Pop Culture in Review for the year 2014

While 2013 was an exciting year for pop culture, 2014 was nothing less. It featured several monumental pop culture events. For instance, Emma Watson stepped ahead to fight for women’s rights while Taylor Swift asked everyone to shake it off. At the same time, there were some unfortunate events that couldn’t be helped. But, as they say, for every up, there is a down and 2014 pop culture was no different. This was a year when the world developed a lethal virus, Ebola.

Originating from Africa, it went on to claim millions of lives. It was declared a pandemic and even claimed the lives of children. Hollywood, on the other hand, witnessed the wedding of Kim Kardashian and famous rapper Kanye West. According to many, it would be hard to imagine a year that comes close to 2014 interms of surprises and excitement. If that is the case, then why not visit memory lane and look for ourselves? Let’s begin.

Music

The 56th Annual Grammy Awards

The year began with the 56th Annual Grammy Awards being held at Staples Center, Los Angeles. Daft Punk won 5 awards including album of the year. Jay-Z received the most number of nominations i.e. 9, followed by Justin Timberlake, Kendrick Lamar, and Pharrell Williams each receiving 7 nominations. Later, in June, the recording committee decided to introduce certain changes such as the addition of a new category like ‘Best American Roots Song’

Katy Perry’s Black Horse

In February, ‘Fireworks’ singer Katy Perry released her hit single ‘Black Horse’. The song climbed the no.1 spot at the US Billboard hot 100. Furthermore, the song overtook Madonna interms of spending the most number weeks at the no.1 spot while equaling Janet Jackson. Katy Perry is known for her powerful vocals and party styled music. Her music caters to the young generation and continues to give hit after hits. She is one of the most successful singers of the last decade.

Taylor Swift’s Shake it off

Taylor Swift recorded and released her fifth album, titled ‘1989’. ‘Shake it off’ was one of the singles released the same year as of the album i.e. 2014. Considering the music style, it was said that the song marked the departure of Taylor Swift from Country music towards Pop. The song debuted at the No.1 spot at the Billboard Hot 100. Furthermore, it earned Taylor Swift an award for Favorite song at the 2015 People’s Choice Award along with nominations such as Best Pop Solo Performance, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.

Art

The Blue Room by Pablo Picasso

The Blue Room is a painting by Pablo Picasso made in 1901 during his Blue Period. In 2014, a group of scientists and art historians were able to discover another painting hidden under the painting using X-ray technology. The painting features a woman bathing in a room that looks like a studio. This was actually Pablo Picasso describing himself during the blue period. If you were to observe the background is of blue color, hence the name blue period. This is amongst Picasso’s monochromatic paintings, admired by artists all over the world.

Aspen Art Museum

The Aspen Art Museum is basically a conversion of a hydroelectric plant. It was opened for the public on August 9, 2014. The museum features four levels while being spread on 33,000 square feet. Furthermore, it houses eight spaces foe exhibition and six gallery spaces. Designed by Shigeru Ban, the museum is admired for its distinct structural design and contemporary pieces of artwork.

Statue of Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse is one of the most celebrated singers in the history of pop culture. There was a time when it was said that she had the world beneath her feet. That is not the case with every artist out there. But Amy Winehouse was different. In 2014, her statue was unveiled in north London by Scott Eaton who had sculpted it. It was three years after her death. Her statue was unveiled at what would be her 31st birthday. It received positive reviews and depicted the actual personality and style of Amy Winehouse.

Fashion

Sarah_Jessica_Parker

Lupita Nyong’o’s Oscar Gown

LupitaNyong’o was a newbie as she walked on the red carpet of the Golden Globes. She had acted in ’12 Years a Slave’ and received a tremendous amount of positive support on spectacular acting. She wore a caped Ralph Lauren gown for the big appearance. The actress did not disappoint as she carried a crystal-sprinkled and pleated powder blue Prada confection. Her appearance was like a big-fairy tale coming alive. She looked splendid in the dress.

Sarah Jessica Parker launches a shoe line

You could imagine the excitement of the fans when Sarah Jessica Parker announced that she would be launching her shoe line. Named SJP, the shoe line was meant to be cost-friendly and was exclusive to Nordstrom. Furthermore, the shoe line featured different styles and was inspired by the inspirations of Sarah Jessica Parker. As a result, when she started posting pictures of girls wearing her shoes on Instagram, the world was bound to go crazy.

Kendall Jenner officially becomes a model

Not a lot of people remember that Kendall Jenner’s official journey as a model started back in 2014. Before that, she was just a reality star. Therefore, when she was seen walking for Marc Jacobs, some jaws surely dropped. Initially, she was described as someone who was hungry for attention and fame but Kendall proved them wrong. Soon after Marc Jacobs, she was seen walking for Givenchy and Chanel. In other words, Kendall told everyone that she is not a one-season pony. Now with the likes of Vogue and Tommy Hilfiger under her belt, she has a lot more to show.

Film

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Released in 2014, Transformers: Age of Extinction was the highest-grossing film of the year. Directed by Michael Bay, it was the fourth installment of the Transformers series. Worldwide, the movie was able to cross the $1.104 billion mark, making it the only movie of 2014 to earn more than $1billion at the box-office. Furthermore, it was also the most profitable film with the net profit calculated to be $250.2 million.

The Transformers movies that were directed by Michael Bay are based on the original Transformers TV show that first aired in the 1980s. While many people today know more about Michael Bay’s version of the Transformers, it is undeniable that the original Transformers is equally iconic because of how it influenced the popularity of the transforming robot toy market. To learn more about the original Transformers TV show, check out The Best TV Shows Based on 80s Toys.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

The year 2014 also saw the release of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. It received mixed reviews and earned over $956 million worldwide. As a result, the movie came second to the highest-earning movie i.e. Transformers: Age of Extinction. Although the movie achieved financial success, it was the lowest-grossing amongst the series, worldwide. Overall, the movie failed to touch the $1billion mark, despite many predictions.

Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy was released in 2014 and collected a worldwide total of $773.3 million. It was declared as the third-highest grossing movie of 2014. It was calculated that the net profit from the movie was $204.2 million, considering the production budgets and other costs. Overall, the movie was a success at both commercial and critical level. At the moment, a third film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3. Is in production.

Television

Chelsea Handler

How I Met Your Mother Comes To an End

It was March 31, 2014, when How I Met Your Mother fans got to know who the mother of Ted’s children was since it was the last time the last season was aired. Fans were heartbroken by the fact that after so many hookups and breakups, Ted and Robin never made it. Infact, Barney had married Robin, and the couple divorced after three years. Ted meets the mother of his children at a train station, holding a yellow umbrella and that is where it all ends, or basically starts.

David Letterman’s Retirement

Heartbreak after heartbreak and this time it had to do with David Letterman as he announced his retirement on the show. It was in 2014 that Letterman had announced the retirement and said that by May 20, 2015, he would leave the show. David Letterman was remembered for spending twenty-one years in the field, having made more than 2,500 episodes. Stephen Colbert was to take the place of David Letterman. Although it was a heartbreak for many viewers but somehow made up for it later on.

Chelsea Handler says goodbye

As if David Letterman’s retirement was not enough and now it was Chelsea Handler who was saying goodbye to her viewers. She was TV’s sole female late-night show host bidding farewell. Her show ‘Chelsea Lately’ aired its finale on August 26 while having a number of celebrities such as 50 cent, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Aniston, and Selena Gomez singing good-bye to her. However, she did make a comeback with her 2016 Netflix first-ever talk show.

News

Malaysian Flight 370 Disappears

The disappearance of Malaysian flight 370 is still a mystery. To date, not a single survivor has been found. It is hard to believe that an airliner carrying hundreds of passengers simply vanished in thin air. Even after nine months, nothing could be told or found about the 239 people on the plane. The plane simply lost communication with the air traffic control and no one knows what happened to it. Only time will tell as to when the truth is actually revealed.

Ebola Virus Outbreak

The first Ebola patient was identified in December 2013. Later, five additional patients were found to be affected. As a result, on January 24, 2014, an official medical alert was issued. Soon, the virus spread to Conakry city and on March 13, 2014, the Ministry of Health in Guinea issued a warning for an unidentified illness. By March 23, 2014, there were 49 confirmed cases with 29 total deaths. Furthermore, WHO had officially declared an outbreak, which quickly infected the surrounding bordering areas of Guinea as well.

Sports

Nishikori beats Novak Djokovic in the U.S open Semifinals

One of the biggest upsets of 2014 in the world of sports was Nishikori beating Novak Djokovic in the U.S open semifinals. Although Novak was the favorite of the event but Nishikori outplayed him. As a result, Novak was denied access to a fifth U.S Open final. Furthermore, Nishikori became the first Asian man to reach a grand slam final.

Brazil suffer a 7-1 World Cup humiliation against Germany

Termed as “Historic Disgrace”, Brazil had shocked the world when it was beaten inhumanely at the WorldCup semifinal. It was probably the biggest upset of the year. Brazil is known to play excellent football but nobody was aware that it would be humiliated in such a way. Moreover, Brazil was defeated in its home ground and the fans found it hard to forgive their team for months to come.

Technology

Microsoft launches Office on iPads

One of the biggest surprises of the year was Microsoft launching Office for iPads. It was one of the most anticipated software for a long time. This was a time when Microsoft’s new CEO SatyaNadella took over the seat and announced Excel, Word, and PowerPoint package for free. This was a great initiative on the company’s part as Microsoft attempted to expand its reach.

Final Word

As the year 2014 ended, it left a smile on many faces while sadness prevailed on others. The sports world had the biggest surprises, amongst which mostly were heartbreaks. Moreover, the world of television saw the exit of the two most legendary TV hosts. The year ended with disappointments but the hopes of having a better year, next year made all of us confidently jump the ship.

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