Every year it’s fun to remember why the past 365 days were so amazing, controversial, sad or important. It’s becoming more important to keep pop culture’s leading ladies the focus. So let’s take this list in reverse order.
Chelsea Handler & Chelsea Peretti’s Netflix Specials
After hosting Chelsea Lately for many years on E!, Chelsea Handler, who caused quite a commotion when she said that she was tired of talking about celebrities, moved to Netflix.
Shonda Rhimes
The ABC veteran was referred to as an “Angry Black Woman,” and it caused, for lack of a better word, quite a scandal. She responded to the attack and it really sparked conversation about people of color on television.
Charli XCX
Charli XCX is this year’s version of Ke$ha in 2009. She was featured in Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” just like Ke$ha was in Flo Rida’s “Right Round.” Charli XCX is brash and is going to hopefully match Ke$ha’s pop music career.
Joan Rivers
Joan Rivers passed away on September 4. However, there were few answers for over a month until the cause of death was officially announced. The iconic comedian had flaws, of that there is no doubt, but she nonetheless has left a lasting impression on comedy and television.
Lupita Nyong’o
She was all anyone could talk about during awards season. From her fashion to her talent, Lupita killed it this year. So much so that she was named “Most Beautiful” person for PEOPLE Magazine.
Oscar Selfie
Ellen DeGeneres took a star-studded selfie at the Oscars. Just watch the clip.
Maleficent/The Fault in Our Stars
Everyone loves summer blockbusters, but these two were headlined by Angelina Jolie and Shailene Woodley. Reimaging Disney movies is always awesome and TFiOS was great because it once more provided interest in young adult books.
Beyoncé and Co.
Beyoncé started 2014 riding the success of her December 2013 album drop, so she was having a great year until the infamous elevator fiasco. Then plagued by divorce rumors well after the On the Run Tour, there seemed to be no end to the rumors. At least Solange’s wedding was flawless, according to tons of Instagram photos.
Swift Takeover
From the second “Shake it Off” was released on August 18, along with the 1989 album info, Taylor Swift has become a daily topic of conversation. She has had record-breaking album sales, tour date announcements and her second performance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. It has literally been all about Taylor for five solid months.
Kim Kardashian
You can ask why she’s even famous all you want, but the whole Kim Kardashian and Kanye West wedding was important. So much so that it became the most liked photo on Instagram. Along with all iterations of Keeping up with the Kardashians and her “Break the Internet” magazine cover, Kim pretty much did everything to fuel the internet. So she wants to show off her naked body? Do you, Kim. The world will be following you every step of the way whether people admit to it or not.
(Feature Photo via LA Times/Getty)