Podcast
Flop Stars: A Pop Music Podcast
Hosted by Billy Nilles & Greg Willis · EN
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!
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
A Flop of a Year: 2020 Recap
Dec 22, 202001:18:21Tap to summarizeBilly 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!
Transcribe →The Pops and Flops of 2019
Dec 30, 201900:52:09Tap to summarizeWhat. 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!
Transcribe →Artists of the Decade
Dec 11, 201901:03:05Tap to summarizeAn 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!
Transcribe →Christmas Music
Dec 4, 201900:52:46Tap to summarizeIt'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!
Transcribe →The 2010s
Nov 27, 201901:15:03Tap to summarizeIt'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!
Transcribe →Queer Artists
Nov 20, 201900:56:47Tap to summarizeWe'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!
Transcribe →1999
Nov 6, 201900:56:23Tap to summarizeWe 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!
Transcribe →Ageism in Pop Music
Oct 16, 201900:53:06Tap to summarizeIt'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!
Transcribe →The Spice Girls
Sep 25, 201901:10:51Tap to summarizeColours 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!
Transcribe →One-Hit Wonders
Sep 18, 201901:05:00Tap to summarizeWelcome 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.
Transcribe →