2024 has been a whirlwind year in entertainment, with unforgettable moments that captured the internet’s attention. From personal milestones to public controversies, celebrities kept us talking all year long. Here’s a closer look at the biggest headlines that shaped the year.
1. Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s legendary rap feud
The feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake dominated the music scene in 2024. What started as subtle jabs in their lyrics exploded into a full-scale battle, making it one of the most intense rivalries in rap history. Kendrick’s song Not Like Us became an anthem for the year, with lyrics directly calling out Drake.
The back-and-forth tracks kept fans engaged, with millions streaming their music to catch every reference. This beef not only reignited interest in lyrical battles but also propelled Kendrick to new heights, securing him the coveted Super Bowl halftime performance slot.
2. Olympic Games in Paris go viral
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris were more than a sporting event, they became a global phenomenon. Athletes delivered record-breaking performances, while social media brought the games closer to fans than ever before. Simone Biles earned gold medals and created viral moments with her stunning routines.
Unexpected stars also emerged. Australian breakdancer Raygun captivated audiences with his moves, while Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, nicknamed ‘The Muffin Man,’ gained fame for his charm. U.S. rugby player and TikToker Ilona Maher inspired fans with her candid content. Rapper Flava Flav made headlines for sponsoring the U.S. Water Polo teams.
3. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s love story
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce proved their relationship was more than a fleeting romance. The couple’s public appearances and undeniable chemistry kept fans invested throughout the year. Whether attending football games together or celebrating Taylor’s musical achievements, their love story captured hearts.
Both Taylor and Travis are at the peak of their careers, making their relationship even more compelling. Fans couldn’t stop comparing them to Taylor’s past relationships, turning their every move into trending topics on social media.
4. Selena Gomez’s incredible year
Selena Gomez had a year filled with major personal and professional milestones. From spilling secrets with Taylor Swift at the Golden Globes to announcing her engagement to music producer Benny Blanco, Selena’s every move made headlines.
The star also became a billionaire, thanks to her thriving beauty brand and acting projects. While she has often shown discomfort with being in the spotlight, Selena seemed to embrace the attention this year, celebrating her successes and sharing her journey with fans.
5. Justin and Hailey Bieber welcome their first child
Justin and Hailey Bieber brought joy to fans when they welcomed their son, Jack Blues Bieber, in August. The internet erupted with excitement, with fans reminiscing about Justin’s early hits like Baby and celebrating this new chapter in his life.
The couple revealed peeks of their journey to parenthood, exciting fans with adorable updates on their growing family.
6. Justin Timberlake’s unexpected DUI
Justin Timberlake surprised fans for all the wrong reasons this year. After reuniting with NSYNC and enjoying a wave of nostalgia, Timberlake found himself in trouble with the law.
He was arrested for a DUI in The Hamptons, which became a viral topic after reports emerged that he allegedly complained the incident would ruin the tour.
7. Royal family faces health battles
The British Royal Family faced significant challenges in 2024 when both King Charles III and Princess Catherine revealed their cancer diagnoses. King Charles shared his battle in February, followed by Kate Middleton’s announcement weeks later.
Their openness provoked discussions about transparency within the monarchy and raised awareness of cancer. Fans admired their strength, while some questioned the relevancy of royal duties in today’s environment.
8. Sean Diddy Comb’s arrest
Music mogul Sean Diddy Combs made headlines for his arrest on multiple federal charges this year. The charges, coupled with lawsuits, brought attention to serious issues within the entertainment industry, including racism, sexism, and accountability.
Many viewed the situation as a moment for change in the hip-hop community, with conversations about protecting victims and ensuring justice dominating online discussions.
9. Beyoncé endorses Kamala Harris
Beyoncé rarely makes political statements, but her support for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign was a highlight of the year. The singer’s endorsement inspired millions, particularly women and people of color, reinforcing her status as a cultural icon.
10. Nickelodeon stars speak out
The release of the documentary Quiet on Set shed light on troubling experiences faced by child actors in the ’90s. Stars like Drake Bell and others shared stories of inappropriate behavior and exploitation during their time on Nickelodeon shows.
The revelations ignited discussions about the ethics of children working in the entertainment industry. Fans and industry professionals alike called for stricter protections for young actors and accountability for past wrongs.