My Top 10 Pop Culture Moments of 2021

While 2021 may not have been the BEST year we’ve ever lived, there were certainly some moments in pop culture that kept us well entertained. Here are some of my personal favorites:

#10 - Bennifer is BACK!

As much as I am obsessed with this, I only place the reunion of Bennifer at number 10 because I still feel like it has to be too good to be true. Whether it’s a publicity relationship or not, I get brought back to a better, simpler time whenever I see Ben Affleck and JLO making out on a yacht. I think we all know she can do a 1000% better, but the heart wants what it wants. I do hope ARod is doing okay though.

#9 - The Weeknd’s Halftime Performance

I’m sorry, but Abel’s halftime performance did NOT get the love it so much deserved. This man had to put a full halftime show together during a pandemic and he more than pulled it off. The lighting and theatrics were top notch, and, not to mention, it didn’t seem like he was lip syncing even a little bit. He is a true entertainer and has certainly landed a spot on my concert bucket list now.

#8 - Lil Nas X’s Time to Shine

It’s hard to pick just one moment for Lil Nas X because this was HIS YEAR! He got everyone talking about his BET Awards performance and his album Montero. All the while breaking down barriers and stereotypes for hip hop artists with a damn wrecking ball. Lil Nas X has truly changed the game for the better and I cannot wait to see what’s more to come from him.

#7 - Kim K & Pete Holding Hands in Yeezy’s

The relationship between Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson makes my heart smile. I love to see Kim find herself a man who can make her LAUGH. I can’t imagine the last time she did that with Kanye. Honestly, I predicted their divorce would happen in 2020, so I was surprised it took so long. Regardless, it feels like she’s in a better place now. So much so, that she was spotted holding hands with Pete while wearing YEEZY’S. I know that’s got to hurt, and while I don’t actually wish that on Ye, he probably should paid more attention to his wife this year other than that joke of a presidential run.

CREDIT: NBCU PHOTO BANK/NBCUNIVERSAL VIA GETTY IMAGES VIA GETTY

#6 - The Friends Reunion on HBO Max

I’m not going to sit here and pretend like I didn’t cry while watching this. The Friends reunion was everything I needed it to be. Seeing that squad back together was so beautiful and really made it clear how much the show impacted its fans (yours truly included.) It breaks my heart that we also lost James Michael Tyler (AKA Gunther) this year, but I was really glad he got to be a part of this too, may he Rest In Peace. Now, I anxiously await the Harry Potter reunion coming to HBO Max on January 1st. I have no doubt that will make this list next year!

CREDIT: ERIC MCCANDLESS/ABC VIA GETTY IMAGES

#5 - JoJo Siwa on DWTS

Even though JoJo Siwa didn’t win the mirror ball trophy on Dancing With The Stars, (no hate to Iman Shumpert, he absolutely CRUSHED it) she is such a winner to me. She and Jenna Johnson competed as the first same sex couple on DWTS EVER! This show has been on since 2005, so that kind of blows my mind, but better that than never I suppose. JoJo and Jenna came in 2nd place, but their dancing wasn’t even the most important thing they did. They showed the world it’s not only okay, but BEAUTIFUL to be yourself and I will forever stan that message!

CREDIT: CLIFF LIPSON/CBS VIA GETTY IMAGES

#4 - Adele’s Comeback

Boy oh boy did we need this in 2021. Adele took some time to raise her child, went through a divorce, and then came back with a vengeance. When she hosted Saturday Night Live at the end of 2020, I just KNEW this was about the be THE YEAR. Her latest album 30 absolutely shines and I feel like it’s no mistake that she just happened to drop it the same year I turned 30. She shows no signs of slowing down either; in January she’ll kick off her Vegas residency. Most definitely another person on my concert bucket list!

CREDIT: ROSALIND O’CONNOR/NBC/NBCU PHOTO BANK VIA GETTY IMAGES

#3 - Kim K on SNL

Kim Kardashian is someone else who shows no signs of slowing down too! In 2021, she and Kanye split, she passed the “baby bar” exam, AND she killed it hosting SNL. To be honest, I wasn’t too sure what to expect from this, especially her monologue, but I was pleasantly surprised and should’ve had more faith in her. I thought she kept it funny, but in her OWN way, which I loved. She also was not afraid to poke fun at herself and her family, and even delivered some savage one liners about OJ Simpson. Also, that pink velvet look she had on deserves a moment of it’s own! Stunning, witty, and creative - overall a 10/10.

#2 - Taylor’s Version Albums

Taylor Swift has proved once again that she can do no wrong! Despite many people doubting her, she re-recorded some of her older albums and the world is living for it. All of “Taylor’s Versions” have done incredibly well, and may have drudged up some emotions that we weren’t ready to deal with yet. We got Fearless and Red this year, and, naturally, I can’t wait for what’s to come in 2022. Speak Now is my personal favorite T. Swift album and there’s nothing that can mentally prepare me for Taylor’s Version of it.

CREDIT: CREDIT: KEVIN WINTER/GETTY IMAGES

#1 - Britney Spears Being Freed

Of course the number one spot has to go to the freeing of my girl Britney Spears! After nearly 14 years, a judge ruled to end her conservatorship. You can already tell, based off her social media, that an incredible weight has been lifted off of her. In 2022, I’m really hoping we get new music from Britney AND a tell all interview with Oprah. Overall though, I love to see her living her best life and hope to see her continue to do so from here on out!