The Top 10 Wildest Music Moments That Defined Pop Culture in 2025

A lot happened this year. Sure, one could say that about any year, but between all of the unhinged moments that went down these past 12 months across pop culture — particularly those relating to musicians — it feels especially true for 2025.

That’s why Billboard is taking a second to recap 10 of the most insane things that occurred in the music and entertainment world this year, from mega-viral videos that had the internet talking for weeks to huge award-show wins, engagement announcements (hi, Tayvis!) and one pop star who literally brought pop to the stars by going to space — not to mention a certain animated group of K-pop singers who took over TV screens and the charts this year, all while fighting demons on the side.

But first, a moment for the honorable mentions. While Harry Styles didn’t perform or release music this year, he did make headlines repeatedly for popping up in the most random locations, including Tokyo and Berlin to run the casual marathon and Vatican City to watch the very first American Pope formally ascend to the top of the Catholic church. Cardi B started dating NFL star Stefon Diggs and had a baby with him in the span of months, while BTS finally reunited on camera after its seven members finished their respective military enlistments, and LeAnn Rimes’ teeth fell out on stage.

Plus, Donald Trump crashed out over unsubstantiated theories regarding Bruce Springsteen and Beyoncé’s involvement in Kamala Harris’ campaign, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo finally finished their two-year promotional run for the Wicked movies — encountering an aggressive prankster on the Singapore premiere red carpet along the way — and Diddy’s federal trial ended with the disgraced Bad Boy Records founder getting sentenced to four years in prison for prostitution charges. We could go on and on!

At the end of the day, though, only 10 landmarks in this year’s crazy pop culture timeline could make it on the list — and it’s time to get to them. Without any further adieu, check out Billboard‘s top wildest musical moments that will always be remembered about 2025 below.