You’d think a brush with death would slow someone down, but not Donald Trump. The country was on edge early this year when news broke of an assassination attempt (one of several reported) on the former President at a high-profile event. The failed attack dominated headlines for weeks, sparking intense debates about security, the political climate, and the polarization of our nation.
But the plot twist of the century came in November, when Trump emerged victorious in the 2024 presidential election. Love him or hate him, he's back in that Oval Office, and we're about to find out what a second Trump term will look like.
The Kansas City Chiefs cemented their place in football history with another Super Bowl win, but it wasn’t just their victory that had everyone talking. A post-game smooch between star tight end Travis Kelce and global pop icon Taylor Swift went viral, turning the sports world upside down.
Taylor immortalized the moment in her song, The Alchemy:
"Cheers chanted, cause they said / There was no chance, trying to be / The greatest in the league / Where's the trophy? / He just comes running over to me"
Just when we thought #Bennifer 2.0 might go the distance, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck hit us with heartbreak all over again. The rekindled couple called it quits this year, with sources citing irreconcilable differences. The split came after Lopez released her self-funded music video and documentary, which spotlighted their "untold" love story—and subsequently canceled her tour after ticket sales were low.
Social media mourned the romance with a wave of nostalgic montages, throwing us back to their early 2000s glory days.
The British monarchy is no stranger to public scrutiny, but this year the palace revealed some unexpected news. Kate Middleton’s heartfelt announcement of her cancer diagnosis this year sent waves of shock and sympathy throughout the world. Sharing the news openly, she emphasized strength and optimism, inspiring countless individuals facing similar battles.
Shortly after, King Charles disclosed his own health struggles, underscoring the emotional resilience required to fulfill royal duties under immense public scrutiny. These revelations humanized the monarchy in profound ways, prompting an outpouring of support while sparking deeper conversations about the pressures of royal life and the importance of transparency in leadership.
This year also marked the stunning downfall of Sean "Diddy" Combs, once one of the industry’s most untouchable moguls. Allegations spanning decades caught up with him as lawsuits, investigations, and damning exposés surfaced. Social media was ablaze with shock, with fans and critics alike dissecting his legacy.
What was once reverence for a hip-hop pioneer is now a heated debate on holding the powerful accountable. And now Jay-Z's name has been dragged into the whole mess. More to come in 2025!
Katy Perry attempted a pop comeback this year with "Woman's World," but the reception wasn’t what anyone expected. Her new album and accompanying tour left fans lukewarm, and she set the feminist movement back decades (kidding, kind of).
Some criticized her music’s lack of evolution, while others were grossed out by her clear attempt to keep up with the new crop of pop girlies. At least she still has Orlando Bloom, because her career's pretty dead at this point.
Goodbye, cottagecore. Hello, chaos. This summer ushered in what TikTok lovingly dubbed “Brat Summer,” a cultural movement of unapologetic indulgence, fun, and flipping the bird to societal expectations. Think messy hair, thrifted fashion, and carefree rebellion.
Celebrities and influencers embraced the trend big time, turning the now-iconic chartreuse shade into an iconic movement for the year. It was hot, bratty, and exactly what we needed. Thanks, Charli XCX!
No one saw this coming, but the universe blessed us with a lyrical showdown for the ages as Kendrick Lamar and Drake faced off in a heated rap battle. Fans chose sides faster than you could hit "repeat," dissecting verses and debating about who emerged victorious.
Critics hailed it as a masterclass in modern hip-hop, simultaneously cementing both artists' dominance in the game. Whether you’re Team King Kendrick or Team Champagne Papi, the battle was a win for music lovers everywhere.
JoJo Siwa’s major rebrand took 2024 by storm, leaving fans in collective awe. Long gone was the bow-wearing, glittery teen persona we knew; in its place was a fierce, outspoken, brazen performer. After years of speculation about how she would transition into adulthood, Siwa surprised us all with her rebrand and antics.
Her reinvention sparked conversations about celebrity reinvention and the pressures of growing up under the spotlight.
The assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2024 sparked a wave of polarized reactions across the nation. While some expressed shock and condemnation, a notable lack of public empathy underscored deep-seated resentment toward the American healthcare system. Many pointed to UnitedHealthcare’s role in perpetuating practices that prioritize profit over patients, such as denying coverage and inflating costs, which have fueled widespread frustration and mistrust.
Thompson’s death became a grim symbol of the growing tension between the public and healthcare executives, forcing uncomfortable conversations about systemic inequities and the human cost of corporate-driven care. For the healthcare industry, the incident served as a stark reminder of the urgent need to rebuild public trust and address the ethical failings that have long eroded its reputation.
