakistani hit song blew up just last year, and now the Bollywood Hindi Remake of it is getting mixed reviews. Though Shae Gill has stated to fans to let the Bollywood version be, many fans of Shae and Ali Sethi’s song have took to social media to express a distaste for it. Starring Arjit Singh and Tulsi Kumar’s voice, ‘Pasoori Nu’ is expected to be featured in ‘Satyaprem Ki Katha,’ the new Bollywood film with Kartik Aryan and Kiara Advani.
3- Colleen Ballinger, Miranda Sings, fandom unravels. Ballinger's response? A song.
The world of YouTube is no stranger to us. 10 years ago, I, myself, was deeply invested in the ins and outs of the community. Remembering the likes of David Dobrik, Pewdiepie, Mr. Beast, and other famous stars makes me nostalgic. Today, as I scroll through my Tik Tok feed, I saw a familiar face- the one wearing way too much bright red lipstick- Miranda Sings, aka Colleen Ballinger.
The story? After allegations that the creator had inappropriate and exploitative relationships with underage fans, the Youtuber’s fan base is questioning who Colleen Ballinger really is. Her response? A song explaining that “A lot of people are saying some things about me that aren’t quite true. Doesn’t matter if it’s true, though, just as long as it’s entertaining to you, right?”
4- Ryan Seacrest to Succeed Pat Sajak as Host of Wheel of Fortune
As a resident Wheel of Fortune fan, Pat Sajak has a special place in the world of TV game shows, for me, and for many others. Alas, after 41 seasons, his reign is coming to an end. With Ryan Seacrest taking over, fans are eager to see how the show will look and play now. Sajak’s happy with it, and, of course, so is Seacrest. Both took to Twitter and Instagram to express appreciation and excitement for September 2024, when Seacrest will take the driving wheel from Sajak.
5- Olivia Rodrigo Announces new Sophomore album, "Guts"
It’s been “brutal” since Rodrigo got her “driver’s license,” and didn’t release any new songs; what a “traitor”... I “hope ur ok”. But, this isn’t going to be “1 step forward, and 3 steps back,” you’re going to be “happier” after hearing Rodrigo’s latest “favorite crime,” because it’s going to be hopefully “enough for you.” No more “jealousy, jealousy” in seeing other artists release new songs; you’re going to get “deja vu” from seeing this announcement.
“Good 4 U,” and good for me: Olivia Rodrigo announced releasing a new Sophomore album dubbed “Guts” this past week!
The first taste to the album, “Vampire,” was released just last night by Rodrigo, and though it’s not a Summer bop, the song itself is a masterpiece. Pulling off a vampire theme seemed difficult to most, but IMO not a cringey moment could be found in her release. Listen to it here.
Olivia Rodrigo - vampire (Official Music Video)
6- NTR Jr, Ram Charan, Taylor Swift, Stephanie Hsu, Among Many to be Invited to Oscar Academy
My Telugu soul is finally happy to see some representation - NTR Jr. and Ram Charan, RRR stars, were both invited to join the Oscar Academy organization along with Stephanie Hsu, and other minority creatives. The added plus is Taylor Swift’s invite, too!
7- Chrissy Teigen and John Legend Welcome Baby No. 4
Albums, announcements, and now babies are dropping! Welcome Baby No. 4 of the Teigen and Legend family. Teigen announced this Wednesday that her son, Wren Alexander Stephens was born on June 19 through a surrogacy. “Our hearts, and our home, are officially full,” Teigen wrote on Instagram. Congratulations to the whole family!
8- Satyaprem Ki Katha Released Thursday, June 29
Kartik Aryan and Kiara Advani fans- Satyprem Ki Katha is finally out. Some critics are also eating it up; others hate it- reviews are ranging from 3-5 stars. Until I watch it, unfortunately, I cannot give a verdict, but I’m expecting a very mid film. Keeping my expectations lower to hopefully receive a great end product. I’ll keep you all posted.
9- Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan, and Kriti Sanon's Adipurush records lowest box office collection on day 13
I really thought Adipurush would do better at the box office. After hits like RRR and Bahubali over the past couple of years, Adipurush was set up to be the next big one. Sadly, Adipurush recorded its lowest box office collection on day 13, and it’s expected that the movie will not cross over 300 crores total in collections now, despite the earlier prediction of receiving a lifetime collection of 1000 crores.
10- Pete Davidson Checks into Rehab
NBC News reports, “Davidson was driving when his Mercedes jumped the curb, hit a fire hydrant and crashed into a home, according to the Beverly Hills Police Department. No one was seriously hurt, officials said at the time, and the actor’s girlfriend, Chase Sui Wonders, had been in the passenger seat.”
Previously diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder in 2017 after years of anxiety and depression, Davidson has reached out for mental health treatment before. We’re hoping for the best for Davidson.