Flop Stars: A Pop Music Podcast

About this podcast

You can’t always come out on top. And this is a podcast that celebrates that very fact. Each week, hosts Billy Nilles and Greg Willis take an in-depth look into the world of pop music as only they can. Welcome to Flop Stars!

Flop Stars: A Pop Music Podcast

Episodes

Season 3
A Flop of a Year: 2020 Recap
Billy and Greg, back together again in 2020...for one night only! Before this flop of a year is finally over, join us as we take a look back at one of the only things that got us through: music. We'll break down the totally insane last 12 months of our lives before offering up our picks for the Top 10 Pops of the Year. It's a countdown you won't want to miss. See you in 2021, babies!
December 22, 2020
79 min
Season 2
The Pops and Flops of 2019
What. A. Year. Before we say goodbye to season two and the decade, Billy and Greg had to wrap things up with an in-depth look back at the year that was. And true to form, we could only send off 2019 one way: by breaking down our picks for the Pops and Flops of the Year. Join us as the ball drops on our No. 1 Pops--and our No. 1 Flops. We apologize for nothing. Not only that, but we also set our intentions for 2020, sharing our hopes and wishes for the music year ahead. Rihanna, you up? We're talking to you... Thanks so much for listening along for 20 episodes across two seasons this year. We're so glad to have you along for the ride. See you next year!
December 30, 2019
53 min
Artists of the Decade
An episode 10 years in the making. As promised two weeks ago, Billy and Greg devote the penultimate episode of season two to the two women who were, undeniably, their artists of the decade. We're talking, of course, about Beyonce and Lady Gaga. Join us as we break down these superstars' last ten years, album by album, to prove why their impact on pop music is unmatched. Elsewhere in the episode, we share our picks for Pop and Flop of the Week and have a hard time choosing just one. Sue us! Happy listening!
December 11, 2019
64 min
Christmas Music
It's time to get festive! Join Billy and Greg this week as we deck those halls, trim those trees, and talk all things Christmas music. From the classics of our youth--did somebody say Dominick the Donkey?!--to the pop star pretenders making their yearly attempts at coming for the Queen of Christmas herself, Mariah Carey's throne, we've made our lists and checked them twice. Elsewhere in the episode, we discuss the minor pop emergency that is the Pussycat Dolls reunion and, as always, deliver our picks for Pop and Flop of the Week. And it was a real good news-bad news situation for The Weeknd. Sorry, Abel. Happy holidays!
December 4, 2019
53 min
The 2010s
It's the end of an era! As we prepare to say goodbye to 2019, we've also got to accept that another decade is done and gone. In this episode, Billy and Greg do their damndest to recap the entirety of the 2010. Beginning with Kesha's debut album, the first LP to be released in the decade, and marching on through everything pop music had to offer in these ten years, our walk down memory lane is full of mind-blowing highlights and more than a few missteps. What a wild time it's been. Elsewhere in the episode, we present our picks for Pop and Flop of the Week and debate just who truly deserves the designation of Artist of the Decade. (No tea, no shade, but Taylor Swift ain't it.) Enjoy!
November 27, 2019
76 min
Queer Artists
We're here, we're queer and we're talking about our people! After weeks devoted to those pop divas the gay community worships most, Billy and Greg are putting the spotlight on the LGBTQIA artists carving out space for themselves in the ever-expanding world of pop music. From Elton to Troye, Melissa to Hayley, The Scissor Sisters to King Princess, we're covering it all. And if we missed anyone out there making music in this current rainbow revolution, please let us know on Twitter @flopstarspod. Seriously, we're always looking to support more queer artists! As always, we've got a handful of picks for Pop and Flop of the Week. And yes, this has become a Doja Cat stancast. Sorry, not sorry. Enjoy!
November 20, 2019
57 min
1999
We just wanna go back...back to 1999. So for this week's episode, we did just that. Before we begin to say goodbye to not only 2019, but an entire damn decade, Billy and Greg wanted to take it back, back, back 20 years to the year that changed everything and ushered in this modern era of music. From the explosion of bubblegum pop to the Latin craze, pop music's greatest historians do what they do best and take you through it. And as always, we've got our picks for Pop(s) and Flop of the Week. Someone tell Kanye this ain't the week for him. Enjoy!
November 6, 2019
57 min
Ageism in Pop Music
It's been a while. We know we shouldn't have kept you waiting.But we're here now. In a very special episode of Flop Stars, Billy and Greg take a look at how divas of a certain age are treated by the industry and fans alike. From Madonna to JLo to Miley, we break down the pervasive way ageism in pop music affects everyone whether they realize it or not. Elsewhere in the episode, we talk upcoming fall releases, the sounds of spooky season, and present our picks for a super-sized edition of Pop and Flop of the Week. You know, to make up for lost time. Enjoy!
October 16, 2019
54 min
The Spice Girls
Colours of the world, spice up your life! This week, Billy and Greg put two and two together and now you'll see what our friendship is for. We've packed our bags, purchased a couple of one-way tickets, and embarked on a trip to Spice World for this super-sized episode of Flop Stars devoted to all things Spice Girls. Some might say it's too much, and to them we say, stop right now, thank you very much. From their game-changing debut to Geri's earth-shattering departure, each attempt at a solo career to every single reunion, we're breaking it all down. So slam it to the left, shake it to the right, get your chicas to the front and hai, si, ja—hold tight! Elsewhere in the episode, we deliver picks for Pop and Flop of the Week. Could someone tell Adam Levine and his new cornrows this might be the one episode he should skip? We'd really appreciate it. As always, to listen to all the music talked about in this week's season premiere—or the good stuff, at least—be sure to check out our companion playlist, available on Apple Music and Spotify. Now, ladies and gents, can you please take your seats? And we hope that you enjoy the shoooooow. Zig-a-zig-ah!
September 25, 2019
71 min
One-Hit Wonders
Welcome back! This week, Billy and Greg tackle a topic they've been waiting a long time to talk about: One-hit wonders! As you can imagine, there's a lot to break down. From artists who were always destined to earn the title to those who we can't believe are actually considered one, we cram it all in. As for our all-time faves? Well, they're just de-lovely and delicious. Elsewhere in the episode, we talk pop stars who managed to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump with their second albums (are you sensing a theme yet?) and, as always, reveal our picks for Pop and Flop of the Week. Let's just say, we're a little torn this week. And as always, to listen to all the music talked about in this week's season premiere—or the good stuff, at least—be sure to check out our companion playlist, available on Apple Music and Spotify.
September 18, 2019
65 min
Song of Summer 2019
We're back, bitches! All it took was a long walk down an old town road to fill Billy and Greg with the motivation needed to get a super-sized season two of Flop Stars off the ground. With memories of the hot girl summer still fresh in our minds, we're breaking down the ephemeral and fleeting concept of the Song of Summer. Where did it come from? How long has it been around? And why did this year's winners seem to break all the rules? As we share our picks for a special Pop and Flop of Summer 2019, just remember, the truth hurts. And if that makes us the bad guy, so be it. And as always, to listen to all the music talked about in this week's season premiere—or the good stuff, at least—be sure to check out our companion playlist, available on Apple Music and Spotify.
September 11, 2019
58 min
Season 1
Britney Jean
Go call the governor! In this special season finale episode, Billy and Greg get to work, bitch, and talk all things Britney Spears and her most personal album yet, Britney Jean. Did it make us wanna dance until our body ache? Elsewhere in the episode, we leave you with our picks for the upcoming albums we're most excited about (we bet you can guess at least one!), narrow down our three favorite Britney tracks, and, as always, offer up this season's last picks for Pop and Flop of the Week. As always, to listen to all the music talked about in this week's ep—or the good stuff, at least—be sure to check out our companion playlist, available on Apple Music and Spotify. And a huge thank you for tuning in this season! We'll be back real soon. We promise.
May 9, 2019
70 min
4
Start the countdown. In this week's episode, Billy and Greg risk the wrath of the Beyhive to talk Beyoncé and her 2011 album 4. Can her persuasion really build a nation? Elsewhere in the episode, we share our picks for the best solo endeavors from former boy/girl group members (who aren't Beyoncé, naturally), try and narrow down our three favorite Queen Bey tracks (a fool's errand!) and, as always, reveal our choices for Pop and Flop of the Week. And if this wasn't a Lizzo stan-cast before, it sure is now. As always, to listen to all the music talked about in this week's ep—or the good stuff, at least—be sure to check out our companion playlist, available on Apple Music and Spotify. Bring the beat in!
April 30, 2019
66 min
Damita Jo
It's time to dance. In this week's episode, Billy and Greg spend just a little while talking Janet Jackson and her 2004 album Damita Jo. Did her sexhibition have us saying "Don't stop!" or make us want to (strawberry) bounce? Elsewhere in the episode, we give you a glimpse between our sheets by sharing the three songs most capable of giving us some eargasms, narrow down our three favorite Janet tracks, and, as always, reveal our picks for Pop and Flop of the Week. Which of us was the boy with luv for BTS—and which definitely wasn't? As always, to listen to all the music talked about in this week's ep—or the good stuff, at least—be sure to check out our companion playlist, available on Apple Music and Spotify. Join the rhythm nation!
April 23, 2019
75 min
Witness
Break out your rose-colored glasses. In this week's episode, Billy and Greg step outside their bubble and take a trip to Oblivia to talk all things Katy Perry and her 2017 album Witness. Were we feeling the purposeful pop or should she have just saved the whole thing as draft? Elsewhere in the episode, we share the three songs that always have us feeling wide a-woke, discuss our three favorite Katy tracks, and, as always, reveal our picks for Pop and Flop of the Week. Which unlucky boy band had us channeling Heidi Klum with a "one day you're in, the next you're out" attitude? As always, to listen to all the music talked about in this week's ep—or the good stuff, at least—be sure to check out our companion playlist, available on Apple Music and Spotify. Bon appétit, baby!
April 15, 2019
71 min
My December
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this. In this week's episode, Billy and Greg take a trip to Irvine to talk all things Kelly Clarkson and her 2007 album My December. Did the OG American Idol's album leave us haunted or have us swearing never again? Elsewhere in the episode, we reveal our three favorite songs from reality TV stars (with varied levels of understanding the assignment!), narrow down our three favorite Kelly songs, and, as always, unveil our choices for Pop and Flop of the Week. As always, to listen to all the music talked about in this week's ep—or the good stuff, at least—be sure to check out our companion playlist, available on Apple Music and Spotify. It's a whole lotta woman!
April 1, 2019
63 min
Rated R
The wait is over. In this week’s episode, Billy and Greg enter the mad house that is Rihanna’s Rated R. Does the career-altering album hold up or did it turn us into a pair of rude boys? Elsewhere in the episode, we try to narrow down our three favorite pop diva-featuring dance tracks (why do we do this to ourselves?), reveal our choices for BadGalRiRi’s three best songs (are we gluttons for punishment?), and, as always, unveil our picks for Pop and Flop of the Week. Has this turned into a full-fledged Lizzo stan-cast? As always, to listen to all the music talked about in this week's ep—or the good stuff, at least—be sure to check out our companion playlist, available on Apple Music and Spotify. Please don’t stop the music!
March 23, 2019
64 min
Bionic
This is the moment that we take over your mind frame. In this week's episode, Billy and Greg dive headfirst into a world of love and glamour to tackle Christina Aguilera's Bionic. Did she indeed own the thrown with this one or did she sound like nothing more than a bobblehead? We also share our favorite collaborations (sorry, Lady Marmalade!), reveal our three favorite Xtina tracks (there's so much to choose from!), and, as always, unveil our choices for Pop and Flop of the Week. Sorry, not sorry, Robin Thicke. You know what you did... As always, to listen to all the music talked about in this week's ep—or the good stuff, at least—be sure to check out our companion playlist, available on Apple Music and Spotify. Let's get glam!
March 16, 2019
77 min
Brave
It's time to be brave. In this week's episode, Billy and Greg discuss Jennifer Lopez, proving that (unlike Mariah) we do, indeed, know her. But how well do we know her 2007 album Brave? That's a different story altogether. Elsewhere in the episode, we try to narrow down the three best concerts we've ever seen (the agony!), come up with the three best JLo songs ever (a surprisingly harder feat than one might think), and, as always, deliver our choices for Pop and Flop of the Week. Find out if we're suckers for the new Jonas Brothers track... As always, to listen to all the music talked about in this week's ep—or the good stuff, at least—be sure to check out our companion playlist, available on Apple Music and Spotify. Let's get loud!
March 7, 2019
61 min
American Life
Welcome back to Flop Stars! This week, Billy and Greg take on the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna, as they determine once and for all if her 2003 album American Life really deserved all the hate. Oh honey, trust us when we tell you that it was an x-static process. (Get it?) Elsewhere in the episode, we reveal which three pop stars make up their coven, try and name the three best Madonna songs ever (ahh!), and deliver their choices for Pop and Flop of the Week. Can anyone out there explain who, exactly, P!nk is making music for these days? Asking for a friend... To listen to all the music talked about in this week's ep—or the good stuff, at least—be sure to check out the companion playlist on Apple Music and Spotify. Get into the groove!
March 2, 2019
65 min

Flop Stars: A Pop Music Podcast

About this podcast

Categories

About this podcast

Categories

Flop Stars: A Pop Music Podcast

Episodes

A Flop of a Year: 2020 Recap

The Pops and Flops of 2019

Artists of the Decade

Christmas Music

The 2010s

Queer Artists

1999

Ageism in Pop Music

The Spice Girls

One-Hit Wonders

Song of Summer 2019

Britney Jean

4

Damita Jo

Witness

My December

Rated R

Bionic

Brave

American Life