We've got you covered weekly for all the best moments in pop culture from Halsey to Luke Combs, rom-coms to horror and The Bachelor to Yellowstone. This is your rundown, providing you with the moments of the last 7 and a preview of the next 7.
MUSIC BEAT
Taylor Swift Showcases at Sundance, Releases Preview of New Documentary, 'Miss Americana'
(Excerpt from Billboard Article)
Taylor Swift isn't seeking anyone's approval - anymore. The multi-hyphenate musician brought her star power to the opening day of Sundance for the premiere of Netflix documentary Miss Americana, a snapshot of the singer's past decade and the milestones that led her to become a powerful voice in her industry and beyond.
Miss Americana is one of five documentaries that Netflix is premiering at Sundance this year, and the streamer was in the coveted position of having two of its docs debut — Crip Camp was shown earlier in the evening on Thursday (Jan. 23) — on the opening day of the festival, a prestigious spot on the slate. The streaming platform also has five narrative feature films debuting at the festival, leading the studios showcasing projects at Sundance this year.
Netflix will debut Miss Americana on its streaming platform on Jan. 31, along with a new song, 'Only The Young,' an upbeat, catchy anthem to instill hope in young voters, which Swift is seen writing and composing in the film, and which plays over the film's end credits.
Watch the trailer below.
Kelsea Ballerini Announces 3rd Album, kelsea
Kelsea Ballerini took took to social media on Wednesday (Jan. 22) to announce that her third album, titled kelsea, will be available on March 20. Ballerini also revealed the cover art for the LP, which features the singer lying on a bed of grass in a frilly pink dress with "Kelsea" inscripted in white on the bottom left corner.
The songstress also announced the release of a new track from the forthcoming album. Titled "LA," the song will be the third release from Kelsea, following a vulnerable lead single "Homecoming Queen?" and the lighthearted jam "Club."
Fans can pre-order Kelsea now.
Notable Single Releases This Week
"la" - Kelsea Ballerini (Black River Entertainment) (Jan. 24)
"It's A Beautiful Life" - Billy Raffoul (Interscope Records) (Jan. 24)
"B.I.T.C.H." - Megan Thee Stallion (1501 Certified Ent./300 Entertainment) (Jan. 24)
"Dance of the Clairvoyants" - Pearl Jam (Monkeywrench, Inc./Republic Records) (Jan. 24)
"H.O.E. (Heaven On Earth)" - Yo Gotti (Epic Records/Sony Music Entertainment) (Jan. 24)
"Chapter" - Christian Paul (12 Tone Music, LLC/SRP Records, LLC) (Jan. 24)
"Broke Bitch" - Tiny Meat Gang (Arista Records/Sony Music Entertainment) (Jan. 24)
"Girl" - Myke Towers (One World Music & Casablanca Records) (Jan. 24)
"Some Kind of Disaster" - All Time Low (Ramen, LLC/Warner Music Company) (Jan. 24)
"Mean It" - Cash Cash ft. Wrabel (Atlantic Recording Corp./Big Beat Records) (Jan. 24)
"In The Car" - Chase Rice (Dack Janiels Records/Broken Bow Records) (Jan. 24)
"Jealous Of My Friends" - LOVA (Universal Music AB) (Jan. 24)
"Hopeless" - Kassi Ashton (UMG Recordings) (Jan. 24)
"Can't Go To Church" - Mitchell Tenpenny (Riser House Entertainment/Sony Music Entertainment) (Jan. 24)
TV Today
Sex Education Season 2 Originally Filmed A Different Ending For Otis And Maeve
The cast of Sex Education shot an alternate ending for season 2. Netflix's teen comedy drama debuted in 2019 and became one of the streaming giant's most watched shows for that year. Now, it's back for its second year, reuniting fans with Otis (Asa Butterfield), Maeve's (Emma Mackey), Eric (Ncuti Gatwa), and the rest of Moordale High. The eight-episode sophomore season ended on another cliffhanger which could understandably frustrating for some. Apparently, the cast and crew also filmed a different version of the show's latest parting sequence.
In the winding moments of Sex Education season 2, Otis seeks out Maeve in the hopes of finally getting together. His boldness stems from sending the voice message beforehand, professing his love for her. However, in the classic case of bad timing, he arrives at the campsite minutes after Maeve left. Instead of waiting for her, Otis reached out Isaac (George Robinson) and asked him to tell Maeve that he came by and to check her voice messages. Despite Isaac assuring Otis that he'll do just that, he went behind both of their backs, listened to the said message and deleted it right after. The season ended with a shot of Otis and Maeve walking to opposite directions - both of them smiling.
Who knows if Sex Education season 3 will finally bring Otis and Maeve together? The show is executing the classic will-they/won't-they approach. Couple that with the betrayal of Isaac in the finale, and fans can expect a more complicated dynamic next season. It's clear that the pair is the show's endgame, but viewers might have to endure a few more snafus before things finally align in their favor.
Read more at Screen Rant. Watch Sex Education on Netflix.
Mr. Peanut Dies Age 104
Mr. Peanuts, the mascot for Planters Peanuts, died at 104 in a marketing stunt leading up to Planters' upcoming commercial during the 54th Super Bowl. All things must end, but why the monocled mascot went down in such an explosive way has the general public scratching their heads.
A statement from The Estate of Mr. Peanut came Jan. 22, 2020:
It is with heavy hearts that we confirm that Mr. Peanut has died at 104. In the ultimate selfless act, he sacrificed himself to save his friends when they needed him most. Please pay your respects with #RIPeanut.
That being said, the likeliest result of Mr. Peanut's death is the reveal of a successor. Rebranding can be a marketing survival tool. And, if this does turn out to be the case, Mr. Peanut will stand alongside a number of a notable icons who passed (or will pass) their metaphorical torches to their replacements. Steve Rogers handed off his Captain America shield to Sam Wilson in Avengers: Endgame, a new May Queen was chosen in Midsommar, and Daniel Craig will be handing off the reins to a new James Bond after No Time to Die. If nothing else, Mr. Peanut is in good company.
This Weekend In Martin
Bad Boys For Life (Now Playing)
Dolittle (Now Playing)
Just Mercy (Now Playing)
The Turning (Now Playing)
1917 (Now Playing)
Jumanji 2 (Now Playing)
New editions of Pop Moment released every Friday at 10:30 a.m. CT.