12 Lists of Christmas: Top Ten Pop Culture Moments of 2021
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Here are Beep’s top ten most iconic pop culture moments of 2021.
10. Pete Davidson’s Dating History
Davidson’s dating record this past year has been interesting: Phoebe Dynevor, Kate Beckinsale, and Kim Kardashian. The Saturday Night Live star is clearly the heartthrob of Hollywood.
I am in full support. It certainly added a bit of spice to the celebrity world of 2021.
9. Piers Morgan quits Good Morning Britain
Piers Morgan quitting Good Morning Britain was a small victory for the UK.
In March, he stormed off set after being confronted by colleague Alex Beresford for his racist comments towards Meghan Markle, leading to his resignation from the role.
His presence will certainly not be missed.
8. The Suez Canal boat
Evergiven captured our hearts when she got stuck in the Suez Canal, wreaking havoc on trade supplies. The effect was slightly catastrophic as 12% of global trade goes through the canal. The blockage lead to oil prices rising on the international market.
Despite the economic fallout, the memes were iconic. Long live Evergiven’s dramatic grounding.
7. An Audience with Adele, and Emma Thompson’s Ultimate Mum Dancing
emma thompson represents mepic.twitter.com/BHpDHynYwm
— ana (@fruitiemma) November 23, 2021
Adele is back after SIX long years and accompanying the subsequent album release was an ITV special, An Audience with Adele.
A hard look into the audience showed Dame Emma Thompson rocking out to Rolling in the Deep, head-banging and encouraging the rest of the audience up on their feet. Truly iconic.
6. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, and all its delays…
Amongst those due to open way back in March 2020 was Lloyd-Webber’s Cinderella, with Carrie Hope Fletcher in the titular role. Lockdowns and a positive COVID result in the cast pushed the opening back by another two weeks.
Eventually, the show opened to critical acclaim and the Original Cast Recording is even nominated for a Grammy.
Recommended Reading: Will theatre survive the pandemic?
5. Taylor Swift’s re-recordings
Starting with Fearless (Taylor’s Version) then Red (Taylor’s Version), Swift’s re-recordings have been one of the biggest events of 2021.
All Too Well (Ten Minute Version), a vault track on Red, went to number one on the Billboard 100, beating the world record for the longest recorded song to hit number one, taking over the half-a-century winner American Pie.
Whilst the reason for her re-recording is bittersweet, the success is so inspiring.
4. The British Monarchy Panic
The Royal Family has been under much scrutiny this year with Oprah interviewing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex after they accused the Royals of racism and bullying.
Plus, Prince Andrew was confronted with legal papers for his sexual assault case and Prince Michael of Kent was caught colluding with Russia.
Who knows what 2022 could bring to the most important family in the world?
3. Little Mix having Little Mixers, and that Jesy Nelson moment
Two surprise pregnancy announcements hit Instagram from Little Mix members Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Perrie Edwards. With member Jesy Nelson’s departure, 2021 was a rough year for the band.
Marring the girls’ usual harmony was Nelson’s attack on her former bandmates. After accusations of blackfishing in response to her first solo single Boyz, Nelson took to an Instagram Live with collaborator Nicki Minaj – only to laugh whilst Minaj insulted Pinnock.
However, the pop band remain stronger than ever – and with a few extra Little Mixers.
2. Debenhams closes, the downfall of Topshop
After 243 years in business, the department store closed, whilst Topshop was bought out by ASOS.
It was truly the end of an era, and our high streets have never looked the same.
1. Olivia Rodrigo debuts
It was a chilly day in January. The streets were empty, shops shut, lockdown a bore.
Then Olivia Rodrigo burst onto the scene with her first single Drivers License and subsequently saved 2021. Her debut album SOUR arrived in May with some iconic music videos.
Now nominated for seven Grammy Awards, it’s hard to think of 2021 without Rodrigo in it.
Read our review here.