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2024, a year in review: Pop culture moments that captivated us

 

Looking back on 2024, it’s clear that the year was heavily marked by major pop culture moments that fascinated audiences and sparked conversations. 

It was a year that we radically changed the way we connect with culture whether it be on or offline. From music feuds to viral memes, these moments not only kept us entertained but also shaped trends and conversations around the globe. 

Let’s hold space for the most notable moments of 2024.

Iconic Film Releases

2024 featured some highly anticipated and viral releases which made an impact. 

“Challengers” directed by Luca Guadagnino. Starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist, it follows a love triangle between tennis stars and the tension drama of that triangle. This hit big amongst the media with people praising its upbeat techno soundtrack down to even making fan edits. 

After more than 20 years on the broadway stage to now movie, “Wicked” directed by Jon M. Chu, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande shares the journey of Elphaba and Glindas story before Dorothy stepped foot in Oz. 

The viral Defying Gravity riff to the press tour, Wicked had one of the most exciting and anticipated releases of 2024. During a press interview with Tracy Gilchrist, Erivo was told that a lot of people were holding space for the lyrics of Defying Gravity. In the video clip Grande is seen comforting Erivo by holding one of her fingers. Since then it became a sensation with audiences now “holding space” for Wicked. On November 22, 

2024 both “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” came out in theaters. Now named Glicked fans have deemed it the new 2024 Barbenheimer where it would be a back to back movie marathon of the two. 

Musical Moments 

Each year songs and albums are always a hit but in 2024 there was an even bigger hit moment for pop culture. Charli XCX released Brat in June and quickly took fans by storm with its neon-green aesthetic and early 2000 beats mixed with hyperpop. Debuted at #3 on the billboard charts it quickly became a phenomenon and summer 2024 was now known as Brat Summer. This moment inspired so many trends like TikTok dances, memes, and even Kamala Harris’s social media team adapted into her Presidential campaign. 

This moment also removed the judgement of imperfections and self-judgement that social media carried before. Charli XCX released a remix album titled Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat in October lengthening the era with features like Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Lorde, Troye Sivan, etc. 

Brat Summer may have ended with the changing seasons but it will always remain a successful powerhouse to pop culture. 

2024 was dubbed “The year of women in pop,” with Chappell Roan (The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess) and Sabrina Carpenters (Short n’ Sweet) achieving praise and the rise of emotionally driven pop music. 

The Ongoing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has been one of the most talked about rivalries in music for over a decade, with 2024 and early 2025 being its peak. 

In March 2024 it resurfaced after Lamar releases Like That which references Drake’s 2023 song First Person Shooter. 

After that and the course of March and April the feud escalated into a public performance with both artists releasing subliminal diss tracks. Lamar released Not Like Us in June and that quickly peaked as the song grew in popularity and same with Lamar as he earned five grammys and performed at the 59th Super Bowl. 

While Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance marked a higher streak in their feud. 

Drake then released $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, proving his toughness. Both artists have achieved massive success with their rivalry making it significant in modern hip-hop. 

Viral media Impacts 

2024 memes reflected the year’s mix of creativity, absurdity, and cultural critique, solidifying the role in digital media. There were a ton of unexpected internet moments. 

In October there was an event started by Youtuber Anothy Po to see who looked like Timothee Chalamet in New York City to win a 50 dollar cash prize. It quickly became a significant event with thousands showing up and even Timothee Chalamet himself. Afterwards, many others started doing the same which quickly became an obsession to find the next celebrity look-alike. 

In London there was a Harry Styles look-alike contest to Jeremey Allen White in Chicago. 

In Thailand, A baby hippo was  quickly crowned “Meme of the Year 2024” Moo Deng’s rise to fame was lifted by her daily tasks and an iconic side eye she’d give. 

Moo Deng mania was so sensational visitors all over the world would visit alongside Pesto the penguin in Australia. 

Alongside Pesto there’s another resident in Australia that had a moment at the 2024 Olympics and that is breakdancer Raygun. 

She went viral for her unique performance of breakdancing skills. 

Despite the low ranking, her performance was everywhere late-night shows and social media users parodied her performance, further amplifying her fame. 

These are some of the small yet popular memes that reached numbers and it’s not even all. 

In 2024, pop culture wasn’t just for entertainment, it was a livable experience. 

 Through viral moments to music, it became a shared language and connected people from all over the globe. 

As the new year is here one thing is pop culture will continue and always shape how we see 

Arts and Entertainment

Sabrina Carpenter leaves an impression

 

Album cover for Sabrina Carpenter's Short n' Sweet with a photo of her and the song listSabrina Carpenter has consistently proven herself to be powerful. With her latest release, “Short n’ Sweet,” the 25-year-old singer-songwriter delivers a irresistible collection of tracks that showcase her growth as an artist and her gift for crafting melodies such as her top hit “Espresso”.

At only 36 minutes, “Short n’ Sweet” lives up to its name, presenting twelve tracks that leave listeners wanting more. This album marks a new era from Carpenter’s previous work “emails i can’t send”, there’s a lighter sense this time around rather than more heavy songs she wrote in the past.

Following its success the lead single “Espresso,” a pop track with a very heavy summer vibe with a bit of disco and funk. Carpenter’s clear vocals give a positive beat and shimmering synths, as she sings about coffee puns and femininity. It became an instant hit for every summertime bash.

The midpoint of the album brings us “Lie To Girls,”. Carpenter’s sharp-witted lyrics cut through a deceptively upbeat production, telling listeners how relationships can be toxic and full of lies. It is in songs like these that Carpenter is no longer just a pop star, but a storyteller with something to say or to warn listeners if they are in the same boat.

“Short n’ Sweet” isn’t afraid to express itself with different sounds and genres. “Slim Pickins” leaning towards more country tunes, Carpenter expressing to listeners how there’s a lack of suitable men for her to date.

Meanwhile, “Juno” ventures into pop-rock grooviness, which proceeds to tell the listeners how infatuated and in-love she is with someone she wants to start a family with. Also paying homage to the hit 2007 movie Juno directed by Jason Reitman and Starring Elliot Page and Micheal Cera.

“Short n’ Sweet” closes with the title “Don’t Smile,” a sad ballad featuring piano keys. It’s a sad closing for this album,  it showcases Carpenter’s vocals at their most vulnerable. As she sings about heartbreak and regrets. but also maintaining a good beat so it’s not drastic from the other songs on the album.

Production-wise, working with a mix of established producers like Jack Antonoff,  she’s created a cohesive album that still manages to surprise listeners at every turn. The modern production enhances Carpenter’s vocals without overshadowing them.

Lyrically, the album explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. However, Carpenter’s clever wordplay and honest approach elevate these well-worn topics and bring it more to life. Carpenter also brings much more maturity to this album than previous albums suggesting an artist who’s grown both personally and professionally.

 “Short n’ Sweet” represents a significant leap forward for Sabrina Carpenter. It’s an album that manages to be both commercially possible and artistically satisfying, placing it in Billboard’s number 1 for over three weeks since its debut. 

Carpenter has created something truly special – a pop album that leaves you wanting more in all the right ways.

In the end, “Short n’ Sweet” lives up to its title. It’s a brief but thoroughly enjoyable journey through modern pop, guided by an artist at the top of her game. Sabrina Carpenter has delivered. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds.