Podcast · Music

Greatest Pop Stars

by Billboard · English · Music

Billboard's weekly deep dive into the past, present and future of pop stardom, hosted by deputy editor Andrew Unterberger. New episodes every Thursday.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 14 min
Latest: 8 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 28 min

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-series, looking at close-but-not-quite pop stars during their biggest years — also be sure to check out part one about 2006 Lily Allen— Thomas Smith of Billboard UK joins to dive into Arctic Monkeys during…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

8 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 14 min
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 their biggest years — be sure to also check out part two about 2006 Arctic Monkeys — Sophie Williams of Billboard UK joins to dive into all things Lily Allen during her singular breakout season, the year…
1 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
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 disappointing recent performances, and look ahead to who we're most anticipating hearing more from in the final months of 2026. If you enjoy the pod, check out out our Who Won the Month recaps for…
24 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 37 min
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 culture and marking a new era in social media and musical fandom. This episode of Vintage Pop Stardom sees host Andrew Unterberger joined by Billboard co-chief content officer (and author of the upcoming 1D…
17 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 21 min
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 is joined by Billboard's Katie Atkinson to look at one of the most memorable Video Music Awards in the show's history, with moments that continue to delight, fascinate and confuse 10 years on. And…
10 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
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 some disappointing recent performances, and look ahead to who we're most anticipating hearing more from by the end of the summer of 2026. If you enjoy the pod, check out out our Who Won the Month recaps…
3 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
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 Lyndsey Havens — who was in attendance for the full-day festival — to discuss the history being made by Daisy Chain Fields, and what it means for one of our current greatest pop stars to be able to present it to…
27 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 50 min
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 Todd in the Shadows as we discuss how Nelly Furtado absolutely took over with her 'Loose' album and big hits "Promiscuous," "Maneater" and "Say It Right," and then disappeared from the mainstream almost…
20 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
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 there with this week's guest, Billboard contributor and Don't Rock the Inbox co-founder Natalie Weiner — and on this Pop Star Performance Review episode, they talk about the things these two breakout stars…
13 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
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 yet again) — and to share our feelings on what it means to be a No. 2 hit, and whether that meaning has changed over the years as the charts and pop music in general have transformed so significantly.…
6 Aug 2026 · 57 min
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 some disappointing recent performances, and look ahead to who we're most anticipating hearing more from by the end of the summer of 2026. (Content warning: We talk about Ariana Grande from about…
30 Jul 2026 · 54 min
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 the much-anticipated release of 'Music, Fashion, Film' — including the divisive lead single and the accompanying 'MFF' mini-movie, as well as Charli's spate of podcast interviews and her (arguable,…
23 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
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 games and big stars, with particularly notable performances by Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS, and a chart-crashing official-unofficial England anthem from Oasis. If you enjoy the pod, please…
16 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 23 min
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 native Angel Diaz as we discuss how The Fugees absolutely defined a moment in time, and how unfortunate it is that they never really got another such moment together. Check out a YouTube playlist of the…
9 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 11 min
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-anticipated release of 'Confessions II' — including the first three singles and the 'Confessions' mini-movie, as well as Madonna's surprise Coachella appearance, a number of memorable interviews and one of the…
2 Jul 2026 · 41 min
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 choose our top fives for the month that was, then we talk some disappointing recent performances, and look ahead to who we're most anticipating hearing more from in the second half of 2026. If you enjoy…
25 Jun 2026 · 6 min
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 mover and passionate pop fan right up until the very end. Full episodes resume next week — and in the meantime, please consider donating to the following causes: Transgender Law Center…
18 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
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 'Pretty Sad' — including the first two singles and their accompanying music videos, Rodrigo's surprise Primavera festival pop-in, her infatuation with The Cure and one of the most extensive media…
11 Jun 2026 · 2 hr 3 min
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 Boy Shakey Graves, as we discuss his new album 'Fondness, Etc.' for about 15 minutes and then dive into all things Spicemania, recalling everything about the all-too-brief period when the Girls known…
4 Jun 2026 · 45 min
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 fans excited about new and old releases. 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 anticipating hearing…
28 May 2026 · 1 hr 14 min
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 heavy hitters — led by Ella Langley, Drake and Olivia Rodrigo — while also giving a few minutes for a few longshot contenders and some of our perfect-world picks. Find a Spotify playlist of some of…
21 May 2026 · 58 min
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, Michael Saponara and Angel Diaz — to analyze what the triple-release means, how it's been received thusfar by the online masses, and what it might do to finally take Drake out of the precarious position…
15 May 2026 · 2 hr 13 min
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 is joined by Billboard senior charts and data analyst Trevor Anderson as we do it all for Janet one more time, recapping her final year of no-doubt superstardom and imagining a future where…
14 May 2026 · 1 hr 50 min
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' and deep into one of Janet's richest and most rewarding eras, based around an album that underwhelmed commercially and critically but is now rightly considered perhaps her finest overall work.…
13 May 2026 · 1 hr 42 min
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, videos, performances, looks and even acting roles, as Janet ended the year at a peak arguably no other pop star had yet reached that decade. Check it out here and come back all week as we celebrate…
12 May 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
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, incredible performances and unforgettable roller rink memories, as Ms. Jackson made us think, feel and dance like few pop stars before her. Check it out here and come back all week as we celebrate three…
11 May 2026 · 1 hr 40 min
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-time pop star great, with some help from collaborators like Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis and Paula Abdul. Check it out here and come back all week as we celebrate four more years — 1990, 1993, 1998 and 2001…
7 May 2026 · 54 min
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 revisited. 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 anticipating hearing more from in the spring of…
30 Apr 2026 · 3 min
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, 1990, 1993, 1998 and 2001 — starting on May 11, and going one a day right up until her birthday on May 16. Listen for more of what to expect here, and see you back here for some top-level Vintage…
23 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 38 min
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 dive deep into one of The Purple One's weirdest, wildest and most wondrous years, including the mega-smash single "Kiss," the mega-flop film 'Under the Cherry Moon,' and more albums that went…

About Greatest Pop Stars

Billboard's weekly deep dive into the past, present and future of pop stardom, hosted by deputy editor Andrew Unterberger. New episodes every Thursday.

Greatest Pop Stars is a English music podcast from Billboard. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Billboard
Language: English
Category: Music
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 14 min
Latest episode: 8 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1765221003

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