If 2023 proved anything to me, you, and the greater population of planet Earth, it’s that pop culture is indeed back in all its vain and fabulous glory. And as I sit meditating on all the incredible moments that happened during this past trip around the sun, it’s hard to not feel blessed and submit to the realization that no matter how hard we try, we simply love celebrities as much as they love us. With that said, here are the top pop culture moments of the year that will continue living rent-free in my mind until further notice.
Rihanna Slays the Super Bowl
Starting off the year in true Rihanna fashion, the superstar simply slayed her highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime show performance, complete with the in-no-way-subtle announcement that she was pregnant with her second child. Not only did we get to relive the nostalgic fever of every chart-topping hit the billionaire has gifted us with, we got to witness Rihanna return to live performance and deliver her very well deserved victory lap on one of the world’s most iconic stages. Now drop the new album, please and thank you.
Gwyneth Goes to Court
Gwyneth Paltrow has spent her entire life and career in the spotlight making sure one thing is known: She is kind, she is smart, and she will not allow the record to show otherwise. So when a foolish ordinary man decided it would be a good idea to take the Academy Award–winning actress-turned-Mother of Wellness into the courtroom after a seemingly pedestrian ski accident, Paltrow and her effortless Goop glow took the oath. She was ultimately found victorious, and reminded us all exactly why we can’t get enough of her in the process. Thank you for your service, Gwyneth.
Barbie Dominates the Box Office
After what felt like a decade of Barbie mania, actress Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig’s supremely expensive and well-marketed film, Barbie, finally hit the theaters this summer and expectedly broke every record imaginable. Robbie and co-star Ryan Gosling milked the global phenomenon for all it was worth (and how much was spent creating it) through countless red carpet premieres, cover stories and too many clicky YouTube videos to count. Bravo, Barbie. You did that.
Britney Writes a Book
Britney Spears AKA the Princess of Pop finally got the chance to tell her full story in her debut memoir, The Woman in Me, and it’s nothing short of brilliant. The iconic tome is filled to the brim with new details, raw emotions and genuine revelations from a figure who has spent her entire life under the scrutiny of the media, her fandom and the intimate relationships that ultimately benefited from her success. We see you, we hear you and we love you, Britney.
Taylor Swift Takes All
Continuing her reign as the most famous woman in the world, Taylor Swift brought her record-breaking (and very much sold out) The Eras Tour to the stage, made the NFL all about her, and was named TIME’s coveted “Person of the Year.” Ms. Swift spent the year continuing to prove that shestands in a category of excellence entirely her own.Her ability to connect with fans is an unrivaled achievement and, as a self-declared Swiftie myself, makes her the artist of my lifetime. Whether you like it or not, it’s Taylor Swift’s world and we are simply living in it.
Scandoval Steals the Show
If you weren’t a Vanderpump Rules fan before this year, I guarantee you are now. The Bravo hit brought out all the stops this past season and came to a historic climax with “Scandoval,” a love triangle filled with lies, betrayal and a live reunion for the ages. Reality TV queen Ariana Madix and piece of work Tom Sandoval’s longtime romantic relationship came to an abrupt end this season when it was revealed that Sandoval had been cheating on Maddix with mutual friend and cast member Raquel Leviss (now Rachel). I could detail more, but just watch the season. It’s truly a chef’s kiss.
Beyoncé Gives Us Everything
It is a known fact that Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is indeed the greatest living entertainer on the planet. After the 2022 release of her unexpected dance album, Renaissance, Knowles-Carter embarked on her largest solo world tour to date, which exquisitely showcased the icon’s entire body of work and created a space for her fans to let loose and be in the blessed presence of Queen Bey herself. The tour officially culminated into Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé, which I am officially declaring my new favorite holiday movie because it’s winter, it’s currently in theaters and it’s a celebration of living your best life. Mic drop.
