There are some moments in time when you just think, ‘Wow’. 2010 was one of those seminal years, when pop culture reigned through the music and film worlds. Here’s why…
Katy Perry released California Gurls – featuring Snoop Dogg – followed by the Teenage Dream album
The pop star had gained fame after her single, I Kissed A Girl, and its follow-up Hot n Cold, but Teenage Dream led to five US Number One singles - California Gurls, Teenage Dream, Firework, E.T. and Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F) - and endless fancy dress inspo.
Justin Bieber released his break-out hit, Baby (featuring Ludacris)
Biebs was a mere Baby at 15 when he released his third single, which took on a life of its own. It became one of the most viewed music videos of the year, while Justin became the most searched-for celebrity of 2010.
Adele released Rolling In The Deep
The lead single from Adele’s second album 21 helped her crack America, becoming her first US Number One.
Lady Gaga and that meat dress
Lady Gaga made a statement at the MTV VMAs in a dress made out of cuts of raw beef, complete with meat purse, headpiece and booties. “It was thrilling to wear,” the singer said. It was also the same year that she released Telephone with Beyonce and Alejandro.
Far East Movement release Like A G6
The US group’s new tune was the hip-hop anthem of 2010, having featured on the Step Up 3D soundtrack.
Shakira’s Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) is a top scorer
Football may not have come home that year, but Shakira’s World Cup’s official anthem was a global hit.
Bruno Mars finds fame with Just The Way You Are
Bruno’s debut single introduced him to the world. J_ust The Way You Are (Amazing)_ quickly became a wedding first dance song and anthem for lovers everywhere.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse was released
Eclipse, the third film in the Twilight Saga starring Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner, came out in cinemas. Adapted from Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling fantasy novels, the third outing is darker than the previous films.
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part One was also out
As if one fantasy series wasn’t enough, 2010 brought us the first part of JK Rowling’s finale, with Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint in the lead roles.
Lucky two for Rihanna
It was a big year for Rihanna, who dropped two singles – Only Girl (In The World) and Love The Way You Lie alongside Eminem.
Taylor Swift dropped a Grammy (literally)
It was a case of oops when Taylor, then 20, won not just one but four gongs at the Grammy Awards – being the youngest star to win Album Of The Year. But her big moment was overshadowed when one of her new prizes slipped her grip. Luckily, she recovered quickly.
Nicki Minaj gave us Pink Friday
In November 2010, Nicki Minaj gave us her debut album, Pink Friday. The record, which even spawned a MAC make-up range, brought the sassy American singer global fame with songs like Super Bass, Roman’s Revenge and Moment 4 Life featuring the likes of Rihanna, Eminem, Drake and will.i.am.
Black Swan premiered
Before the year was out, Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis had wowed with their magnetic performances as ballerinas in Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller Black Swan, with Natalie winning the Oscar for Best Actress.