Queen Things

This week on Two Queens, Two Crowns, we get into Cardi B’s big album debut and the messy back-and-forth with Nicki Minaj that lit up social media. 

We also celebrate Selena Gomez tying the knot with Benny Blanco (and unpack the side-eye from Justin Bieber’s posts). 

Plus, we ponder the trending question: why do the pop charts feel so boring right now, even with big names dropping music?

And for Black News, Erica brings us joy with the return of Reading Rainbow—with a new Black host carrying the torch.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://patreon.com/2Queens2Crowns

Join the conversation:

TikTok -⁠@2queens2crowns⁠,⁠@iam_kjmiller⁠, @leta_bitchknow⁠

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IG:⁠@kjmiller, ⁠⁠@letabknow 

References:

Cardi’s #1 album:

https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/cardi-b-am-i-the-drama-numer-one-billboard-200-chart-1236077406/

Cardi vs. Nicki:

https://pagesix.com/2025/09/30/entertainment/cardi-b-nicki-minaj-trade-barbs-in-another-explosive-social-media-war-missed-me/

Selena’s Wedding:

https://pagesix.com/2025/09/28/celebrity-news/benny-blanco-shares-behind-the-scenes-photos-of-lavish-wedding-to-disney-princess-selena-gomez/

Selena’s mom responds to rumors:

https://www.eonline.com/news/1423103/selena-gomez-benny-blanco-married-mom-mandy-teefey-reacts

Selena’s Wedding Planners:

https://pagesix.com/2025/09/28/celebrity-news/selena-gomez-and-benny-blanco-hire-same-wedding-planners-as-justin-and-hailey-bieber/

Justin’s carousel:

https://pagesix.com/2025/09/28/celebrity-news/fans-troll-justin-bieber-over-cryptic-post-about-marriage-as-ex-selena-gomez-weds-benny-blanco/

Sam Murphy’s TikTok on pop music today:

https://www.tiktok.com/@popsamcam/video/7555567238368087327?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7517361012459193886

Reading Rainbow’s return:

https://www.today.com/popculture/tv/reading-rainbow-new-host-mychal-the-librarian-rcna234638

This week on Two Queens, Two Crowns, KJ breaks down the 2025 Emmy winners (and snubs), from The Pitt to Seth Rogen’s big moment, and why Beyoncé Bowl should’ve taken home a trophy.

Then it’s on to Lizzo’s latest reinvention—what counts as a “flop” in 2025, and how viral sounds stack up against chart success.

KJ also dives into Beyoncé and Taylor Swift’s complicated optics when it comes to proximity to MAGA supporters, Cardi B’s album rollout featuring Janet Jackson, and, in Black News, the backlash to Pilates creator Raven’s viral “luxury” take.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://patreon.com/2Queens2Crowns

Join the conversation:

TikTok -⁠@2queens2crowns⁠,⁠@iam_kjmiller⁠, @leta_bitchknow⁠

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IG:⁠@kjmiller, ⁠⁠@letabknow 

References:

2025 Emmy Winners:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/emmy-winners-2025-list/

Lizzo on Million Dollaz Worth of Game Podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tcwWgrS8Zg

Beyoncé at the Reform Alliance Gala:

https://www.blackenterprise.com/jay-z-beyonce-backlash-ivanka-trump-jared-kushner/

Cardi’s Collaborators on Am I The Drama:

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

Black News - Pilatesbodyraven:

https://www.instagram.com/its_onsite/reel/DOjInQkDa6t/

Maintenance Phase Episode on Pilates:

https://maintenancephase.buzzsprout.com/1411126/episodes/13157627-pilates

This week on Two Queens, Two Crowns, the VMAs made us feel like certified elder millennials. From Mariah Carey’s forever-diva energy to Tate McRae’s “diaper chic,” we break down the performances, the fashion, and why the award show itself feels like it’s on life support.

We also dig into Sabrina Carpenter’s set—her pro-trans messaging, her connection to Taylor Swift, and why we still think she’s holding back.

Then, we turn to Lizzo’s New York Magazine profile and unpack her rebirth moment, what it means to start over after controversy, and why going deeper with fans might be the only way to win in 2025.

Plus, Megan Thee Stallion finds the most iconic way to serve legal papers, and Black News brings us everything from purple-dress wedding drama to dog-food lunches.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://patreon.com/2Queens2Crowns

Join the conversation:

TikTok -⁠@2queens2crowns⁠,⁠@iam_kjmiller⁠, @leta_bitchknow⁠

YouTube -⁠2 Queens 2 Crowns⁠

IG:⁠@kjmiller, ⁠⁠@letabknow 

References:

2025 MTV VMAs:

https://www.mtv.com/event/vma

CNN’s roundup of VMA looks:

https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/08/style/mtv-vma-red-carpet-fashion

Lizzo Starts Over:

https://www.vulture.com/article/lizzo-comeback-lawsuit-canceled-zeitgeist-interview.html

Lizzo’s TikTok on Song of Summer:

https://www.tiktok.com/@lizzo/video/7546668101257956638

Megan Thee Stallion Serves Adin Ross:

https://www.bet.com/article/kiklke/megan-thee-stallion-serves-adin-ross-court-papers-with-a-mariachi-band

Purple Wedding Dress Gate on TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@dianalively1/video/7546403940317809933?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7517361012459193886

Husband Packs Dog Food for Wife on TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@ragebaitorrealtake/video/7544792195216215327?q=%40kaitjbrooks&t=1757528769800

KJ’s TikTok On Her Natural Hair:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7548150013906488589?lang=en

We’re back with plenty to unpack: Sabrina Carpenter’s new album Man’s Best Friend isn’t hitting the way fans hoped, and the queens give their honest first impressions.

Then it’s on to the world of tennis, where Taylor Townsend shows real class in the face of shade, Naomi Osaka faces Coco Gauff, and Serena and Maria Sharapova shock the world by calling each other “friends.”

Plus: rumors about Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble, the Gaylors spiraling after Taylor’s engagement, why we should stop talking about North West, and some juicy Black News straight from the Cutting Room Floor drama.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://patreon.com/2Queens2Crowns

Join the conversation:

TikTok -⁠@2queens2crowns⁠,⁠@iam_kjmiller⁠, @leta_bitchknow⁠

YouTube -⁠2 Queens 2 Crowns⁠

IG:⁠@kjmiller, ⁠⁠@letabknow 

References:

Sabrina’s Album, Man’s Best Friend:

https://open.spotify.com/album/1aqg30bNvLSWgShZgX4oop?si=QWwY7i0UTbauzcS6GN7kag

The Cutting Room Floor’s $55k Gate:

https://www.essence.com/fashion/cutting-room-floor-backlash-55k/

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce just broke the internet with their surprise engagement—and we have a lot to say about the ring, the photos, and why this is basically our royal wedding.

We also dive into Serena Williams’ new GLP-1 partnership and the backlash from Jameela Jamil, Halsey defending Sydney Sweeney’s “Americana” mess, and Justin Baldoni’s ongoing PR spiral.

Plus: a fresh installment of Black News covering @ashleiwithani coffee dates, DJ Akademiks, and the never-ending Jussie Smollett saga.

Come for the Swiftie joy, stay for the side-eye. 👑👑

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://patreon.com/2Queens2Crowns

Join the conversation:

TikTok -⁠@2queens2crowns⁠,⁠@iam_kjmiller⁠, @leta_bitchknow⁠

YouTube -⁠2 Queens 2 Crowns⁠

IG:⁠@kjmiller, ⁠⁠@letabknow 

References:

Taylor’s Engagement Announcement:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DN02niAXMM-/?img_index=1

Artifex:

https://artifexfine.com/

Jameela Jamil’s take on celeb drug endorsements:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DNvmMXS2stJ/

Do You Want The Truth Podcast with KJ:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gZ8Mf7lwZq0UHNviT9XPr?si=nv89y8ZEQiWnz6VpQu2IRA

Halsey’s Post on Americana:

https://pagesix.com/2025/08/23/celebrity-news/sydney-sweeneys-americana-co-star-halsey-slams-fans-who-boycotted-film-over-denim-bulls-t/

@ashleiwithani and Coffee Dates:

https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleiwithani/video/7540670278553062670

DJ Akademiks Testimony Clip:

https://www.tiktok.com/@therealcraiy22/video/7541788437066566925?q=dj%20akademiks&t=1756312422475

In this special bonus episode of Two Queens, Two Crowns, I’m diving into all the pop culture tea: Taylor Swift’s charming turn on New Heights (and what it revealed about her upcoming album), Cardi B’s new single “Imaginary Playerz” and whether her risks land, and why Beyoncé deserves every ounce of respect as one of the top producers of the 21st century.

I also get into the Swiftologist discourse, Tyla’s missteps with Black American fans, and Amanda Seales taking on 20 Black conservatives.

Plus—stick around until the end for a big update about the future of this podcast.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://patreon.com/2Queens2Crowns

Join the conversation:

TikTok -⁠@2queens2crowns⁠,⁠@iam_kjmiller⁠, @leta_bitchknow⁠

YouTube -⁠2 Queens 2 Crowns⁠

IG:⁠@kjmiller, ⁠⁠@letabknow 

References:

New Heights Podcast:

https://www.newheightshow.com/

The Swiftologist on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@theswiftologist

Billboard’s Top Producers of the 21st Century:

https://www.billboard.com/lists/producers-most-hot-100-number-1s-21st-century/8-benny-blanco/

Beyoncé being a producer:

https://www.tiktok.com/@popniche/video/7538908473937939725?q=producers%20talk%20about%20beyonce&t=1755707011411

Imaginary Playerz:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg2MY3F2iAk

Breakfast Club Interview with Tyla:

https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/tyla-black-vs-coloured-awkward-breakfast-club-interview-1234886451/

Amanda Seales’ Jubilee episode:

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

Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl is coming — and your queens are here to speculate wildly. 💃✨ 

From Vegas residency rumors to Max Martin predictions, potential features (hi, Sabrina Carpenter 👀), and even a little Blake Lively tea, we are breaking down everything we think we know before the big reveal.

Plus: why Travis Kelce’s GQ spread might be the camp masterpiece we didn’t know we needed, the pop girl takes we couldn’t help but share, and what it all says about the state of pop right now.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://patreon.com/2Queens2Crowns

Join the conversation:

TikTok -⁠@2queens2crowns⁠,⁠@iam_kjmiller⁠, @leta_bitchknow⁠

YouTube -⁠2 Queens 2 Crowns⁠

IG:⁠@kjmiller, ⁠⁠@letabknow 

References:

Taylor Nation Announcements:

https://x.com/taylornation13

New Heights Podcast:

https://www.newheightshow.com/

Taylor’s Spotify Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/65uAjFTt4N8sEJeonhNOBL

Travis Kelce’s GQ spread:

https://www.gq.com/story/travis-kelce-september-cover-2025-interview-super-bowl-taylor-swift

Addison Rae’s album, Addison:

https://open.spotify.com/album/2ffVa2UhHUDwMHnr685zJ4

Tyla’s EP, WWP:

https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/0QM9iRrmunPt34bg8dKy5Q?utm_source=oembed

Renée Rapp’s Album, Bite Me:

https://open.spotify.com/album/6ULnaZahd0zTGVUBVQO6mN

This week on Queen Things, we’re saluting Rep. Jasmine Crockett for speaking truth to power, and side-eyeing the chaos that is Texas politics right now. 

Then we’re revisiting Justin Timberlake’s rough live performances (and the chronic illness reveal that came after), unpacking why Sydney Sweeney’s brand of basic isn’t hitting, and breaking down Chappell Roan’s “no album for five years” announcement — is that pop stardom… or pop purgatory?

Also on the docket: Beyoncé vs. Michael Jackson. Is Queen Bey actually in a league of her own at 43? We get into it — and yes, we brought data. Plus a Cynthia Erivo appreciation moment (Jesus Christ Superstar, anyone?) and some serious confusion over the latest VMA nominations.

We laughed, we yelled, we might’ve cried — and we definitely crowned some queens.

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://patreon.com/2Queens2Crowns

Join the conversation:

TikTok -⁠@2queens2crowns⁠,⁠@iam_kjmiller⁠, @leta_bitchknow⁠

YouTube -⁠2 Queens 2 Crowns⁠

IG:⁠@kjmiller, ⁠⁠@letabknow 

References:

Jamaal Burkmar: Beyoncé is bigger than Michael:

https://www.tiktok.com/@jamaalburkmar/video/7534367379644615958

Cynthia Erivo in Jesus Christ Superstar at The Hollywood Bowl:

https://playbill.com/article/god-is-a-woman-a-recap-of-jesus-christ-superstar-at-the-hollywood-bowl

Chappell Roan’s The Subway:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woLfAvD5iXI

Chappell Roan’s plans for the next album:

https://people.com/why-chappell-roan-probably-wont-release-another-album-for-five-years-11784278

2025 VMA Nominations:

https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2025-mtv-vmas-full-nominations-list-analysis-lady-gaga-1236035884/

We Were Liars on Prime Video:

https://www.primevideo.com/detail/We-Were-Liars/0R8IXK40FRFIHB00YGLZCEJZ0B

This week, we are diving into everything from Beyoncé’s record-breaking Cowboy Carter tour (and the real Act III theories) to the cringe heard ’round the internet—aka Sydney Sweeney’s ad for American Eagle. 

Plus: is Katy Perry dating Justin Trudeau? Are we about to get TS12? And what’s going on with Justin Timberlake’s mic (or lack thereof)?

Oh, and Blue Ivy might be coming for all your fave Nepo babies—fair warning. Tap in!

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://patreon.com/2Queens2Crowns

Join the conversation:

TikTok -⁠@2queens2crowns⁠,⁠@iam_kjmiller⁠, @leta_bitchknow⁠

YouTube -⁠2 Queens 2 Crowns⁠

IG:⁠@kjmiller, ⁠⁠@letabknow 

References:

Jake Dayton’s Taylor Swift Theory:

https://www.tiktok.com/@jakedeyton1/video/7532193362825284878

Elle Article on Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau:

https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a65541339/katy-perry-justin-trudeau-montreal-dinner-dating-rumors-explained/

American Eagle Campaign with Sydney Sweeney:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DNyA-6X0cI&t=1s

Brooke Shields Calvin Klein Jeans Commercial:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXzR5b6HoIA

Building the Band on Netflix:

​​https://www.netflix.com/title/81701544

This week, we dive into the chaotic whirlwind that is Nicki Minaj’s recent string of online call-outs—from Roc Nation and Jay-Z to SZA, Megan Thee Stallion, and a few unlucky strays like Doechii and Cardi. 

We unpack the claims, the conspiracies, and whether there’s any there there. Is Nicki protecting her legacy, or unraveling it in real time? And what does it say about the industry—and about her—that every chart-topping moment from another female rapper seems to trigger a firestorm? 

We’re asking the questions and reviewing the receipts - let’s get into it!

Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:

https://patreon.com/2Queens2Crowns

Join the conversation:

TikTok -⁠@2queens2crowns⁠,⁠@iam_kjmiller⁠, @leta_bitchknow⁠

YouTube -⁠2 Queens 2 Crowns⁠

IG:⁠@kjmiller, ⁠⁠@letabknow 

References:

Overview of the beef:

https://raptv.com/article/nicki-minaj-goes-nuclear-on-jay-z-meg-thee-stallion-desirat/

https://raptv.com/article/nicki-minaj-and-sza-beef-explained/

Banned from NO (remix):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQtNjljym_4