The turn of the Millenium was a fascinating time to be alive. It was filled with triumphs, downfalls, heartbreak, and excitement. Now, as we march toward the end of what has truly been the year from hell, I’m starting to feel nostalgic .
I began thinking about some of the most memorable and defining moments that have taken place over the last 20 years. Have a look and check out these pop culture moments from the 2000s that sound fake but actually happened!
Halle Berry became the first Black actress to win an Oscar for Best Actress.
This happened back in 2002 when Halle played Leticia Musgrove in Monster’s Ball . What’s even more astonishing is that not a single Black actress has won the Oscar for ” Best Actress ” since.
Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt are the biggest celebrity couple of the age!
Brad and Jennifer were the definition of a power couple. Jen was enjoying the height of her Friends fame and Brad’s status as a movie star and sex symbol was in the process of being cemented.
Mia, Lil Kim, Christina Aguilera, and P!nk united for one of the greatest musical collaborations in history.
You can say whatever you like about Moulin Rouge as a film, but don’t you dare even attempt to besmirch this iconic rendition of “Lady Marmalade.”
To be honest, I had completely forgotten about Mia. I wonder what she’s up to?
Blink-182 release an album called Take Off Your Pants And Jacket.
I always fancied myself more of a Green Day fan, but I have no problem admitting that Take Off was one of the defining albums of the mid-’00s.
Of all the things I hope to see in the coming years, a Blink reunion tops the list.
Aaliyah tragically passes away in a plane crash.
Before her untimely passing, Aaliyah was one of the most promising young stars in the R&B community . She was featured on some of the biggest tracks of the decade, and to this day is considered a pioneer of the genre.
Jay-Z releases the Black Album and ‘retires’ from music.
I know what you’re thinking: “Jay-Z announces his retirement literally every other year.”
While I don’t disagree with you, when he did it for the first time people were stunned. Jay was the Michael Jordan of the rap game; fans couldn’t believe he was willing to walk away…and they were right.
Eminem winning an Oscar for *8 Mile*.
There are a handful of bands that do a pretty good job of summing up the decade. Blink-182; N*SYNC; and of course Eminem!
Don’t try to sit there and pretend you weren’t rapping along to every word when you saw him perform ” Lose Yourself ” at the Oscars.
When Britney Spears shut down the VMAs
If you’re on the good side of 30, you might have a hard time understanding why Britney Spears performing a striptease to “Oops, I Did It Again” was considered a big deal.
This was long before the world had become desensitized by Miley Cyrus. Britney’s performance was both provocative and controversial.
Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie were BFF!
The Simple Life catapulted Paris Hilton into the upper echelons of fame and superstardom. For more than five years, she was the undisputed Queen of Reality TV.
If Netflix wants to get me an early Christmas present, then please upload all episodes of The Simple Life ASAP!
Christina Aguilera edges out Britney Spears for “Best New Artist” at the Grammy Awards.
In hindsight, it seems obvious that Christina would be the winner. Hers is one of, if not the defining voice of the entire generation.
But at the time, Christina only had one single eligible for nomination . Even with the odds against her, she still managed to edge out Britney Spears!
*American Idol* launches the singing career of Kelly Clarkson.
I always somehow forget that Kelly is an American Idol alumni. More than that, she was the first winner ever to be crowned in the long history of the series.
Does anyone else remember the movie she made with fellow finalist, Justin Guarini?
The rise and fall of Lance Armstrong.
It isn’t an exaggeration to say that Lance Armstrong was renowned around the globe. His story of conquering cancer and winning the Tour de France made him an inspiration to millions.
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Which made it hurt so much worse when we found out how he’d been lying to us all.
*Bring It On* helps save teen movies and reinvigorates the genre!
This movie was absolutely everywhere! There was no getting away from it. Bring It On not only revitalized the teen movie genre, but it also helped to break down racial barriers and gender divides.
N*SYNC release No Strings Attached and become the biggest boy band on the planet.
N*SYNC was one of the first mainstream bands to merge Pop, R&B, and Hip-Hop successfully.
Their chart-topping single ” Bye, Bye, Bye ” is easily one of the songs of the decade, and served as the coming-out moment for Justin Timberlake’s solo career.
J-Lo’s green dress takes the world by storm.
Do you know where the idea for Google Images came from? It’s all thanks to J-Lo.
After dropping the jaws of men and women around the world with her green dress, people frantically began scouring the internet for pictures.
You really never do know how or when a good idea will sneak up on you…
