In 2024, the highs and lows of superstar tradition have been on full show, providing moments that ranged from inspiring triumphs to jaw-dropping falls from grace.
The intersection of tradition, success, and accountability took heart stage, with every headline including one other layer to the continued story of superstar. From courtroom showdowns and Olympic gold to public missteps and career-defining losses glossed up with a whole lot of child oil, these moments inform the story of a 12 months that examined a few of our favourite folks’s resilience and revealed a few of their unshakable vulnerabilities.
Winner: Kendrick Lamar
Rapper Kendrick Lamar solidified himself as hip-hop’s conscience and the voice of the streets in 2024, crushing Drake of their simmering rivalry. Fueled by years of competitors and nasty jabs over weeks of diss freestyles, Okay-Dot delivered the knockout blow with “Not Like Us.”
Try how he took the suds out of the Champagne Papi for 20 minutes straight.
The monitor didn’t simply overshadow Drake’s efforts; it cemented the Pulitzer Prize winner’s dominance in rap’s cultural hierarchy. Whereas Drake actually disappeared after defeat, Kendrick made historical past—his Amazon-streamed particular united Compton’s gangs, proving his influence transcends music. The ultimate humiliation got here when Kendrick was tapped to carry out on the 2025 Tremendous Bowl in New Orleans, edging out Drake’s label boss Lil Wayne in his hometown.
Kendrick supplied the ultimate shot with the shock launch of his sixth studio album, “GNX,” on November 22. The undertaking wasted no time dominating the charts, hovering to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and securing Lamar his fifth chart-topping album. As if that wasn’t sufficient, the album’s influence on the High Rap Singles chart was simple, closing out the 12 months with an unimaginable 10 tracks touchdown within the High 20.
Loser: Drake
Drake’s rivalry with Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling level in 2024, and by all accounts, 6 God got here out on the shedding aspect. Kendrick’s diss monitor “Not Like Us” dominated the airwaves and made the “0 to 100” rapper lose his thoughts. Drake would go on to sue Common Music Group and Spotify, alleging the businesses used bots and payola to spice up the monitor’s streams—claims each entities denied.
The fallout from Drake’s tantrum, from suing the labels to rumors of making an attempt to intervene along with his nemesis’ concert events, has confirmed that regardless of being in style with the kiddies, he’s not like us in any respect.
Winner: Younger Thug
Younger Thug’s overcome RICO costs marked considered one of 2024’s most important hip-hop moments. The rapper, whose complete crew was on trial, spent a mindboggling 900 days in jail earlier than being launched on Oct. 31 after taking a plea deal.
His acquittal not solely restored his freedom however sparked essential conversations concerning the criminalization of inventive expression and the controversial use of rap lyrics as prison proof. His rapid return to the studio and guarantees of recent music signaled a robust comeback story within the making.
Loser: Fani Willis
Fulton County District Legal professional Fani Willis’ 12 months unraveled spectacularly amid allegations of ethics violations and mishandling proof. What started as a 12 months of high-profile prosecutions in opposition to artists like Younger Thug and Donald Trump devolved right into a defensive wrestle to take care of credibility, with questions on her dealing with of assorted circumstances threatening to overshadow her workplace’s work.
Her relationship with an legal professional she employed as a particular prosecutor within the election interference case in opposition to Trump grew to become public information, exposing, based on Newsweek, how intertwined Greek-letter organizations are in her life and the way their codes preserve them searching for one another.
Winner: Simone Biles
The best gymnast of all time, Simone Biles, solidified her legendary standing on the 2024 Paris Olympics with a comeback for the ages. Delivering gravity-defying performances that appeared to rewrite the legal guidelines of physics, the pint-size gymnast claimed 4 medals—three gold and one silver—showcasing her unmatched ability and resilience. Her triumphant return got here after a well-deserved well being break, proving that prioritizing psychological well-being doesn’t hinder greatness however enhances it.
Biles’s inspiring journey, which may be her final Olympic run, formed by her brave advocacy for psychological well being and sassy social media combats, resonated worldwide, demonstrating that champions can reclaim their narratives on their very own phrases.
Loser: Jordan Chiles
In stark distinction to her teammate’s success, Jordan Chiles confronted a devastating blow when the Courtroom of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) stripped her of her bronze medal attributable to a timing technicality. The inquiry from Group USA was allegedly filed 4 seconds previous the one-minute deadline following Chiles’ fifth-place end within the flooring train occasion. Romanian officers challenged the enchantment, resulting in the bronze being reassigned to Sabrina Bărbosu.
Regardless of the ruling, Chiles’ resilience shines via as she prepares for her comeback. After stepping away from the 2024 season to concentrate on the Olympics, she’s set to return to UCLA’s gymnastics staff in 2025 for NCAA competitors.
Winner: Usher
2024 was undeniably Usher’s 12 months. The R&B icon reigned supreme along with his electrifying Las Vegas residency, which not solely dominated headlines but in addition set the stage for his international “Previous Current Future” tour. Usher kicked off the 12 months with a career-defining Tremendous Bowl halftime present that reminded followers why he’s an undisputed legend. Including to the momentum, he married his new spouse, Jennifer Goicoechea, and dropped his chart-topping album “Coming House,” reaffirming his place on the prime of the music recreation.
The “Previous Current Future” tour was nothing in need of spectacular, boasting sold-out exhibits worldwide, even Tyler Perry attended a present the place he was noticed having fun with a present dancer twerking. In Brooklyn, Usher’s star energy packed the Barclays Middle for 4 consecutive sold-out nights. The 45-song set record spanned his outstanding 30-year profession, whereas his longtime touring DJ, DJ Mars, stored the gang hyped.
Loser: Diddy
Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs faces a catastrophic downfall as authorized woes unravel his empire. Arrested on Sept. 16, 2024, in Manhattan by Homeland Safety, Combs is accused of racketeering and intercourse trafficking, with allegations tied to infamous “Freak Off” events and the seizure of 1,000 bottles of child oil by federal authorities.
Presently held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Middle, Combs pleaded not responsible however has been denied repeatedly, leaving him behind bars till his trial on Could 5.
Combs’ scenario grows bleaker as he’s positioned on suicide watch whereas his authorized staff battles mounting accusations. Texas legal professional Tony Buzbee, representing over 100 alleged victims, has filed 20 complaints citing sexual assault and abuse of minors. As former collaborators distance themselves from him, his legacy appears irreversibly broken.
Winner: Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg dominated 2024, showcasing his timeless charisma and enterprise savvy. The Doggfather joined “The Voice” as a coach and through the Paris Olympics, had viewers glued to their screens along with his hilarious commentary alongside Martha Stewart. From crip walks to cracking jokes, the duo stored followers entertained whereas eating on French delicacies and even teaming up with Michael Phelps for a memorable swim lesson.
On the music entrance, Snoop reunited with Dr. Dre for “Missionary,” his twentieth studio album and highest-charting undertaking in almost a decade. The album debuted at No. 7 on Billboard‘s High Album Gross sales, High R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and No. 3 on the High Rap Albums.
Rounding out the 12 months, Snoop celebrated as his daughter introduced her first being pregnant.
Losers: J.Lo and Ben Affleck
Bennifer 2.0’s fairytale ending changed into a Hollywood nightmare in 2024.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck confronted relentless breakup rumors fueled by awkward red-carpet images and solo public appearances with out wedding ceremony bands. Two years after their whirlwind reunion, Lopez filed for divorce from Affleck on their Aug. 20 wedding ceremony anniversary.
Their historical past dates again to their first engagement in 2002, which ended beneath media scrutiny. Reuniting in 2021 and marrying in 2022, the couple’s second try at love unraveled amid studies they couldn’t see eye to eye.
Professionally, they suffered one other blow when the Affleck-produced movie “Unstoppable” tanked on the British field workplace, incomes simply $3,900 in its U.Okay. debut.
Winner: Letitia James
New York Legal professional Normal Letitia James cemented her legacy as a fearless authorized powerhouse in 2024, securing a landmark $454.2 million judgment in opposition to Donald Trump for civil fraud. Regardless of makes an attempt by Trump’s authorized staff to deflect blame as accounting errors, Decide Arthur Engoron dominated there was “overwhelming proof” Trump and his sons knowingly accredited false statements.
This victory in opposition to Trump is one in a string of authorized triumphs for James. She, based on Crain’s NYC, additionally received a major case in opposition to former NRA President Wayne LaPierre for corruption and secured a $328 million settlement for Uber and Lyft drivers who have been cheated out of wages.
Loser: Rudy Giuliani
As soon as “America’s Mayor,” Rudy Giuliani has plummeted to new depths in 2024. With mounting authorized charges, huge defamation losses, and revoked legislation licenses in a number of states, Giuliani is scrambling to make a dwelling by promoting Christmas-themed espresso.
What a girl Mrs Santa Clause is! All she desires for Christmas is top quality espresso at https://t.co/6lMTrKbwMP pic.twitter.com/af749MGneD
— Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) December 23, 2024
The previous New York mayor was hit with a $148 million judgment after viciously defaming Georgia election employees Ruby Freeman and Shay Moss. Giuliani’s baseless claims the 2 dedicated poll tampering, steeped in racist undertones, incited harassment that upended their lives. Now claiming poverty and hawking “Rudy Espresso” in laughable Santa Claus advertisements, the previous mayor embodies shame.
Winner: LeBron and Bronny James
The James household redefined greatness in 2024, making basketball historical past. LeBron James shared the courtroom along with his eldest son, Bronny James, changing into the primary father-son duo to play collectively within the NBA through the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
After overcoming a well being scare, Bronny performed 25 video games as a freshman at USC final season, beginning six, and averaged 4.8 factors per recreation. In the meantime, LeBron continued to defy age and expectations, anchoring the Lakers whereas mentoring his son.
Winner and Loser: Eric Adams
Eric Adams’ 2024 was a wild trip of highs and lows. New York Metropolis’s second Black mayor and, to many, essentially the most disliked mayor within the nation, has maintained a tricky exterior regardless of federal indictments accusing him of bribery and corruption. Adams pleaded not responsible, and his knack for dodging political destruction earned him potential help from President-elect Donald Trump, who hinted at a pardon.
Nonetheless, Adams didn’t make it simple for defenders. His administration confronted scandals, together with his son, Jordan Adams, internet hosting events at taxpayer-funded Gracie Mansion. The PR catastrophe of recording a rap video on 9/11 left New Yorkers questioning his judgment. But Adams continues to face tall, making him each a winner and loser within the 12 months’s political saga.
