Get ready for a wild ride as we dive into the cultural chaos of 2025! This year has been a whirlwind of unexpected trends and controversies that have left us all scratching our heads. From plush dolls to rap battles, and cheating scandals to space travel, it's been a year like no other. Let's explore the moments that defined 2025 and left an indelible mark on pop culture.
The Rise and Fall of TikTok: A Battle for Digital Dominance
The year began with a potential TikTok ban looming over the heads of U.S. users. The anticipation was palpable, but the ban never quite materialized. Neither President Biden nor President Trump seemed interested in enforcing the law, leaving users in a state of confusion and protest. Many rushed to alternative platforms, including the Chinese-owned RedNote, which saw a surge in popularity. But Trump had other plans, and in a surprising move, he struck a deal in September to transfer majority ownership of TikTok to American hands. A controversial decision, to say the least, but one that kept the app alive and kicking.
Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Extravaganza: A Battle of the Rappers
Fresh from his Grammy success with the Drake diss track "Not Like Us," Kendrick Lamar took center stage at the Super Bowl halftime show. With an average of 133.5 million views, it was the most-watched halftime show ever recorded. Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam, narrated the spectacle, which featured a star-studded cast including Serena Williams, SZA, and DJ Mustard. Lamar's performance of "Not Like Us" sent the crowd into a frenzy, escalating the ongoing feud between him and Drake. The lawsuit against Universal Music Group for promoting the song reached its climax in October when a federal judge dismissed Drake's defamation suit, bringing an end to a bitter battle that dominated much of 2024 and early 2025.
Labubu Mania: The Creepy Doll That Took the World by Storm
A toothy plush doll, described by some as creepy and slightly ugly, sparked the biggest collectible craze of the year. Labubus, sold in blind boxes by Pop Mart, were an instant sell-out, creating a lucrative market for resold and even fake Labubus, known as Lafufus. The demand was so high that a life-size Labubu sold for a staggering $170,000 in China, and Labubu heists became a real concern for police in California. The Labubu craze swept the globe, leaving many wondering what the appeal was in these seemingly bizarre dolls.
Celebs in Space: A Brief but Memorable Journey
Katy Perry and Gayle King, along with a few other public figures, embarked on a short but high-profile journey to space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket and capsule. The all-female crew also included Lauren Sánchez, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn, making it the first female-only spaceflight since 1963. The trip produced some viral moments, including a meme of Perry holding a daisy and singing "What a Wonderful World." It was a brief glimpse into the future of space tourism and a memorable moment for pop culture.
The Kpop Demon Hunters: A Global Sensation
Saja Boys and HUNTR/X, fictional groups from the animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," became global superstars overnight. The movie, produced by Sony Pictures Animation and released by Netflix, created a massive fan base around the world. Fans dressed up as the group members for Halloween, and the songs "Your Idol" and "Golden" dominated the music charts for months. The film's success led to Grammy and Golden Globe nominations and was recently named one of the films eligible for the animated feature film category at the 98th Academy Awards. A true testament to the power of animation and K-pop culture.
Sydney Sweeney: A Cultural Flash Point
An ad for American Eagle featuring actor Sydney Sweeney sparked one of the biggest controversies of the year. The ad, which touted Sweeney's "great jeans" in a denim-focused campaign, was accused of promoting eugenics by some, while others on the right praised it as a blow to "wokeness." Even Trump weighed in, calling it the "HOTTEST" ad out there. Sweeney became a target for online discourse, and in a recent interview, she addressed the controversy, stating her stance against hate and divisiveness.
Parasocial Relationships: When Fandom Turns Toxic
Parasocial relationships between fans and celebrities or fictional characters have long been a part of pop culture. But in 2025, online discourse took a toxic turn. Two of the biggest shows of the year, "Love Island USA" and "The Summer I Turned Pretty," issued anti-bullying PSAs to their fandoms in response to the harsh online behavior. Despite these efforts, internet sleuths continued to harass contestants and actors, turning their grievances into vitriol. A stark reminder of the dark side of fandom.
The Kiss Cam Cheating Scandal: A Viral Sensation
A married CEO embracing his chief people officer at a Coldplay concert became an overnight sensation. When the kiss cam landed on them, the pair quickly hid their faces, leading lead singer Chris Martin to speculate about an affair. The scandal went viral, with memes, think pieces, and even Halloween costumes dedicated to the moment. Both the CEO, Andy Byron, and the HR chief, Kristin Cabot, resigned from their positions at the data company Astronomer. A reminder that even in the age of social media, some things are better kept private.
Taylor Swift's Fiancée/Showgirl Era: A Fairy Tale Come True
Taylor Swift released her 12th studio album, "The Life of a Showgirl," in October. The album, produced with Swedish producers Max Martin and Shellback, featured playful and upbeat songs, as well as lyrics that hinted at her relationship with Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end. Kelce proposed to Swift with a garden proposal and a massive diamond ring, sending Swifties into a collective frenzy. A true fairy-tale ending to their love story.
Jimmy Kimmel's Suspension: A Free Speech Debate
ABC took "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" off the air after Kimmel's jokes following the death of right-wing media personality Charlie Kirk sparked conservative fury and criticism from Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr. The move ignited a free speech debate, with protesters gathering outside Disney's studios and celebrities threatening to sever ties. Within a week, Kimmel returned to the air with thunderous audience support. He criticized Trump while also attempting to smooth tensions around his comments about conservatives.
6-7: The New Lingo That Took Over Gen Alpha
Gen Alpha's lingo has once again taken over the internet and real-life conversations. This time, it's the phrase "6-7" accompanied by a double-hand gesture that has become ubiquitous. As Today.com explained, "6-7 doesn't mean anything, which means that it can mean everything." Teachers have started banning the slang in their classrooms, and even In-N-Out Burger reportedly removed the number "67" from its order system due to the viral trend. A strange phenomenon that has left many older generations scratching their heads.
2025 was a year of cultural absurdities and unexpected trends. From plush dolls to space travel, rap battles to viral scandals, it was a year that kept us on our toes. These moments defined pop culture and left an indelible mark on the year. What do you think was the most defining moment of 2025? Let us know in the comments and join the discussion!
