As we approach the end of 2024, it’s a good time to reflect on the standout pop culture moments that defined the year. From the Summer Olympics to viral sensations like “Glicked,” this year has been filled with memes, tragedies, feuds, and controversies that captured our attention and won’t be easily forgotten. Among the flood of breaking news, viral videos, chart-topping songs, and social media posts, there were several topics that truly stood out. So, let’s revisit some of the most significant pop culture events that shaped the year.
1. Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman’s Grammys Duet:
At the 66th Grammy Awards on February 4, 2024, Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman teamed up for a heartfelt rendition of Chapman’s iconic song “Fast Car.” Combs’ cover, which had gained popularity in 2023, was nominated for a Grammy, and the surprise appearance of Chapman marked her return to live TV after several years.
2. Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl Victory:
On February 11, 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs secured their second consecutive Super Bowl win and third overall since 2020 by defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The celebratory moment was not only significant for Chiefs fans but also made headlines when Taylor Swift, accompanied by her boyfriend Travis Kelce, shared a memorable kiss on the field.
3. Royal Health Announcements:
In a somber turn of events, King Charles III and Kate Middleton revealed their cancer diagnoses earlier in the year. Buckingham Palace confirmed the King’s cancer diagnosis in February, while Princess Catherine disclosed her own cancer battle and undergoing chemotherapy through a video message the following month, addressing concerns that had arisen due to her temporary withdrawal from public appearances.
4. “Oppenheimer” Triumphs at the Oscars:
The 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024, saw Christopher Nolan’s epic film “Oppenheimer” dominate the ceremony by winning seven Oscars, including the prestigious Best Picture award. Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. also received their first Oscars for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively, further adding to the film’s success.
5. Drake Bell’s Revelation of Childhood Abuse:
Former Nickelodeon star Drake Bell opened up about being the unnamed minor in a 2004 sexual assault case involving his former acting coach, Brian Peck. In a candid discussion with NBC News, Bell revealed the traumatic experience and credited his son for inspiring him to share his story.
6. Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” Album Release:
On March 29, Beyoncé unveiled her highly anticipated album “Cowboy Carter,” the second installment in her “Renaissance” trilogy, showcasing her continued artistic evolution and pushing creative boundaries in the music industry.
These pop culture moments have left a lasting impact on 2024 and will be remembered for their significance and influence on
Beyoncé made a splash with her country album “Cowboy Carter,” released on March 29, showcasing her versatility as a music icon. The album, which included a bold rendition of “Jolene” and featured collaborations with country legends like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, earned Beyoncé a remarkable 11 Grammy nominations in 2025. The project stemmed from a personal experience where Beyoncé felt unwelcome, sparking speculation related to her 2016 CMAs performance.
Zendaya dominated the box office with two hit movies in the first half of the year. She starred alongside Timothée Chalamet in the sci-fi sequel “Dune: Part Two,” which boasted the biggest domestic opening of the year, grossing $81.5 million. Following this success, Zendaya impressed audiences again with her role in the steamy tennis movie “Challengers,” garnering a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
The thriller series “Baby Reindeer,” created by and starring Richard Gadd, captivated audiences on Netflix in April. Based on Gadd’s real-life experiences with a stalker, the show won multiple Emmys, including outstanding lead actor for Gadd. However, it faced legal challenges when a woman allegedly represented in the series sued Netflix for over $170 million.
Taylor Swift surprised fans with a double album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” released on April 19. Swifties eagerly awaited her newest music following her announcement at the 2024 Grammys. The album, with 31 tracks, topped the charts and held the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s 200 list for 16 weeks. Swift also introduced a new section dedicated to “TTPD” on her “Eras Tour.”
In the WNBA, rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese made headlines for their impressive performances. Clark, drafted No. 1 by the Indiana Fever, had a record-breaking rookie season while Reese, a member of the Chicago Sky, showcased her talent after leading her college team to a championship the previous year.
During her rookie season, Sabrina Carpenter set records before it was cut short by a wrist injury. This year, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Shaboozey, all nominated for Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys, dominated the Billboard and streaming charts. Hits like Carpenter’s “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” Roan’s album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” were on repeat. Shaboozey even tied the record for most weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with 19 weeks.
In another musical showdown, Drake and Kendrick Lamar engaged in an epic rap battle following tensions that had been brewing for years. The feud escalated after Drake’s collaboration with J. Cole on “First Person Shooter,” leading to diss tracks like Lamar’s “Like That” and Drake’s responses on “Push Ups” and “Family Matters,” culminating in Lamar’s hit “Not Like Us.”
Charli XCX’s album “Brat” took over social media with Lime Green becoming the unofficial color of the summer. The singer described the aesthetic as embodying a carefree yet honest and blunt persona.
“Love Island USA” Season 6 gained popularity as it became the must-see show of the summer, drawing viewers into the drama, friendships, and relationships of finalists such as JaNa Craig, Kenny Rodriguez, and Serena Page.
Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust” was dismissed in July, with the judge citing no way to right the wrong.
Vice President Kamala Harris’s viral coconut tree meme originated from a speech in May 2023, adding a light-hearted moment during a political campaign.
During a speech in May 2023, Kamala Harris recalled a moment when she was quoting her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan. Harris shared, “My mother used to challenge us at times, saying, ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with you young people. Do you think you just fell out of a coconut tree?’” This reference to the “coconut tree” became a popular meme during her presidential campaign, sparking conversations on various social media platforms and even crossing over with the “Brat” summer trend.
The 2024 Paris Olympics saw Team USA excelling with 40 gold medals (tying with China) and a total of 126 medals, the highest among all countries. Notable U.S. athletes such as Simone Biles, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Katie Ledecky, Ilona Maher, Stephen Nedoroscik, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Noah Lyles secured memorable victories. The Olympics also gave rise to viral moments, including internet-famous sharpshooters and a muffin craze. The closing ceremony offered a sneak peek at what to expect when the Olympics arrive in Los Angeles in 2028.
The film industry faced controversy with rumors swirling around a feud between “It Ends With Us” stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, overshadowing the movie’s successful theatrical run. Despite the film’s significant box office earnings, rumors of discord between the lead actors and criticisms of the movie’s marketing dampened its success. While a sequel to the original book was penned, no recent updates on a follow-up movie have been announced.
Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck after two years of marriage in August. Earlier in the year, Lopez released a new album and a documentary chronicling her relationship with Affleck. The couple, with a history that dates back to 2002, faced challenges and reconciliations over the years before their recent split. Lopez reflected on the breakup as a difficult period in an Interview Magazine story published in October.
In September, Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution following multiple lawsuits. His criminal trial is scheduled for May 2025, and he has been denied bail. Tragic news surfaced in October with reports of Liam Payne’s death in Buenos Aires after falling from a third-floor balcony. The untimely passing of the 32-year-old singer led to tributes from his former One Direction bandmates and grieving fans.
Jake Paul emerged victorious in a historic bout against boxing legend Mike Tyson, marking a momentous occasion for the two fighters and their fans. The much-anticipated match finally took place on Nov. 15 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, after facing delays. Despite high expectations, viewers were left disappointed as Tyson struggled to make an impact against Paul during the eight-round fight. Ultimately, the judges ruled in favor of Paul, declaring him the winner in a unanimous decision. The post-fight gesture of sportsmanship between the two fighters, sharing a hug, showcased a mutual respect and gratitude for the memories created in the ring.
Following the boxing spectacle, a cinematic event dubbed “Glicked” captivated audiences with the simultaneous release of “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” on Nov. 22. The sequel to “Barbenheimer,” titled “Glicked,” complemented the box office success of the two highly anticipated films. “Wicked” mesmerized audiences with its enchanting storyline and powerhouse performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, while “Gladiator II” transported viewers back to ancient Rome with a stellar cast led by Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal, and Pedro Pascal. Notably, “Wicked” made history by achieving a record-breaking $114 million debut at the domestic box office, solidifying its status as a standout Broadway adaptation.
In the music world, global superstar Taylor Swift bid farewell to her groundbreaking “Eras Tour” with a final concert on Dec. 8, 2024. The tour, spanning nearly two years and encompassing 149 shows across five continents, set a new standard as the highest-grossing concert tour of all time. Swift’s concluding performance in Vancouver captivated fans with surprise mashups and heartfelt moments, underscoring her deep connection with her dedicated audience.
Tragedy struck the nation as former President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100 on Dec. 29, marking the end of an era for American politics. Carter, the longest-lived president in U.S. history, had recently celebrated his centenary milestone in October, becoming the first former commander-in-chief to reach the age of 100. His passing came after his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, had passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96. The funeral arrangements for the 39th president will span six days across various cities, commencing on Jan. 4 and culminating in his final resting place in Plains, Georgia, where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife.
Each of these events captured the attention of the public, leaving a lasting impact on sports, entertainment, and politics. As the world reflects on these significant moments, the legacies of Jake Paul, Taylor Swift, and Jimmy Carter endure, shaping the cultural landscape with their contributions and accomplishments.
