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When we think of 2020, most of us recall lockdowns, sourdough starters, and an endless loop of video calls. But beyond the chaos, something magical was happening, pop culture was thriving. Artists were dropping surprise albums, streaming platforms gave us global obsessions, and music videos were turning bedrooms into dance floors.
In a year where the world stood still, pop culture sprinted. From unexpected collaborations to history-making releases, 2020 gave us viral moments, award sweeps, and a whole lot of unforgettable tunes. It wasn’t just survival mode it was a cultural reset.
Here’s why 2020 deserves a crown of its own in the pop culture hall of fame.
Why 2020 was more than just quarantine and banana bread
The entertainment industry proved that creativity doesn’t need a red carpet or a stadium. With tours cancelled and premieres postponed, artists pivoted — and did it brilliantly. Instagram lives became concerts, TikTok birthed dance challenges that went global, and streaming ruled everything.
2020 also marked a shift in how we consumed content. We were more online than ever, more tuned in, and more hungry for connection. Pop culture didn’t just entertain us it helped us cope. The year might’ve been tough, but it sure sounded and streamed good.
Let’s rewind to the biggest moments that made 2020 the year for music, shows, and unforgettable cultural impact.
Thanks to @kodstrangeer for compiling the thread on X. All credit goes to this social media user.
The Weeknd's ‘After Hours’ Changed the Game
No lights? No problem. The Weeknd’s After Hours lit up the music scene with its moody synths and retro-futuristic vibes. Blinding Lights became a lockdown anthem part breakup ballad, part dance challenge, and 100% iconic. The red suit, the bandages, the Superbowl tease it was an era.
Billie Eilish Swept the GRAMMYs Like a Boss
At just 18, Billie Eilish walked into the 2020 GRAMMYs and walked out with five major awards, including Album of the Year. Clad in her signature neon aesthetic, she redefined what stardom looks like: authentic, raw, and unbothered by tradition.
Dua Lipa Gave Us a Disco Revival With ‘Future Nostalgia’
In the darkest of timelines, Dua Lipa handed us glitter, groove, and glam. Future Nostalgia wasn’t just an album it was a serotonin shot. Songs like Don’t Start Now and Levitating had us dancing in our kitchens pretending the world wasn’t falling apart.
‘WAP’ Stormed the Internet (and the Charts)
Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion didn’t just drop a song they unleashed a cultural event. WAP was bold, hilarious, and instantly viral. Whether it was the choreography, the lyrics, or the debates it sparked, the collab defined the year’s energy: unfiltered and unapologetic.
Taylor Swift Dropped Folklore and Evermore Like Gifts
Taylor Swift didn’t just release one surprise album she gave us two, months apart. Folklore and Evermore were moody, introspective, and stripped-down, revealing a softer, storytelling side of Swift. Quarantine made her mellow and magical.
Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber Teamed Up for ‘Stuck With U’
Two pop powerhouses, one lockdown love song. Stuck With U was a sweet, slow jam that doubled as a tribute to togetherness and raised funds for COVID-19 relief. Fans sent in clips of dances and hugs, and suddenly, a song felt like a global group hug.
Nicki Minaj Became a Mom
While the world was busy refreshing news apps, Nicki Minaj was stepping into a whole new role: motherhood. Her fans celebrated as she welcomed her first child, proving that even rap queens know how to rock a baby bottle and a bassline.
Zayn Malik & Gigi Hadid Welcomed a Baby Girl
One of the internet’s favorite couples became parents in 2020. Zayn and Gigi, usually lowkey, shared heartfelt posts about their newborn daughter. It was a rare peek into their personal life and a reminder that love was still blooming during lockdown.
BTS Released ‘Dynamite’ and Broke Records
BTS dropped Dynamite and, well, everything exploded. The English-language single shattered streaming records and became the serotonin boost the world needed. With its retro vibe and joyful choreography, BTS brought their A-game and the world danced along.
‘Bridgerton’ Became the Show Everyone Binged
As the year closed, Netflix surprised us with a scandalously good period drama. Bridgerton was part Jane Austen, part Gossip Girl, and all addictive. It gave us escapism, romance, and that Duke enough said.
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If 2020 taught us anything, it's that pop culture doesn’t pause for pandemics. It adapts, it transforms, and it thrives even in sweatpants and Zoom meetings. From chart-topping singles to unforgettable premieres, the year delivered moments that stuck with us, long after the memes faded.
Pop culture didn’t just survive in 2020. It shined. And honestly, we needed every bit of it.
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