As the final days of 2025 draw near, the year's relentless pace of pop culture news feels both dizzying and unforgettable. Reflecting on the past twelve months reveals a period marked by historic wins, shocking scandals, and moments of pure, unadulterated chaos that captivated global attention.
Historic Wins and Social Media Storms
The year kicked off with a landmark achievement as Beyoncé became the first Black female artist to win the Best Country Album Grammy. This victory was especially resonant given the country music committee's controversial rejection of her song 'Daddy Lessons' back in 2016.
In a digital drama that gripped the United States, TikTok was abruptly banned, with users greeted by a message citing a new law. The shutdown, however, was short-lived, lasting only around twelve hours before the app was restored following political intervention.
Celebrity Scandals and Viral Sensations
The personal lives of stars provided no shortage of headlines. Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce announced their engagement after two years of dating, sharing the news with a playful social media post. In contrast, Lily Allen released the raw divorce album 'West End Girl', chronicling the collapse of her marriage to David Harbour after discovering his three-year affair.
Fashion and controversy collided when actress Sydney Sweeney faced backlash for a denim advert accused of echoing eugenicist ideology, a situation compounded by her later outing as a registered Republican. Meanwhile, an unlikely accessory became a must-have: the Labubu gremlin doll, championed by celebrities from Dua Lipa to Rihanna, transformed from a toy into a coveted collectible.
Shocking Stunts and Unlikely Victories
In one of the year's most audacious stunts, Katy Perry became the first major pop star to travel to space aboard Blue Origin's NS-31 mission. Upon her return, she was reported to regret some of her overly enthusiastic post-flight reactions.
On television, Alan Carr emerged as the surprise winner of the first celebrity edition of BBC's 'The Traitors'. Despite initial nerves, the comedian mastered the game as a Traitor, winning nearly £90,000 for charity.
Music also provided seismic moments. Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show performance sparked speculation about whether he would play his explosive Drake diss track, 'Not Like Us'. Earlier, Sabrina Carpenter faced intense criticism for the 'submissive' imagery on her 'Man's Best Friend' album cover, prompting her to release an alternative version.
High-Profile Exits and Daring Heists
The fashion world was rocked when Dame Anna Wintour announced her departure as editor-in-chief of American Vogue, a role she held for over three decades. In a more literal theft, the art world was stunned by a brazen heist at the Louvre in Paris. Thieves used a lorry-mounted ladder to access a first-floor balcony, smashing a window and stealing jewellery once worn by relatives of Napoleon Bonaparte, including a brooch with 2,348 diamonds.
Finally, a seemingly innocent concert feature spiralled into real-world drama. Coldplay's 'kiss cam' at a US gig spotlighted two colleagues, Kristin and Andy, who were married to other people. The viral moment led to both individuals resigning from their positions at a tech firm.
From groundbreaking achievements to scandalous revelations, these thirteen moments defined a tumultuous year in entertainment, ensuring 2025's place in pop culture history. Which moment was your favourite?
