Olivia Dean is our Best New Artist, and I can scarcely believe how right the Grammys got it.

In this episode of Queen Things, I’m still sitting with the joy of watching Olivia Dean win—her voice, her ease, her stage presence, and that unmistakable feeling that we’re witnessing the start of something truly special. 

From there, we’ve got a full pop-culture rundown. I’m talking Grammys performances that delighted me, confused me, and confirmed some long-held suspicions about who gets praised for doing the least.

I also reflect on influencer burnout, the identity wobble that comes with your twenties, when cultural commentary starts to feel less funny and more mean-spirited, and why I’m increasingly intentional about where I draw that line.

And because things feel heavy right now, I share a few small but meaningful moments that have given me hope lately.

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References:

Olivia Dean Performing in 2020:

https://www.tiktok.com/@barney3000/video/7602310010172984598?_r=1&_t=ZT-93cXKDAsPr3

Mikayla’s Post:

https://www.tiktok.com/@mikaylanogueira/video/7600829055474142477?_r=1&_t=ZT-93cXK3wbe7a

Real Housewives of Potomac:

https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-potomac

Aubrielle Smith’s TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@aubriellesmithh/video/7602106196337626382?_r=1&_t=ZT-93cXI4s4plW

Protest at Ohio State:

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/22/three-people-arrested-while-protesting-customs-and-border-patrol-recruiters-at-ohio-state-university/

The Kelly Clarkson Show’s Final Season:

https://people.com/the-kelly-clarkson-show-ending-after-seven-seasons-11898089

KJ’s Top Three Kellyoke Performances:

Happier Than Ever:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8b4cRb6Hl4

All By Myself:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao5DdGmOfzk&list=RDAo5DdGmOfzk&start_radio=1

7 Rings:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptTiZpCnREY