January 2025 ignited with a legal firestorm as Drake sued Universal Music Group, alleging the label knowingly promoted Kendrick Lamar’s scathing diss track, “Not Like Us.” The suit claimed defamation and incitement, arguing the song damaged Drake’s reputation and brand. Ironically, “Not Like Us” would later claim the coveted Record of the Year at the 2025 Grammy Awards, adding a layer of complexity to the dispute.
The year’s cultural currents shifted unexpectedly when Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney fronted an American Eagle campaign. The seemingly innocuous “good jeans” ad sparked a fierce debate about race and beauty standards, unexpectedly drawing the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump and igniting a national conversation.
Weeks later, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel faced a professional crisis. Controversial comments made about conservative provocateur Charlie Kirk on his ABC talk show led to a suspension, triggering a heated debate about the boundaries of free speech and the responsibilities of public figures.
Beyoncé finally shattered a decades-long narrative in February, claiming Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammys for “Cowboy Carter.” Joined on stage by her daughter Blue Ivy, the win marked a historic moment, acknowledging the artistry that had long been celebrated by fans but overlooked by the awards show.
The Super Bowl LIX halftime show in New Orleans delivered a groundbreaking performance. Kendrick Lamar became the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the event, sharing the stage with SZA for a captivating rendition of their hit, “Luther.” The performance was a cultural milestone, signaling a shift in the landscape of mainstream entertainment.
A surprising obsession swept across Canada with the arrival of “Labubu,” a collectable plush toy from Beijing-based retailer Pop Mart. The craze culminated in the opening of Pop Mart’s first Canadian store in Richmond, B.C., with standard toys selling for $30-$50 and rare editions exceeding $100.
April saw a new wave of space tourism as Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin launched an all-female celebrity crew, including Katy Perry and Gayle King, into the zero-gravity realm. This mission signaled a shift, making space travel accessible to a new echelon of the wealthy and famous.
Lady Gaga redefined the scale of live performance in May, captivating a staggering 2.1 million fans on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. The free concert, featuring her iconic hits and a wardrobe reflecting Brazilian colors, was a spectacle of music and unity, though shadowed by a foiled bombing plot targeting the LGBTQ+ community.
The spring of 2025 brought a high-profile trial as hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs faced charges including racketeering and sex trafficking. Ultimately convicted on two counts of transportation for prostitution, he received a 50-month sentence, and the case became the subject of a four-part docuseries produced by 50 Cent.
In June, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander etched his name into Canadian sports history, being named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player. The 26-year-old from Hamilton became only the second Canadian to receive the honor, following in the footsteps of Steve Nash.
A monumental shift occurred in the fashion world as Anna Wintour announced her departure as editor-in-chief of Vogue after nearly four decades. She transitioned to the roles of chief content officer and global editorial director, naming Chloe Malle, daughter of Candice Bergen, as her successor.
Jet2 Holidays unexpectedly became a viral sensation over the summer with a 30-second advertisement featuring Jess Glynne’s “Hold My Hand.” The audio soundtracked over a million TikTok videos and spawned countless memes, transforming a budget tour operator into a cultural touchstone.
A seemingly innocent moment at a Coldplay concert went viral in July when a couple attempted to avoid the kiss cam, revealing themselves as the CEO and chief people officer of a tech company. The incident sparked a wave of memes and ignited a conversation about privacy in public spaces, ultimately leading to the CEO’s resignation.
CBS announced the cancellation of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” in July, ending a decades-old television institution. While cited as a financial decision, the timing – shortly after Colbert criticized a settlement involving Donald Trump – raised questions about potential political influence.
American Eagle’s advertising campaign starring Sydney Sweeney ignited a firestorm of controversy. The campaign, intended to be provocative, sparked a debate about race, Western beauty standards, and the broader cultural landscape, with some interpreting the use of “genes” instead of “jeans” as a nod to eugenics.
Rumors of a romance between Katy Perry and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau began circulating in July after a dinner date in Montreal. Subsequent sightings, including a kiss on a yacht and a hand-in-hand stroll in Paris, fueled speculation and captivated the public imagination.
Victoria Mboko, an 18-year-old Canadian, stunned the tennis world in August by winning the National Bank Open. Her victory over Naomi Osaka marked her first tour-level title and propelled her into the top 20 world rankings, solidifying her status as a rising star.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce sent shockwaves through the internet in August with the announcement of their engagement. The fairytale romance, documented and celebrated by millions of fans, culminated in a joint Instagram post that broke the internet.
ABC briefly suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show in September following controversial comments about Charlie Kirk. The decision sparked public outcry and a debate about free speech, leading to Kimmel’s reinstatement within a week.
The Canadian government banned Irish rap group Kneecap from entering the country in September, citing concerns about their endorsement of political violence. The decision was met with controversy and legal challenges, raising questions about freedom of expression and government overreach.
Veronika Slowikowska, a Canadian comic, joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live” in October, bringing her unique brand of viral sketch comedy to the iconic show. Her addition marked a significant moment for Canadian representation on the American stage.
