Queen Things

This week we’re diving into Ariana Grande’s step back from visibility — her statement, the scrutiny, and why the reaction has me feeling icky.

Also, Hank Green just admitted he's over-relying on AI and BTS pulled out of the Grammys over the new "Asian pop" category - lots of thoughts on both!  Let’s get into it.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

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IG:⁠@kjmiller

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-miller

References:

Ariana Grande Taking a Step Back from Visibility:

https://people.com/ariana-grande-taking-step-back-after-tour-amid-public-health-scrutiny-rep-exclusive-12032395

Ariana discussing the decision at her show in Chicago:

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/aug/04/ariana-grande-decision-to-step-back-from-visibility-chicago-petal

https://youtu.be/mkxz8zctZOs?si=71Yz6ls_qSnkh5vh

Hank Green’s AI Controversy:

https://www.vulture.com/article/hank-green-chatgpt-ai-controversy-explainer.html

BTS and the Grammys:

https://www.headlinerhub.com/bts-opts-out-of-grammys-following-new-asian-pop-category.html

Love by the Book, by Jessica George:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250282545/lovebythebook/

Yours Truly, by Abby Jimenez:

https://www.authorabbyjimenez.com/yourstrulybook

Kin, by Tayari Jones:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/635411/kin-oprahs-book-club-by-tayari-jones/

This week, I'm breaking down exactly why Taylor’s a far better singer than she gets credit for.

Plus, Anne Hathaway is an ally and she's not being quiet about it — her HRC speech has me feeling a way.

And that Cut article on Gen Z women financing their loser boyfriends' entire lives? We need to talk about it.

Plus a quick check-in on your World Cup halftime show comments and where things stand with Jen Hamilton.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-miller

References:

My take on the World Cup Halftime Show:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7665729153613843726

Anne Hathaway at the HRC:

https://www.tiktok.com/@nowthisimpact/video/7667292202774695181?_r=1&_t=ZT-98RFKHIYzVd

Taylor’s Vocals:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7666631252493061390

Jen Hamilton:

https://www.tiktok.com/@_jen_hamilton_?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Chelsea Fagan’s take on ageism:

https://www.tiktok.com/@faganchelsea/video/7667893903130938646?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7626447009641842206

The Cut Article “Call Her Mommy”:

https://www.thecut.com/article/young-women-earning-more-money-boyfriends.html

Yesteryear, by Caro Claire Burke:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/780686/yesteryear-a-gma-book-club-pick-by-caro-claire-burke/

Runner, by Ashton Lattimore:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/773544/runner-by-ashton-lattimore/

While Taylor Swift and Jay-Z were busy taking over New York — her wedding, his record-breaking Yankee Stadium residency — I was in Napa Valley celebrating my 40th. I'm back with takes on both.

Plus: the World Cup halftime show, the Undone by Kate scandal, and my honest take on the new Gracie Abrams album.

Let’s go!

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-miller

References:

Taylor’s Wedding:

https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a71852286/taylor-swift-dior-wedding-dress-reveal-plans/

Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium Residency:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/dougmelville/2026/07/19/jay-z-proved-he-is-still-the-king-of-new-york-and-the-numbers-back-it-up/

2026 World Cup Halftime Show:

https://youtu.be/B7hIiaXBpco?si=Vpz3faNk4Ej4VAgV

Bravo’s Summer House Cast for Season 11:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/summer-house-season-11-cast-revealed-1236646977/

Undone by Kate Scandal:

https://www.tiktok.com/@undonebykate/video/7663510118159404302?_r=1&_t=ZT-98FOx0pARnZ

https://www.tiktok.com/@malpluscats/video/7664785852693892383?_r=1&_t=ZT-98FOvbYvjp8

https://www.tiktok.com/@itsalexandermae/video/7662365071833648397?_r=1&_t=ZT-98FP2vlwKa5

https://www.tiktok.com/@lilachapmannn/video/7664056435889818910?_r=1&_t=ZT-98FP5coZPAs

Swiftologist on Gracie Abrams’ New Album:

https://www.tiktok.com/@theeswiftologist/video/7663503319519743239?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

My 5-star reads for July:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7665156183950511373?q=kj%20miller&t=1784744595281

I finally listened to Lizzo's new album start to finish — barely holding on by track 12. I'm breaking down what works, what doesn't, and why I think it’s facing a whole lot more than just marketing problems.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

References:

Rolling Stone article on Lizzo’s album sales:

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/lizzo-new-album-bitch-charts-industry-1235581224/

Bitch, Album by Lizzo:

https://open.spotify.com/album/2wPyRw9iR2TQQgc8c5NCUk?si=5uDGFLzzTMC-eF2Qkngbbw

Jerome, Song by Lizzo:

https://open.spotify.com/track/3kxsEF30mM0TZWfkOv4XsS?si=d492afaed2154c71

A lot on my mind this week. The Summer House aftermath tried to serve me a victim narrative about Amanda. Monica McNutt called Taylor out at the Knicks game and I have thoughts. Your Ariana Grande comments came in heavy and I'm addressing them directly. And yes, I'm a book girl now - let’s get into it.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

References:

Summer House on Bravo:

https://www.bravotv.com/summer-house

West Wilson Not Returning:

https://www.tmz.com/2026/06/15/summer-house-star-west-wilson-not-returning/

Jen Hamilton’s news:

https://people.com/influencer-jen-hamilton-confirms-split-from-husband-brian-after-15-years-together-11998982

Bread Beauty post from Olamide Olowe:

https://www.tiktok.com/@olamideolowe/video/7648051185764601119?_r=1&_t=ZT-97HvDooIJiA

Mented’s Cloud Cream Skin Tint:

https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/collections/cloud-cream-skin-tint

KJ’s 5-star reads:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7650974838349253901

KJ’s Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-miller

Ciara Miller closed out the Summer House reunion, landed a Harper's Bazaar cover, and is booked from here to Cannes. Ariana launched her tour and the internet spent more time on her body than her set list…and we need to talk about that.

Plus: Taylor's got us in our feelings, Olivia's got the Swifties on alert, and Lizzo dropped a new album that few people seem to care about.

Let's get into it.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

References:

I Knew It, I Knew You - By Taylor Swift:

https://open.spotify.com/track/5uPaqMMt59KGrdKIitDRqa?si=dc95b47242d849ac

Olivia Rodrigo’s Popcast Episode:

https://youtu.be/0I_tljaH9Bg?si=kRpasJmGGS8frMjg

Bitch - Album by Lizzo:

https://open.spotify.com/album/2wPyRw9iR2TQQgc8c5NCUk?si=mt-lZ4MtQs2_oNj1BiHTqA

Summer House on Bravo:

https://www.bravotv.com/summer-house

Ciara’s Cover Article with Harper’s Bazaar:

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a71420915/ciara-miller-summer-house-interview-2026/

Professor Miller's back to unpack Summer House Reunion Part 2. West and Amanda continuing to lower the bar, Dara with a read for the ages, and Meija's call blowing the whole thing open — let's get into it.

Plus — Taylor Swift + Toy Story 5, and yes, I think she's going for the Oscar.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

References:

Summer House Reunion - Part 2:

https://www.bravotv.com/summer-house/season-10/episode-18/reunion-part-2
Dara’s Take on West:

https://www.tiktok.com/@bravotv/video/7646908845482183949

Taylor’s Song for Toy Story 5:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZDXeuSkZjm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Professor Miller is in session. I took notes — actual notes — on the Summer House Reunion because Ciara came in ready and I was not about to let a single moment slide.

Plus — some Black News covering the Patrick Ta and Painted by Esther situation. 

Saddle up!

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

References:

Summer House Reunion - Part 1:

https://www.bravotv.com/summer-house/season-10/episode-17/reunion-part-1

Patrick Ta and Painted by Esther Controversy:

https://www.tiktok.com/@amandachristine_1/video/7643672293280976142?_r=1&_t=ZT-96iDdz4jzAr

https://www.tiktok.com/@isittherightword/video/7643788602513624350?_r=1&_t=ZT-96iDeFWt1fp

I finally saw Devil Wears Prada 2. The cast looked incredible. The movie? Different conversation.

This week I'm also getting into Caitlin Clark's latest moment, Billie Eilish's take that offended half the internet, and the New York Times list that left Beyoncé off — and why my take might surprise you.

Spoilers for The Devil Wears Prada 2 from 8:46 to 13:09.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

References:

The Devil Wears Prada 2:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33612209/

Drew Aufualo’s Take on ‘Acting Your Weight’:

https://www.tiktok.com/@drewafualo/video/7636915062476672286?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7626447009641842206

Caitlin Clark and Morgan Wallen:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/2026/05/09/caitlin-clark-morgan-wallen-walkout-indianapolis/90017780007/

Jennifer Fessler and West Wilson:

https://pagesix.com/2026/05/12/entertainment/inside-jennifer-fesslers-conversation-with-west-wilson-after-ciara-miller-accusation/

Summer House reunion photos:

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/summer-house-season-10-reunion-first-look-preview-cast-photo-exclusive

Billie Eilish’s hot take:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYDfSIUj9aY/

Why Wasn’t Beyoncé on the NY Times Songwriters list:

https://www.nytimes.com/video/podcasts/100000010883839/why-wasnt-beyonce-on-our-greatest-songwriters-list.html

The Met Gala was Monday and you know I have thoughts. Beyoncé ate. Lauren Sánchez did not.

We're also closing the book on Blake Lively, checking in on Bozoma Saint John, and I'm bringing Judge and Jury back for a big one.

Let's go.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspod

https://queenthings.substack.com/

Join the conversation:

TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmiller

IG:⁠@kjmiller

References:

Cosmo’s Met Gala Roundup:

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a71204010/best-worst-dressed-met-gala-2026/

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni reach a settlement:

https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/04/entertainment/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-settlement

Bozoma Saint John and Andy Cohen:

https://people.com/bozoma-saint-john-calls-out-andy-cohen-for-seemingly-shading-her-professional-resume-11964640

Begged, by Olivia Rodrigo on SNL:

https://youtu.be/qZ2CeJ_DvUA?si=F7QCYrmM6B6IRfl7