From “Mirotic” to “Dreams Come True,” from “Hot Summer” to “Next Level,” SM Entertainment has built a reputation for reworking songs from outside Korea and turning them into K-pop staples. But where’s the line between a cover, a sample, a demo… and plagiarism?In this episode, Chris and Chantel break down the legal and creative differences between covers, master vs. publishing rights, sampling, interpolation, and demo recordings - and why those distinctions matter more than most fans realize.We dive into SM’s history of licensed remakes, Western songwriting collaborations, and the company’s unique ability to transform existing material into something distinctly “SM.” Are these just copied songs… or carefully negotiated reinventions?

References:

• Dolly Parton - "I Will Always Love You" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0bEZH6ZqG4
• Whitney Houston - "I Will Always Love You" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JWTaaS7LdU
• Big Mama Thornton - "Hound Dog" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoHDrzw-RPg
• Elvis Presley - "Hound Dog" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNYWl13IWhY
• BTS - "As I Told You" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inNYQUC6dFs
• BLACKPINK - "So Hot" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skIfzl96Gc0
• TWICE - "End of Time" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxQKaEGrQ38
• 4Minute - "Milkshake" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrGQBMkXa30
• MEOVV - “Abracadabra” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jlLUl8hKGY&pp=ygURbWVvdnYgYWJyYWNhZGFicmE%3D
• Dara - “Mr. Rover” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcWlLGDvmEE&pp=ygUOZGFyYSBtci4gcm92ZXI%3D
• KAI - “Rover” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlTIextYnyQ&pp=ygUOZGFyYSBtci4gcm92ZXI%3D
• Medium.com "The Art of Clearing a Sample" article https://medium.com/the-courtroom/the-art-of-clearing-a-sample-deciding-if-its-worth-it-and-how-to-actually-do-e26fa56ad090
• Busta Rhymes - "Pass The Courvoisier Part II" feat. P. Diddy & Pharrell Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4ZUaxyPoZ8
• NCT U - "90's Love" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5H8zBb3iao
• Ke$ha - "Run Devil Run" (Demo) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBjETYX1awQ
• Girls' Generation - "Run Devil Run" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_gfD3nvh-8
• 6ix9ine - "Nobody (Closer)" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2AN35GVh3U&ab_channel=FunnyYoutubeEdits
• Winner - "Island" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRj4toENrnA
• Sarah Connor - "Under My Skin" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33FwMpiWsaA
• TVXQ! - "MIROTIC" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtJS32n6LNQ
• A20 MAY - "UNDER MY SKIN" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GioJ0KPZADg&list=RDGioJ0KPZADg&start_radio=1&pp=ygUPYTIwIG1heSBtaXJvdGljoAcB
• Triple 8 - "Knockout" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czg3-Uw2dfM
• Super Junior - "Twins (Knock Out)" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrazFGFRnhM
• Nylon Beat - "Like A Fool" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHwRoRB6u_0
• S.E.S. - "Dreams Come True" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uiR4SrDGZk
• aespa - "Dreams Come True" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H69tJmsgd9I
• Monrose - "Hot Summer" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikgpaT5_XXY
• f(x) - "Hot Summer" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-rftpZ7kCY
• Phrased Differently - "Red Light" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tnDNr3gZcU
• f(x) - "Red Light" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv-8-EgPEY0
• Nathalie Makoma - "I Just Wanna Dance" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJGaOefn7nM
• Girls' Generation - "Tell Me Your Wish (Genie)" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SwiSpudKWI
• AWA - "Like I Do" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DIa-MolAUQ
• BoA - "Better" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOxl2OIOVII
• A$ton Wyld - "Next Level" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTKm0mnZgp8
• aespa - "Next Level" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TWR90KJl84
• Duffy - "Mercy" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7ZEVA5dy-Y
• Girls' Generation - "Dancing Queen" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXZxc8GSXnI

EXO is back with REVERXE, their eighth studio album - and their first group release since 2023’s EXIST. With nine new tracks, a bold concept, and a six-member lineup, fans have been waiting to see if this marks a true new era or just a brief return.

In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole go track by track through REVERXE, breaking down the vocals, production, lyrics, and overall direction. From high-energy lead single CROWN to experimental cuts like Moonlight Shadows and Flatline, we’re digging into what works, what surprised us, and what might leave some listeners divided.

Was REVERXE worth the wait? Does EXO still set the standard for K-pop albums? Let’s get into it.

• 0:00 - Intro
• 0:47 - "REVERXE" Album Info
• 2:24 - Album Cover
• 3:53 - "Crown"
• 25:51 - "Back It Up"
• 37:02 - "Crazy"
• 42:01 - "Suffocate"
• 48:48 - "Moonlight Shadows"
• 54:14 - "Back Pocket"
• 59:38 - "Touch & Go"
• 1:04:11 - "Flatline"
• 1:08:54 - "I'm Home"
• 1:17:24 - Cut or Keep
• 1:20:50 - Overall Thoughts & Final Rating

References:

• “Crown” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWfKkqo1Mk8&pp=ygUMZXhvIGNyb3duIG120gcJCXwKAYcqIYzv
• “Crown” Choreography at Music Bank https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEUR2TRM9XQ&pp=ygUWZXhvIGNyb3duIGNob3Jlb2dyYXBoeQ%3D%3D
• #MMA2025 Performance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1oeUV45EsA&pp=ygUJZXhvIG1lbG9u
• “I’m Home” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hTbNeHqGD8&pp=ygUNZXhvICdpJ20gaG9tZQ%3D%3D
• “I’m Home” Live at REVERXE Showcase https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4NHHKRWptg&pp=ygUNZXhvICdpJ20gaG9tZQ%3D%3D

UK girl group SAY NOW stopped by NYC and we had to catch up with them!

While they were in New York for a short visit to hit the studio, see the sights, and meet their amazing fans (the SAYLORS 💛), Chantel Nicole sat down with SAY NOW for an exclusive chat on CCTV: The Non-Stop Pop Show.

We talk all things: their origins as NEEDANAMEBRO, how they evolved into SAY NOW, their sound and visuals, and their journey as a girl group. The girls also open up about building their brand as artists, finding their blend with 3 unique vocals and aesthetics, and what’s next for them as they continue taking over the pop scene.

From London to NYC -- this is SAY NOW unfiltered 🎤✨

Members of Say Now:

Amelia Onuorah

• Instagram: @ameliaa.norah

Ysabelle "Yssy" Angeli (also known as Ysabelle Salvanera)

• Instagram: @ysabelleangeli

Madeleine "Maddie" Haynes

• Instagram: @madzhaynes

🎶 Topics covered:

• How SAY NOW was formed
• Their former name NEEDANAMEBRO
• Creating their signature sound + visuals
• Their time in North America visiting both Toronto and NYC
• Things to do in the UK

Media featured in this video:

• Say Now - Live from London | Full Performance https://youtu.be/_KRVsbWrdgI?si=FqrCyWx1qVddNvgx
• Say Now - Brick By Brick Official Music Video https://youtu.be/AH6K8VV73PQ?si=OeYfyWErwscZMDQQ
• Say Now - Trouble M/V https://youtu.be/KPMSyTH-fS0?si=tRSH9KJMDJkc9OH3'
• needanamebro / SAY NOW Netflix (Better now without you) https://youtu.be/IGXH-ZPgPro?si=Bgg__opr1v4JU6q7
• Say Now - Can't Keep a Beat [Dance Video] https://youtu.be/f1ogxTFufIc?si=HteKOvY_haMLz5OD
• Say Now - Super Market https://youtu.be/3e6B9fLj7oY?si=ZfOC1yCcgFSo__pZ
• Say Now NYC Vlog https://youtu.be/3pXVnedQrhk?si=1E8oVwDCHLsyRXBC

Special thanks to Say Now's management team, and ROGUE ARMS for allowing us to film!

Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS

Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops

To celebrate the 25th anniversary and long-awaited vinyl release of Atomic Kitten’s debut album "Right Now", we’re diving into the version that finally made them stars: the 2001 re-release featuring Jenny Frost.In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole give a track-by-track honest review, comparing the Kerry vs. Jenny versions, the original 2000 UK release, the Japanese edition, and how "Right Now" evolved from a commercial disappointment to a true British pop comeback story - thanks to the massive success of "Whole Again".Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS

Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops

• 0:00 - Intro
• 0:51 - "Right Now" Album Info
• 2:19 - Album Covers
• 6:30 - "Right Now"
• 19:36 - "Follow Me"
• 29:21 - "Whole Again"
• 45:03 - "Eternal Flame"
• 54:22 - "Tomorrow And Tonight"
• 59:29 - "Get Real"
• 1:04:52 - "Turn Me On"
• 1:09:54 - "Hippy"
• 1:15:48 - "You Are"
• 1:22:47 - "Cradle"
• 1:29:39 - "Bye Now"
• 1:35:38 - "Strangers"
• 1:41:43 - "See Ya"
• 1:48:56 - "I Want Your Love"
• 1:56:32 - Cut or Keep
• 1:58:37 - Overall Thoughts & Final Rating

References:

• “Right Now” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yynstc_bFRE&pp=ygUXYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiByaWdodCBub3c%3D
• “Right Now” Live on TOTP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zgz_pVkvcs&pp=ygUcYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiByaWdodCBub3cgbGl2ZQ%3D%3D
• “Right Now” Live on Childline https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_5L8i4cE6g&pp=ygUiYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiBqZW5ueSByaWdodCBub3cgMjAwMQ%3D%3D
• “Right Now 2004” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcdpvPrhFiw&pp=ygUXYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiByaWdodCBub3c%3D
• “Right Now” 2002 Tour Live in Belfast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcWGLeXzfB0&pp=ygUdYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiBqZW5ueSByaWdodCBub3c%3D
• “Follow Me” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVmngi0pr9A&pp=ygUXYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiBmb2xsb3cgbWU%3D
• “Follow Me” Live at CD:UK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxi8I7p0eCA&pp=ygUXYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiBmb2xsb3cgbWU%3D
• “Whole Again” MV with Kerry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9B5JxwtZ0I&t=14s&pp=ygUZYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiB3aG9sZSBhZ2Fpbg%3D%3D
• “Whole Again” MV with Jenny https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V0xQkk9kbc&pp=ygUZYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiB3aG9sZSBhZ2Fpbg%3D%3D
• “Whole Again” US MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RYy_k6-rlc&pp=ygUZYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiB3aG9sZSBhZ2Fpbg%3D%3D
• “Whole Again” Live at TOTP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOD2lyElUh0
• “Whole Again” Live at the Big Reunion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gQ_MfAID7Q&pp=ygUeYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiB3aG9sZSBhZ2FpbiBsaXZl0gcJCU8KAYcqIYzv
• “Eternal Flame” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aztY_fpjJeQ&pp=ygUbYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiBldGVybmFsIGZsYW1l
• “Eternal Flame” Live at TOTP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0ZX7Rfwuh4&pp=ygUbYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiBldGVybmFsIGZsYW1l
• “Get Real” Live at SM:TV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5yxTuXGJL4&pp=ygUWYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiBnZXQgcmVhbA%3D%3D
• “Turn Me On” Live at CD:UK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOVdHb7gQqY&pp=ygUYYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiB0dXJuIG1lIG9u
• “You Are” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u-N_EtVESQ&pp=ygUVYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiB5b3UgYXJl0gcJCU8KAYcqIYzv
• “You Are” Live at CD:UK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cealLv0qVUk
• “Cradle” Japanese MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iO9C3hDu5U&pp=ygUUYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiBjcmFkbGU%3D
• “Cradle” Original Mix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe0u-0xGL0s
• “Cradle 2005” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O471IU1ZbSI&pp=ygUUYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiBjcmFkbGU%3D
• “Strangers” Live at L2 Liverpool https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9Lbsza0-aY&pp=ygUXYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiBzdHJhbmdlcnM%3D
• “See Ya” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1VwkZvU8Vc&pp=ygUUYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiBzZWUgeWE%3D
• “See Ya” Live at TOTP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30ujHk7fvWg&pp=ygUUYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiBzZWUgeWE%3D
• “I Want Your Love” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwsQFAwW_KM&pp=ygUdYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiBpIHdhbnQgb3VyIGxvdmU%3D
• “I Want Your Love” Live at TOTP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4iF04BG9LI&pp=ygUdYXRvbWljIGtpdHRlbiBpIHdhbnQgb3VyIGxvdmU%3D

JADE is back with That’s Showbiz Baby! The Encore - the deluxe edition of her debut album featuring new tracks and a second helping of campy, theatrical pop. But do the new songs elevate the era, or just pad the tracklist?In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole review the new material added to "That’s Showbiz Baby!", discussing the production, lyrics, vocals, and whether the Encore tracks hold their own next to standouts like "Angel of My Dreams" and "FUFN".

Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS

Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops

• 0:00 - Intro
• 0:20 - "That’s Showbiz Baby! The Encore" Album Info
• 1:42 - Album Cover
• 3:10 - "Church"
• 12:52 - "This Is What We Dance For"
• 18:48 - "Dreamcatcher"
• 24:50 - "Best You Could"
• 31:01 - "Use Me"
• 37:59 - "Frozen"
• 44:30 - "If My Heart Was A House"
• 51:06 - "Tar"
• 56:19 - Cut or Keep
• 58:08 - Final Thoughts & Final Rating

References:

• “Church” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVM6S6863Rw&pp=ygULamFkZSBjaHVyY2g%3D
• “Church” Live at The Graham Norton Show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNQS--xxtFw&pp=ygULamFkZSBjaHVyY2g%3D
• “Church M.A.S.S. (Majestic. Angelic. Spiritual. Sacred)” Visualizer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSC1n9SzW4c&pp=ygULamFkZSBjaHVyY2g%3D
• “Frozen” Live at BBC Proms https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYcKZT3yzT4&pp=ygULamFkZSBmcm96ZW4%3D

KATSEYE’s “Internet Girl” is everywhere. In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole dig into the full release and ask: is this bold, self-aware pop genius... or a catchy concept that falls apart? Are we over the schtick?We break down the production, vocals, lyrics, and live mix, including that now-infamous baby voice moment and the performance rollout. Whether you’re here for the chaos or the commentary, we’re going all in.

Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS

Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops

• 0:00 - Intro
• 0:41 - The Song
• 16:37 - The Choreography and Performance
• 23:07 - What do we want next for KATSEYE

References:

• “Internet Girl” Visualizer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q9EjSUovc4&pp=ygUVa2F0c2V5ZSBpbnRlcm5ldCBnaXJs
• “Internet Girl” Live from the Beautiful Chaos Tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFE4FYlCftc

We went backstage with KARD at their DRIFT Tour stop in New York City and sat down for an exclusive interview to talk about music, creativity, group dynamics, and how their sound has evolved over time.In this special episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole also chatted with fans outside Webster Hall, capturing the energy and love that KARD continues to inspire - and wrapped it all up with our own candid debrief about the concert experience, from the setlist and stage presence to crowd vibes and merch booth chaos.

Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS

Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops

Sponsor: ALAND (www.alandusa.com)

• 0:00 - Intro
• 00:47 - Fan Interviews
• 1:43 - KARD Interview
• 10:36 - Debrief

Credits:

• A/V recorded by Stephen Greaves (Mixel Media) ‪@mixel_media‬
• Translations provided by Winnie Chung @chungwins
• PR by N2O4 Entertainment @n2o4ent

Olivia Dean has been everywhere in 2025 - critical praise, charting singles, award show buzz, and co-signs from the industry’s biggest names. But does her highly anticipated sophomore album "The Art of Loving" actually deliver?

In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole go track by track through the full project, discussing the vocals, lyrics, production, and pacing. From standout moments like "Nice to Each Other" and "Man I Need" to songs that left us wanting more, we break down whether the album matches the artistry everyone sees in her - or if the hype got ahead of the music.

Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS

Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops

• 0:00 - Intro
• 0:59 - "The Art of Loving" Album Info
• 2:09 - Album Cover
• 3:47 - "The Art of Loving (Intro)"
• 5:47 - "Nice To Each Other"
• 12:58 - "Lady Lady"
• 19:17 - "Close Up"
• 24:08 - "So Easy (To Fall In Love)"
• 31:31 - "Let Alone The One You Love"
• 37:14 - "Man I Need"
• 46:43 - "Something Inbetween"
• 50:27 - "Loud"
• 56:35 - "Baby Steps"
• 1:00:07 - "A Couple Minutes"
• 1:06:19 - "I've Seen It"
• 1:11:39 - Cut or Keep
• 1:14:05 - Overall Thoughts & Final Rating

References:

• “Nice To Each Other” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI0NDsh2b8k&pp=ygUebmljZSB0byBlYWNoIG90aGVyIG9saXZpYSBkZWFu
• “Lady Lady” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN_Vyg_wURY&pp=ygUVbGFkeSBsYWR5IG9saXZpYSBkZWFu
• “Close Up” Live at bed Ina’s Nacht https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoyu1ZgtCpY&pp=ygUUb2xpdmlhIGRlYW4gY2xvc2UgdXDSBwkJTQoBhyohjO8%3D
• “So Easy (To Fall In Love) MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sur4BmjQt8&pp=ygUTc28gZWFzeSBvbGl2aWEgZGVhbtIHCQlNCgGHKiGM7w%3D%3D
• “Man I Need” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIv_Y2RPQ_A&pp=ygUWbWFuIGkgbmVlZCBvbGl2aWEgZGVhbg%3D%3D
• Recording “Loud” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyHJFP4kRjI&pp=ygUQb2xpdmlhIGRlYW4gbG91ZA%3D%3D
• “A Couple Minutes” (A COLORS SHOW) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euYe6W7d-rI&pp=ygUcb2xpdmlhIGRlYW4gYSBjb3VwbGUgbWludXRlcw%3D%3D