Celebrities always find a way to keep us buzzing, don’t they? This year delivered its share of unforgettable celebrity moments, featuring jaw-dropping career moves, bold red carpet looks, and headline-grabbing drama. The biggest stars gave us plenty of reasons to refresh our view on major breakups, unexpected career shifts, and internet sensations making their mark.
We’re breaking it all down if you’ve missed some of the action, so don’t worry. Beyoncé’s historic reign over the charts, J.Lo’s dramatic life changes, and Pedro Pascal continuing his internet dominance showcase a round-up of the year’s most intriguing celebrities and their drama-filled stories.
Demi Moore Proves Age Is Just a Number
At 62, Demi Moore starred in one of the year’s buzziest horror films, The Substance, and continued her reign as an aging gracefully icon. Moore mirrored her ageless allure in real life by playing a character who injects herself with a potion to stay youthful. This year, she boldly embraced her age, declaring it “the most exciting time of her life.”
Of course, this level of glam doesn’t come without whispers of curiosity. How does she manage to look so effortlessly youthful? She hasn’t spilled all her secrets. Moore’s confidence and self-awareness this year were enough to remind everyone that growing older can look fabulous.
Chappell Roan’s “Iconic Year”
At an opportune moment, 26-year-old Chappell Roan rose to stardom. Known for her hit single “Good Luck, Babe,” Roan captured fans’ hearts with her music and her whimsical, theatrical style. Her connection with the LGBTQ+ community made her fan base even more passionate and loyal.
Yet, fame brought turbulence. Roan admitted it wasn’t all sparkles and glitter, with anxiety sometimes dimming her shine. She even joked that booking security for thrift shopping felt like a surreal adjustment. Despite the challenges, her enchanting presence left fans waiting eagerly for whatever magical music she conjures next.
Pedro Pascal’s Internet Dad Status Remains Untouchable
Pedro Pascal continued his absolute domination of internet culture in 2024, thanks to his roles and relatable vibe. This year, he became Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) in The Fantastic Four, which had fans buzzing long before it hit theaters. He also flexed his acting muscles in Gladiator II, yet another massive set-piece spectacle where Pascal held his own as a leader of the Roman army.
But off-screen? Pascal’s chill energy and philosophical musings made him living proof that being down-to-earth is still charming in Hollywood. With quotes like “I think every day counts” garnering viral attention, Pedro just gets us.
Beyoncé Goes Country?
Just when you thought Queen Bey couldn’t get any bigger, think again. Beyoncé became the first Black woman to top the Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts with her genre-blending track, “Texas Hold ’Em.” Her new album, Cowboy Carter, racked up a record-breaking 11 Grammy nominations, silencing any doubters who believed she couldn’t conquer country music.
She didn’t just stop at breaking musical boundaries. Beyoncé further solidified her queenly position with historic live performances, dazzling visuals, and thought-provoking interviews, reminding us all why the Beyhive stands so strong.
Bowen Yang’s Year of Milestones
Bowen Yang might be best known for cracking audiences up on Saturday Night Live, but 2024 solidified him as more than just a comedian. This year, he was cast in the movie adaptation of Wicked, finally bringing together his lifelong love for Broadway and comedy. Between this and co-hosting his pop culture podcast, Yang had no shortage of career highlights.
However, fame came with funny responses, too. Even Tina Fey jokingly warned him, “I regret to inform you that you are too famous now, sir.” Yang’s witty takes on Hollywood and his relatable personality made him a beloved standout throughout the year.
Zendaya Redefines Herself
Zendaya has made a name for herself as one of the most versatile performers of her generation, and in 2024, she accelerated her upward trajectory with edgy career moves. Dune Part Two gave fans a blockbuster fix, but it was her risky role in Challengers that turned heads. Playing a tennis world superstar embroiled in a love triangle, she took on a sensual and complex character that pushed her acting boundaries.
Off-screen, Zendaya remained a fashion icon, cementing her red-carpet dominance while co-hosting the 2024 Met Gala. No matter what she does, Zendaya inspires confidence, proving again and again that she’s always evolving.
Jennifer Lopez’s Roller-Coaster Year
Who hasn’t been following J.Lo’s dramatic year? After announcing her divorce from Ben Affleck, Lopez showed no signs of slowing down. She headlined an inspirational sports movie, Unstoppable, and released a revealing documentary that gave fans a raw look into her personal life. Somewhere in the mix, she even managed to cancel a major tour, surprising fans everywhere.
Amid the highs and lows of her personal life, Lopez’s mantra for growth rang loud and clear. She’s all about moving forward without regrets, proving that life can still sizzle in your mid-50s.
Charli xcx Ushers in “Brat Summer”
Leave it to Charli xcx to drop a hit album and redefine summer vibes. Brat, her lime-green, rebellious masterpiece, became an instant Gen Z anthem. Encouraging fans to be bold, bratty, and authentically themselves, Charli set social media on fire with her “Brat summer” campaign.
Thankfully for us, she didn’t stop at pop trends. Charli used her platform in unexpected ways, endorsing Kamala Harris with the cheeky tweet, “Kamala IS brat.” Only Charli could mix politics, pop, and neon fashion so effortlessly.
Colman Domingo’s Triumphant Year
Colman Domingo is having a moment, and it’s well-deserved. This year, he earned an Oscar nomination for playing Bayard Rustin in Rustin and gained recognition for his bold approach to red-carpet fashion. Domingo has gained a reputation for taking risks while looking oh-so-stylish, and he's now paving the way for more inclusive representation in the industry.
Add to that his acclaimed film Sing Sing, a heartfelt story about prisoners in a theater program, and Domingo is solidifying his status as a powerhouse talent.
Princess Kate’s Brave Face
The Princess of Wales shocked the world in March when she revealed her cancer diagnosis. Kate chose to step away from public duties to focus on her health, showing a level of vulnerability rarely seen in the royal family. Fans admired her strength, openness, and determination to recover at her own pace. The year marked a turning point for Kate, showcasing her elegance and her resilience.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s Friendship Goals
The Wicked co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo shared laughs, tears, and even matching tattoos while promoting their highly anticipated musical movie. Watching these two divas bond on-screen and in press interviews was like a masterclass in friendship goals. Their chemistry became a focal point of Wicked’s buzz, reminding fans that sometimes the best drama unfolds behind the scenes.