How do we sum up 2024? As always, it’s been a mixed bag of events, from the worldwide historic elections to the record-setting Olympic year, the only consistent thing is our ability to laugh in the face of it all (or at least be momentarily distracted by cute things, say Moo Deng). Here’s a rundown of the top pop culture events of 2024 that captured everyone’s attention. From viral trends to iconic moments, these events made 2024 unforgettable.
Top Pop Culture Events of 2024
Brat Summer Takes Over
Charli XCX set the tone for 2024 with her electrifying sixth studio album, Brat. Packed with bold beats and unapologetic vibes, the album didn’t just top charts—it sparked a lifestyle.
The "brat summer" trend, embodying carefree energy and rebellious confidence, dominated social media feeds, wardrobes, and attitudes worldwide. Its impact was so massive that "brat" earned the title of Collins Dictionary's Word of the Year, cementing its place in pop culture history.
Celebrity Look-Alike Contests Go Global
It started with a quirky Timothée Chalamet look-alike competition in Washington Square Park. The unexpected twist? Chalamet himself showed up, setting the internet on fire.
By year-end, look-alike contests had become a global obsession, celebrating stars like Harry Styles in London and Paul Mescal in Dublin. Even India joined the craze with an Abhay Deol look-alike event in Delhi, proving that fandom knows no boundaries.
The Tortured Poets Take Over the Music Scene
Taylor Swift once again proved why she reigns supreme in pop culture. At the 2024 Grammys, she dropped a bombshell—her upcoming album, The Tortured Poets Department. But Swift wasn’t done surprising fans. In the early hours of its release, she revealed it was actually a double album with 31 songs, saying, “This story isn’t mine anymore… it’s all yours.”
TTPD quickly became the soundtrack of the year, spending 16 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s 200 list. Fans were treated to a special TTPD segment during her sold-out Eras Tour, making the album a defining cultural moment that resonated deeply with millions.
Diddy’s Arrest and the Aftermath
Sean “Diddy” Combs found himself in a legal nightmare in 2024, as he was arrested in September on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution. Federal investigators arrested him at a Manhattan hotel, and despite attempts to gain bail, he remains in custody ahead of his May 2025 trial.
The arrest followed a series of civil lawsuits, including one from his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, who accused him of abuse. A disturbing surveillance video from 2016 also resurfaced, showing Diddy physically abusing Ventura.
Sequels Dominate the Box Office
2024 saw a surge in sequels dominating the big screen. Dune: Part Two earned over $714 million worldwide, scoring a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture–Drama. Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II returned to Ancient Rome, although it didn’t quite match the original's success.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Inside Out 2 pulled on our heartstrings, especially with the viral trailer featuring Ayo Edebiri as the voice of Envy. India also embraced the sequel trend, with big hits like Pushpa 2, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, and Stree 2.
Olympic Stars Steal the Show
This year’s Paris Olympics introduced a whole new group of athletes who captured everyone’s attention. From the cool and collected Kim Ye-Ji from Korea, who effortlessly handled her shooting events, to Stephen Nedoroscik, the "charming and nerdy" gymnast from the U.S., fans couldn’t get enough of their charisma.
Very Demure, Very Mindful
What started as a playful catchphrase by TikTok creator Jools Lebron quickly turned into the motto of the year. “Very demure, very mindful” spread like wildfire across the internet, appearing in memes, captions, and more. Initially, it felt relatable and funny, perfectly capturing the moment. However, by midyear, the phrase became more cringe-worthy and now, as we wrap up 2024, we’re more than happy to leave this overused trend behind.
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