By Kavya Chacko ‘26 & Cooper Winkler ‘26
2024 has been a whirlwind year with groundbreaking achievements, cultural shifts, and significant historical events. As we move into 2025, here’s a look back at the defining moments of the past year.
January to March:
Pop Culture: At the Grammys, Taylor Swift broke records and cemented herself as one of music’s most iconic figures. She won her fourth Album of the Year award for Midnights, making her the artist with the most wins in this category. Her acceptance speech, filled with gratitude and reflection, highlighted her journey as an artist and the inspiration behind Midnights. The album, a deeply personal exploration of late-night thoughts, resonated with millions, solidifying its place in music history. The night also included a surprise announcement of her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department. Fans erupted with excitement, and social media buzzed with predictions about the album's themes and potential collaborations.
World News: The conflict between Russia and Ukraine reached new heights as Russia intensified its military efforts, launching widespread drone strikes. These actions drew sharp criticism from the global community, with renewed calls for diplomatic solutions and humanitarian aid. A high-profile Hamas leader was killed in a targeted drone strike by Israel, escalating tensions in the Middle East. The incident reignited debates over regional security and the ethics of drone warfare.
Politics: At the time, Former U.S. President Donald Trump made history as the first
president to be convicted of a felony. He was indicted under 34 counts ranging from fraud to obstruction. This revelation was the first the country had ever seen and sent shockwaves through the political sphere. While also sparking heated debates about justice, accountability, and its implications for the 2024 presidential race.
April to June:
Pop Culture: These months were marked by significant music releases and surprising controversies. Taylor Swift’s album, The Tortured Poets Department, sent waves through the music industry due to its deeply poetic lines and raw vulnerability. The album, with a total of 31 songs, exemplifies Swift’s unparalleled work ethic and lyrical prowess. Billie Eilish also made a powerful return with her album, Hit Me Hard and Soft. Released after a three-year hiatus, the album showcases her unique voice and poignant lyrics, resonating with fans and critics alike. Meanwhile, a feud ignited between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, drawing public attention. The rift began when Kendrick’s song, Like That, featured a pointed lyric calling out Drake. The tension escalated as both artists released diss tracks, fueling debates among fans and reigniting discussions about competition in hip-hop.
World News: University campuses around the world became hubs of activism as students organized protests over the Israel-Palestine conflict. At Columbia, students set up
camps and stayed for two months. Many of these protests supported Palestine, sparking conversations and debates on both sides. This led to conflicts with pro-Israel donors, many of whom withdrew their contributions, leaving universities with tough decisions to make. Though these protests were controversial, they demonstrated the ability of youth to unite and fight for their beliefs.
Politics: In June, the Supreme Court made a long-awaited ruling on race-based affirmative action in college admissions. The court voted 6 to 3 to prohibit colleges from considering race in their admissions decisions. Affirmative action is a complex issue; some believe it provides opportunities to historically marginalized groups, while others argue it constitutes reverse discrimination. The end of affirmative action will significantly impact the future of college admissions, with both positive and negative implications depending on one’s perspective.
July to September
Pop Culture: The United States won big at the Paris Olympics - winning 126 medals.
Simone Biles won four medals for the US gymnastics team - a large redemption from her previous performance in the Tokyo olympics. Charli XCX dropped Brat in June, her song “Apple” topping the charts and inspiring the iconic “Apple” dance. Towards the end of summer, Sabrina Carpenter released Short and Sweet, an album which included her hit song “Espresso”.
Politics: Following his unsatisfactory debate performance, many Democrats called for Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 election. Many influential politicians and celebrities - including George Clooney - claimed he was unfit to run for president due to his old age. On July 21st, President Biden officially dropped out of the race and was replaced by his former running mate: Kamala Harris.
October to December
Pop Culture: Arguably the most iconic SNL moment of the year, SNL released their skit ‘Domingo’ in October of 2024. ‘Domingo’ - a skit to the song “Espresso” - took the world by storm, going viral on various social media platforms. ‘Glicked’ - Wicked and Gladiator II premiered in theaters on November 22nd. Both movies closed out with a total of 270.2 million dollars on their opening weekend. Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ ended, the show culminating in Vancouver on December 8th after nearly two years of performances.
World: In December, insurgents toppled Syrian President Bashar Assad, leaving the Assad regime in ruins. The Assad family had ruled Syria for more than fifty years, infamous for their prisons where they would torture and kill anyone who questioned their authority. The leader of the Hayat Tahir al-Sham group - the group which brought down the regime - has vowed to bring to justice those who committed these heinous methods of imprisonment.
Politics: After tumultuous campaigns for both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, Donald Trump was officially elected president on November 5th. Ultimately, President-elect Trump won 312 votes in the electoral college in comparison to the 226 votes won by
Kamala Harris. President-elect Trump has now begun selecting his cabinet members, who will soon go through the nomination process. Many of his nominees have sparked controversies, including Matt Gaetz who stepped down from the nominee after sexual misconduct allegations arose against him.
2024 has been a year of major milestones, cultural shifts, and global challenges. From record-breaking achievements in pop culture to pivotal moments in politics and world events, this year has left an indelible mark on history. As we step into 2025, the impact of these moments will continue to shape the future.
All Photos Courtesy of Grammys, CNN, New York Times, SLPECHO, & USA today.
Sources: nytimes.com & cnn.com
Edited by: Kavya Chacko '26, Catherine Polatidis, Ms. Brillant
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