With the recent trend on TikTok being ‘moments that altered my brain chemistry,’ I thought I would share some of my favorite moments in pop culture. These moments over the years have made me laugh, cry, and question myself and my sanity. For me, pop culture is an escape from the mundane of everyday life. Sometimes we need a TV episode or a silly celebrity feud to get us out of our own routine.
iCarly – Dream Episode (2007)
What a moment this was, turning on Nickelodeon and seeing your favorite characters’ wildest nightmares. It’s the fever dream that was actually on the screen. I can’t forget Carly dancing with 12 eligible bachelors, Spencer in a dress, and the infamous dance battle Freddie won.
Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie (2009)
When I watched Alex Russo win the tournament and take away her older brother’s powers, I was beyond blown away. I loved the plot twists of Alex, Justin, and Max when they competed to be the Russo family wizard. It was definitely one of the most emotional Disney Channel movies of the 2000s.
Victorious – Trina’s One Woman Show (2010)
Trina, the sister of main character Tori Vega, produces and stars in “Trina! A One Woman Show” at her high school, Hollywood Arts. She performs “Chicago” and I’ve never laughed harder. When I watched this as a young girl, Hollywood Arts seemed so incredibly cool. Specifically this moment is one I remember best of this show.
The Ellen Show – “Sophia Grace and Rosie Go Shopping” (2011)
When Sophia Grace and Rosie, two girls who sang “Super Bass” on Ellen, got to go on a shopping spree I was incredibly jealous. Eight-year-old me wished my Mom had recorded me singing a silly song so I could go shop my heart out.
Justin Bieber “Mistletoe” Music Video (2011)
The Christmas miracle of 2011 was this music video. With the song being iconic enough on its own, the music video surely makes it even more incredible. With the right amount of cringe and a whole lot of “shawty with you” lines it’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
One Direction – Cheetah Print Dress Interview (2013)
If you’ve watched this, no matter if you are a fan or not, it is honestly such a funny video. Niall, Harry, and Liam fail to take anything seriously and so does the interviewer. It is filled with them basically laughing and losing it the whole time while trying to promote their new album.
Dance Moms – “Empty Chair Do A Solo” (2015)
I have watched every episode of Dance Moms that exists and through the multitude of dramas this is my favorite. Dance Mom Holly was the realest one there and in this moment makes a joke to stand up for her daughter against Abby Lee Miller. It’s both hilarious and powerful of Holly.
Fergie Singing the National Anthem (2018)
The fact that Fergie had to apologize for this speaks for itself. As she sang, the basketball players on the sidelines could barely hide their smirks and quick giggles. As you watch you keep thinking, “oh this can’t get worse,” yet somehow it does.
Tati vs. James Charles (2019)
The groundbreaking rivalry that momentarily stopped James’ career was Tati’s YouTube video called “Bye Sister.” Once releasing this, and accusing James of an assortment of allegations, he lost millions of followers and his most loyal supporters. It was a week for the pop culture history books as it seems the fight all started surrounding vitamin gummies.
Pilot Pete’s Season of the Bachelor (2020)
To say Peter made some pretty awful decisions is an understatement. Peter pulled the classic bachelor move of proposing to one girl, then breaking that off and deciding to retry with his second choice. But it gets worse, after that relationship Peter decided to continue down the list and re-dated many other women from his season.
Spider Man: No Way Home Ending (2021)
The soundtrack, being home from college for winter break, and the three original spidermen became the ultimate movie. I remember driving in my car in the snowy weather, trying to get to the theater in time the week after Christmas. I loved this movie up until the last five minutes when I started crying in the theater (something I rarely ever do) when his friends forgot him.
Kylan RushTok (2022)
“I hope you’re having a great day, not just a good day, a great day” was heard by millions of people as Kylan Darnell, a freshman at the University of Alabama, documented her rush process. RushTok first began last year, where many people became famous simply for posting their experience. Her bid day decision video to Zeta has 9.7 million views.