Reflecting on 2024, it’s easy to see why this year will go down as a monumental chapter in pop culture history. From chart-topping diss tracks to unexpected animal sensations and unprecedented milestones in sports, this year brought us moments that made us laugh, cry, celebrate, and, of course, scroll endlessly. It wasn’t just about one big album or a sports victory – it was a collection of events that defined the zeitgeist of 2024. Pop culture enthusiasts had no shortage of topics to gush over, making this year one for the history books. Here’s a look at seven iconic events that made 2024 unforgettable.

1. Taylor Swift Brings Travis Kelce On Stage During Her Eras Tour

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was already a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, with fans across the globe flocking to stadiums to witness her anthology of hits performed live. But she added a dash of unexpected romance to her tour by making headlines with her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. This power pairing dominated entertainment and sports news cycles, but their most viral moment came when Kelce joined Swift on stage during a London performance.

Fans went wild as Kelce, sporting that undeniable football star charisma, danced playfully alongside Swift and her backup dancers. He carried Taylor across the stage in a move that became the talk of the internet. Their chemistry showcased how pop culture relationships can create crossover appeal among audiences. Whether you loved them for their PDA or the memes that followed, their stage moment captured the magic of 2024.

2. Kendrick Lamar’s "Not Like Us": The Diss Track That Dominated the Year

Kendrick Lamar proved once again why he remains one of hip-hop's most compelling artists. Early in the year, a feud erupted between Kendrick and fellow chart-topper Drake, and it culminated with Kendrick dropping “Not Like Us.” This track became a cultural event. Fans dissected every line, every beat, trying to absorb the sheer artistry and the shots directed at the Toronto rapper.

The song became an instant hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and breaking Spotify streaming records in its first week. Beyond its chart success, “Not Like Us” became a Gen Z anthem, heard blasting at summer parties and dominating TikTok trends. Kendrick’s powerful performance of the song during his Juneteenth concert solidified it as a defining moment of 2024, while Drake’s ensuing lawsuit over the track’s success only added to the drama.

3. Chappell Roan’s Meteoric Rise with The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess

Chappell Roan was the sleeper star of 2024, who went from indie darling to pop sensation almost overnight. Her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess was packed with infectious, emotionally raw tracks that set the internet ablaze. With songs like "HOT TO GO," her live performances became legendary, even featuring coordinated crowd dances that swept music festivals like Coachella.

Roan also harnessed the power of TikTok, where nearly the entire album’s tracklist went viral. Fans couldn’t get enough of her bold lyrics about love, heartbreak, and identity. By the time she made her debut performance on Saturday Night Live in November, she was an undeniable force in the music world. As Roan rose to fame, she rewrote the rules, setting the stage for a new kind of pop star who truly does it on her terms.

4. Moo Deng, the Internet’s Favorite Hippo

Sometimes the biggest stars in pop culture aren’t even human. Enter Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo born at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo. With her chubby cheeks, playful antics, and habit of biting whatever was nearby, Moo Deng became a global sensation. Her name, which translates to “bouncy pork,” was just the cherry on top of her widespread appeal.

Moo Deng inspired countless memes, fan art, and even merchandise. She even starred (sort of) in a skit on Saturday Night Live where Bowen Yang hilariously depicted her. The little hippo wasn't free of controversy, though. She somehow found herself in an online “beef” with Haggis, another baby hippo star from the Edinburgh Zoo, but Moo Deng reigned supreme. For a world often weighed down by heavy news, Moo Deng offered a fun, lighthearted distraction.

5. The WNBA’s Record-Breaking Season

Women’s sports made headlines in 2024, with the WNBA leading the charge. This season shattered records, with attendance jumping 48% and TV viewership reaching heights not seen in decades. The New York Liberty claimed the championship, but the season’s excitement extended far beyond the trophy. New rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese brought their devoted collegiate fan bases with them, driving new interest in the league.

On the court, players like A'ja Wilson delivered jaw-dropping moments, cementing the WNBA as must-watch entertainment. Off the court, the league’s commitment to social justice and expansion plans added layers to its cultural significance. With teams growing and fans fully engaged, the WNBA has become a movement rather than just a sports league.

6. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Redefines Country Music

Beyoncé dropped her long-awaited second act from her album trilogy, and the world stopped to listen. Cowboy Carter saw Queen Bey stepping into country music with the same grace and excellence she’s brought to every genre she’s touched. From her soulful take on Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” to her original barnstorming tracks, this album silenced anyone who dared to question whether Beyoncé could claim a piece of country music.

Beyoncé used country to blend her roots and innovation, introducing millions of new listeners to a genre they had previously overlooked. From neon cowboy hats to viral TikTok dance challenges, Cowboy Carter led to a complete cultural moment, solidifying Beyoncé’s role as an artist who transcends and transforms.

7. Celebrity Lookalike Contests Take Over the World

If you needed a laugh in 2024, you probably found it in the bizarre yet charming phenomenon of celebrity lookalike contests. It all started with a Timothée Chalamet event in New York, where Chalamet himself humorously crashed the scene. From there, these contests exploded across social media, featuring doppelgängers for everyone from Zendaya to Harry Styles to Glen Powell.

What made these contests more than just a quirky internet trend was their ability to bring people together. Participants and onlookers celebrated shared fandoms, pushing the boundaries of what celebrity culture can mean in a digital age. Some winners walked away with prizes, others with viral fame. Everyone left with a story.

Looking back on these seven moments, 2024 truly had it all. This year brought joy, drama, and innovation to pop culture. These are the moments we’ll reminisce about for years to come, the ones that made everyone feel, talk, and maybe even dance. Here’s to a year that redefined entertainment. What’s next in 2025? We can’t wait.