In January 2025, a major feud in the hip-hop industry escalated when Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG). This lawsuit stemmed from Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” which Drake claimed contained false and defamatory allegations against him. The track, which insinuated that listeners should take vigilante justice against Drake, tarnished his reputation and negatively impacted his brand value, according to the lawsuit. Despite these claims, "Not Like Us" won the award for Record of the Year at the 2025 Grammy Awards. UMG denied the allegations, and the lawsuit was eventually dismissed by a federal judge in October. Drake's legal team announced plans to appeal the ruling.
Another prominent moment in pop culture occurred in January when country star Carrie Underwood performed at the second inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. An audio mishap led to an awkward silence before she sang an acapella version of “America the Beautiful.”
February was marked by the historic win of Beyoncé at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where she secured the Album of the Year award for her eighth studio album, “Cowboy Carter.” This recognition came after years of being overlooked for the prestigious award. Beyoncé celebrated the win on stage with her daughter, Blue Ivy.
In the same month, Kendrick Lamar made headlines by becoming the first solo hip-hop artist to perform during the Super Bowl Halftime Show, joining forces with SZA to deliver their hit song “Luther.” This remarkable performance showcased the growing influence of hip-hop at one of the biggest events in sports.
In April, a shift towards celebrity space tourism began with Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin launching an all-female crew into space, which included notable figures like Katy Perry and Gayle King. This mission marked a significant milestone in the world of space exploration and tourism, making it accessible to more celebrities and the affluent public.
Lady Gaga also made waves that May by breaking the record for the highest-attended concert by a female artist, performing in front of 2.1 million fans at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. The event, however, was marred by a thwarted plot to detonate explosives, leading to the arrest of two individuals.
In a major court event, Sean 'Diddy' Combs stood trial in spring 2025 for numerous charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He was convicted on some counts and sentenced to 50 months in federal prison, sparking a wave of media attention and controversy.
By summer, Canada witnessed a cultural phenomenon with collectibles known as Labubu, which gained massive popularity following the opening of a Pop Mart store in Richmond, B.C. that drew collectors and fans alike.
In July, a brief controversy erupted when a couple was filmed on the jumbotron during a Coldplay concert, which led to the resignation of a tech company CEO after the incident sparked discussions about privacy in public spaces.
Later in the year, Canadian basketball star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the NBA MVP, becoming the second Canadian ever to achieve this honor. His victory marked a significant achievement in his burgeoning career, adding to Canadian pride in sports.
Meanwhile, Anna Wintour announced she would step down as editor-in-chief of Vogue after nearly 40 years at the helm, noting her decision while remaining an influential figure within Condé Nast.
By late 2025, the cultural landscape continued to shift with Sydney Sweeney's ad campaign for American Eagle sparking intense discussions regarding race and beauty standards, drawing unexpected scrutiny from various circles, including political figures.
Controversies continued into the fall, with television host Jimmy Kimmel facing suspension from ABC for comments made on his late-night show regarding conservative provocateur Charlie Kirk. His reinstatement after backlash highlighted ongoing discussions about free speech in media.
Towards the end of the year, exciting personal developments included Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announcing their engagement in August, captivating their fans on social media. Additionally, the revival of celebrity-dating rumors between Katy Perry and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lit up social platforms in December.
Finally, the artistic realm saw developments such as the addition of Canadian comic Veronika Slowikowska to “Saturday Night Live,” signifying a fresh wave of talent entering the iconic show.
