2024 in pop culture

Students reflect on the year’s most memorable moments

Story by Kunan Anjum, Zyon Trotter, Rece Beaird and Haley Waddell

December 31, 2024

Throughout the year, we’ve noted trends in social media, politics, music and film. From Taylor Swift’s new album to the arrival of viral challenges that sprout like flowers, 2024 will be remembered by many.

Since the dawn of 2024, we’ve been bombarded with new products and unforgettable events from across the globe. Throughout the year, we’ve noted trends in social media, politics, music, and film. From Taylor Swift’s new album to the arrival of viral challenges that sprout like flowers, 2024 will be remembered by many. As we send our goodbyes to 2024 and welcome 2025, let us reflect on the year’s most noteworthy events and trends.

Suspect Knows All TikTok Trends

TikTok, the viral social media platform, has dominated the entertainment industry since its debut in 2016, and 2024 was no exception. From viral dances and catchy lip-syncs to creative Christmas tree ideas and “Elf on the Shelf” hacks, TikTok trends in 2024 were nothing short of an emotional roller coaster. Quirky Moments like “The Feeling when Knee Surgery is Tomorrow” left users scratching their heads, while “#KidsinParentsFields” redefined holiday traditions. Whether it serves as a source for recipes, gift ideas or sheer entertainment, TikTok kept teens and adults scrolling. As we close the year, the platform’s future remains uncertain, with conversations about bans circulating as we step into 2025.

Music Wrapped

2024 has been an eventful year in the music industry. This year has featured huge pop collaborations such as Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ iconic “Die With A Smile,” as well as rap battles between Drake and Kendrick Lamar.

With comebacks from award-winning artists such as Katy Perry, Dua Lipa and Kanye West, we received several record-breaking albums from many of our favorite artists. For instance, Taylor Swift’s “Tortured Poets Department,” broke the Spotify streaming service before even being released, granting the record the title of the most pre-saved album of the year on the platform, according to Billboard. However, the record-breaking doesn’t cease there, as Swift has been named Spotify’s Top Global Artist for the second consecutive year, followed by The Weeknd and Bad Bunny.

Despite the mainstream artists’ chart dominance, 2024 was also a year for hidden gems in the industry such as Chappel Roan and Sabrina Carpenter who rose to the spotlight, gaining millions more fans, despite already having their own following. Nonetheless, with all of the music released this year, the 2025 Grammys and other highly anticipated award presentations will be exciting and unlike any other.

3…2…1…Action

From the new emotions revealed in Inside Out 2 to the unbelievable end of Outer Banks season 4, these releases have been a staple in pop culture this year.

The Netflix Original Series, Outer Banks, has been a fan favorite since its debut in April of 2020; however, many viewers have been left heartbroken from the latest season.

Another noteworthy film that has generated a lot of buzz is the 2024 prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” Wicked. The cast list, featuring acts from Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey, generated the majority of the excitement behind this musical’s release. Despite breaking records for the strongest opening weekend for a Broadway adaptation (at $163 million), many fans were disappointed to find out that it was part one of a sequel.

Regardless of the genre, 2024 unarguably had something for everyone, and left many viewers excited to see what the future holds for Hollywood.

Defining events, lasting impacts

A few months before the elections, Donald Trump had an assassination attempt on him during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13th, resulting in him receiving a gunshot wound to his ear after moving aside in the nick of time. On November 5th, the elections took place, with Trump winning 312 electoral votes, making him the 47th president of the United States, and Harris being defeated with 226. That night, everyone was on the edge of their seats with mixed feelings about the results.

2024 has been filled with many significant events that have shocked many people worldwide. We then had our first total eclipse on April 8, 2024, and we won’t have another until approximately 2044. Many people ran to their yards and local parks to witness this phenomenon with their own eyes and seized this opportunity to take photos, run weddings and throw parties to memorize and cherish this event.

The Summer Olympics in Paris had everyone on the edge of their seats. With Noah Lyles winning gold in the 100m dash in 9.874 seconds and being labeled as the fastest man in the world, and our other U.S. athletes winning a total of 126 medals (40 gold, 44 silver, 42 bronze), I’m positive that everyone was satisfied with the results.

Additionally. The unfortunate news of banning TikTok in the U.S. took effect on January 19, 2025, through the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” signed by President Joe Biden. This news has left Gen Z shocked and hurt by their main social media platform being stripped away. The Supreme Court is agreeing to hear TikTok’s challenge against their ban, leaving U.S. citizens concerned about the possible outcome.

About the Contributors

Kunan Anjum, editor-in-chief

Kunan Anjum is a returning member of THS Publications as the Editor-In-Chief and last hope of Tiger Times Online. When Anjum isn’t busy fighting through homework he’s most likely listening to music, playing pickleball, or reading random articles on Medium. Shockingly enough, Anjum is a junior representative of STUCO, vice president of HOSA, a member of T-High ASPIRE, technical writer for T-Bots, and a member of Quill & Scroll Honor Society and NHS; once again proving that he has no life outside of his academic endeavors. Anjum is thrilled to have the opportunity to build the school newspaper back to its former glory, brick by brick while being understaffed and overworked. If all goes well, Anjum plans to attend UT Austin with a major in biochemistry where he will continue to battle his life-threatening caffeine addiction.

Zyon Trotter, staff writer

Zyon Trotter is a sophomore who did not expect becoming a first-year writer for Tiger Times to be in her deck of cards. She is a member of the Leader In Me Lighthouse Team, usually working behind the scenes at events which perfectly fits her style. Trotter is also over the media for her father’s church all while balancing her job as a server at a local diner. She began her first story about the annual Incentive Day, a campus event her team participates in, which was published the same day it was written. With this, she was given the motivation to create more stories and greater memories both on campus and in her personal life.

Rece Beaird, staff writer

Sophomore Rece Beaird is a first-year staff member of THS Publications. Apart from publications, she is involved in many other organizations like Key Club and THS Girls Soccer. Beaird strives to get the best grades in all her classes. After high school, she plans on going into pre-law at LSU.

Haley Waddell, staff writer

Senior Haley Waddell is a third-year staff member of the Tiger Times Newspaper. She is also a part of the Rosebuds Junior Garden Club, National Honor Society, Texas High Leadership, Texas High Student Council, and AP Ambassadors. When Waddell isn’t occupied by extracurriculars, she is probably working at her part-time job. She hopes to pursue a career in the medical field after high school. Waddell always tries her hardest to get the best grades possible, but doesn’t know for sure which university she will attend. She enjoys going to the movies, hanging out with friends and taking trips to the beach. Waddell is excited for her senior year and has high hopes for the future.