SMART LIST: Pop culture talking points (week of Nov. 16-22)

Hot and bothered Usher fans can talk about: his L.A. performance at Club Nokia.

It’s being billed as a “ladies only” event (although ticket-holding gentlemen won’t be turned away). But why try to exclude the fellas? Because the married father of one is out to prove he’s still a sex symbol, telling the Associated Press, “The ladies like to see that masculine build. They question if I still got it.” Especially when there’s Chris Brown, 11 years his junior, hogging the charts.

(Wednesday)  (Scott Gries / Getty Images)

Been waiting to talk about: Beyonce‘s ‘I Am ... Sasha Fierce.’

Ordinarily, I can’t get behind celebrities with alter egos. But Times critic Ann Powers deemed the singer’s double-disc entry fascinating. I still say Beyonce should heed the tale of Chris Gaines.  (Bruno Bebert / EPA)