The Best Pop Songs of 2026 So Far (with NPR's Hazel Cills)

The Best Pop Songs of 2026 So Far (with NPR's Hazel Cills)

Author: DJ Louie XIV May 21, 2026 Duration: 1:01:03

NOTE: A previous version of this episode had an editing error that caused cross-talk in the interview. If this episode auto-downloaded, delete it from your library and refresh the feed for the updated version. Thank you!


From Robyn to Charlie Puth, Olivia Rodrigo, Haute & Freddy, Underscores, and more, Louie is joined by NPR's Hazel Cills to countdown their favorite Pop Songs of 2026 so far.


Check out a playlist of Louie and Hazel's favs


Buy tickets to Gorgeous Gorgeous Pride in LA on 6/19 and NY 6/26

Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and More


Shop Merch in Pop Pantheon's Store


Follow Pop Pantheon on Instagram


Follow DJ Louie XIV on Instagram


Follow Russ on Instagram


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Ever wonder where your favorite pop icon truly stands in the grand scheme of musical history? On Pop Pantheon, host DJ Louie XIV turns that casual debate into a structured, and often delightfully contentious, ceremony. Each episode dives deep into the career, cultural impact, and artistry of a major pop figure, pulling them apart with a mix of genuine admiration and critical scrutiny. Louie is often joined by fellow music obsessives and critics, leading to conversations that are as much about personal connection as they are about technical analysis. The dialogue is where this podcast truly shines-it’s smart without being pretentious, funny without resorting to cheap shots, and deeply informed by a real love for the genre. After all the overanalysis, the guest and host face the moment of truth: deciding where the artist belongs in the hierarchical tiers of the official Pantheon. It’s a blend of music criticism, biography, and playful debate that goes far beyond simple rankings. You’ll come for the verdict on superstars from Madonna to Billie Eilish, but you’ll stay for the nuanced discussions that make you reconsider what pop music means. Tune in for a listening experience that treats pop culture with the serious, yet joyful, examination it deserves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Pop Pantheon
Podcast Episodes
Did Pop Music Used to Be Better? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:13
Digging through this week's top ten from the last five decades— the 1980s, the 1990s, the 2000s, the 2010s, and today— Louie and Russ try to figure if pop music, at least the songs that reach the summit of the Billboard…
TEGAN AND SARA (with Annie Zaleski) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:59:38
Author and critic Annie Zaleski returns to Pop Pantheon to discuss the career and legacy of a pair of queer icons: the Canadian sister act Tegan and Sara. Annie and Russ dig into the origin of the Quin sisters in Calgary…
Second Spin: MADONNA: PART 3 (with Annie Zaleski) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:58:42
Louie and Russ are taking the last two weeks of July off! In the meantime, in light of the commotion over Confessions II, we're revisiting our Madonna series from 2023. Parts 1 and 2 published last week, and here is Part…
Second Spin: MADONNA: PART 2 (with Jason King) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:00:35
Louie and Russ are taking the last two weeks of July off! In the meantime, in light of the commotion over Confessions II, we're revisiting our Madonna series from 2023. Part 1 published yesterday, Part 2 today, and Part…
Second Spin: MADONNA: PART 1 (with Edward Russell) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53:08
Louie and Russ are taking the last two weeks of July off! In the meantime, in light of the commotion over Confessions II, we're revisiting our Madonna series from 2023. Part 1 will publish today, Part 2 tomorrow, and Par…