This week Daysia explores the evolution of her feelings towards Ed Sheeran and the divided public opinion around him. Meanwhile, Hannah writes about celebrity engagements and has some exciting breaking news for people who like prestige television-style comedy-drama megachurch content (aka Righteous Gemstones season 2 has a premiere date, LOL).

Plus, Lorde is giving us even more content ahead of her birthday. Happy early birthday, Ella!

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Daysia and Hannah

This Week's Fixations

Daysia: When I first heard “Bad Habits” by Ed Sheeran, I begrudgingly thought it was very catchy. I didn’t think it was good, per say, but it’s an earworm. I’ve been thinking a lot about why Ed Sheeran annoyed me—especially considering how much I loved + in my teen years—since he released “Bad Habits.” After seeing this TikTok this week, it appears it’s a widely-shared opinion that’s being pushed back on. Is it simply that I am heavily influenced by popular public opinion? But then I looked at his Spotify following, and he’s #2 in the world with over 76 million monthly listeners, suggesting most people don’t actually hate Ed Sheeran. So is it just the bubble of music criticism? Or my filter bubble? What made us turn against him? Were we ever collectively with him in the first place?

I think the general disdain toward Sheeran began in earnest between the releases of x and ÷. His debut + is good! And it benefits greatly from Tumblr nostalgia. With x, he began venturing out of the singer-songwriter lane, building a groundwork for himself as a pop radio staple. Thus began his oversaturation, culminating in ÷ particularly with “Shape of You.” His music was inescapable, perhaps making Sheeran tiring and groan-worthy. Then, when you pay attention to his lyrics, oftentimes it’s cringey (see: the slut-shamey elements of “Don’t”). Backed by an interesting acoustic guitar, he may have sounded thoughtful, but the dance and electronic evolution of his music has made him sound… empty? Corny? This is coming from someone who loves a good surface track—a pure pop hit that’s not deep, just vibes! And corniness is just a recipe for disaster; it brings down the seemingly best of men (see: the rise and fall of Chris Pratt) (see: the current trajectory of Charlie Puth). Maybe corny here just means realizing a "wholesome" "nice" guy persona often hides an annoying, awful guy. That TikTok earlier almost had me reassess my weariness toward Sheeran, and I’m sure it will make others do the same. However, giving it some thought, I stand by my feelings toward him (but thank you for those A-Team era mems, Ed!).

Hannah: So when I was thinking about what’s been circling around in my brain I was going to write about celebrity engagements but then I stumbled across some breaking news (at least for me and probably a very niche group of people). Before I get to the breaking news, I will give a sample of my original thoughts. 

They say things always come in threes and I can’t stop thinking about these three celebrity engagements: Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker, Kal Penn and Josh (just Josh), and Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer. 

The Kardashian-Barker announcement was hard not to miss—there were all of the roses, candles and Instagram posts. Surprisingly, I don’t think we ever talked about it in a letter. I have been having Some Thoughts about the Kardashians though so maybe it will come up soon. 

Also, please enjoy this tangent thought I sent Daysia about Kourtney and Travis being the new Vanessa (Hudgens) and Austin (Butler). (RIP to one of our fave Hollywood couples.) 

If you’re wondering about the Halloween costume drama, click here.

Moving on to Kal Penn, we all found out that he is engaged to his partner of 11 years, Josh (see TMT Plus for more deets). All headlines have referenced him as just “Josh” which I think is hilarious. This man is at Cher/Adele/Madonna status (not Beyoncé though because c’mon). Very happy for Kal and (just) Josh! And also exciting that Cardi B could be officiating their wedding. 

Speaking of celeb officiants, you probably saw the news that Guy Fieri is onboard to officiate Kristen Stewart’s wedding (if you haven’t, don’t worry we got you, check out TMT Plus). Congratulations to Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer on their engagement! I love how every quote of Kristen Stewart I can imagine exactly how her voice would sound: “We’re marrying, we’re totally gonna do it.”

Okay, now onto the breaking news! After many months of wondering, hoping and praying there is finally a premiere date (January 9!), and even a teaser trailer, for season 2 of Righteous Gemstones! This show is such a gem (pun fully intended) and hard to capture why it’s so great. Think Succession but set in a megachurch with some characters that do have some redeeming qualities occasionally. It’s ridiculous and kind of camp with actors who are extremely committed to their performances but make it seem effortless and funny (obviously, this is due to the writing as well). The good news is there is plenty of time to watch season 1 so you can be all caught up before season 2 starts! Please join me on the Righteous Gemstones train. 

Has Lorde Dropped a New Album?

The deluxe edition of Solar Power is out now, featuring the bonus tracks “Helen of Troy” and “Hold No Grudge.” Read our reviews of those two tracks in the Sept. 25 issue of the newsletter. For the record, we were kind of right about “Helen of Troy” being kind of a nothing track—Lorde said in her latest newsletter that it’s “just me talking trash to make Jack laugh.”

She also released the music video for “Fallen Fruit.” 

ICYMI: Jessie Ware and Kylie Minogue released a blissful disco track “Kiss of Life.“ Plus, Charli XCX, Caroline Polachek, and Christine and the Queens released the ‘80s dance tune “New Shapes.”

Too Many Tabs

Writer Bolu Babalola interviewed William Jackson Harper about Love Life and the journey to becoming a romantic lead for The Cut.

The New York Times’ Kyle Buchanan spoke to Kristen Stewart about becoming Princess Diana and how the choice is not as left-field as you’d think.

Keaton Bell compiled an oral history on the making of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette for Vogue.

Plus… the return of the cringe couple, Kal Penn is engaged to Josh!, Nicholas Braun is adjusting to fame, Ariana Grande’s manifestation and the Wicked news, “All Too Well” FILM with Dylan O’Brien, respect Anna Faris and Jack!!!, and a Guy Fieri-officiated wedding for KStew.