Let’s start off by thanking Beyonce for another extraordinary year of pop culture. From the beginning to the end of 2024, we have seen everything from baby hippos to Timothee Chalamet look-alikes. Social media, music, and entertainment has impacted pop culture trends throughout the years. If I must say, this year has been pretty unpredictable so let’s take a deep dive and recap the pop culture events of 2024.
I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we have spent most of our time this year endlessly scrolling through Tiktok. This means that we have come across so many new, weird, and possibly annoying memes and trends. I am specifically talking about that feeling when knee surgery is tomorrow. This grinch or should I say “Blinch” themed meme has taken over every social media platform, for what reason though? Brain-rotted teens are saying that the actual meme isn’t funny and it’s more of being in on the meme. Now something that deserves all the social media attention is this lovable pygmy hippo. This pygmy hippo that has captivated all of our hearts and goes by the name of Moo Deng. She comes from Thailand and first went viral when a picture of her was posted on social media in September. Since then videos of Moo Deng have soared with views on Tiktok and Instagram and has even had songs made about her. In competition with views, are the ‘Celebrity look alike contests”. These are taking place all over the world, all the way from New York to Ireland. First in New York, we had young men gather around to find out who most looks like famous actor, Timothee Chalamet. Shortly after, we had Irish men in short shorts competing to see who most looks like the Ireland native actor, Paul Mescal. After this year of social media trends, I have no idea what to expect for 2025.
Let’s be real for a second. The best part of pop culture is the music and movies it brings us. As 2024 comes to an end, Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour is also sadly coming to a close too. This tour has conquered the world and broke so many records. She sells an estimated amount of 14 million dollars in tickets each night of this tour. That is more than any performer has ever sold! She has exceeded Elton John’s $939 million farewell tour. Taylor Swift has now had the most number 1 albums than any female artist. Another female artist that is rising and following in Taylor Swift’s footsteps is Olivia Rodrigio.This former Disney Channel star has been overcoming the music industry. She first went on her Sour Tour in 2022, making around $13M. Just recently, Olivia went on the Guts world tour, this tour earned around $184.6M. I have a gut feeling that Olivia Rodrigo might be the new Taylor Swift. The Guts album isn’t the only thing stuck in my head. The Wicked soundtrack has been popular all over social media and has been stuck in everyone’s head. This movie is skyrocketing in the box offices, or should I say defying gravity? Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are some wickedly talented women so no wonder why this movie is an absolute blockbuster hit.
Pop culture this year has brought us laughter, tears, and confusion to so many people around the world. 2024 has been one unpredictable year, I don’t think anyone could have guessed that Jake Paul and Mike Tyson would have fought in the same ring together. Who knows what’s in store for next year?
