2023 (Taylor’s Version): A Review of the Year in Pop Culture

The year 2023 in pop culture was akin to a meteorological phenomenon called “rapid intensification,” a term used to describe a storm that strengthens dramatically in a short period. This aptly describes Taylor Swift’s year, which was nothing short of extraordinary.

Swift’s 2023 journey was marked by her “Eras” tour, which dominated the U.S. and then the world, alongside her efforts to reclaim her music catalog and a record-breaking concert film. Not to mention, she also achieved billionaire status and had a noteworthy interaction with a player from the Kansas City Chiefs, making the year rightfully dubbed “2023 (Taylor’s Version).”

Yet, 2023 wasn’t just about Taylor Swift. Beyoncé too had a remarkable year with her own massive tour and the box office success of “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.” Then there was Barbie, who, at 64, found new life in a Greta Gerwig movie that, combined with “Oppenheimer,” created the “Barbenheimer” trend and revived the cinema experience.

Musical comebacks were a theme, with the Rolling Stones releasing their best music in years and even the Beatles dropping a new song. TV saw Samantha briefly return to the “Sex and the City” franchise, and Rihanna made a stunning appearance at the Super Bowl and the Met Gala.

From the Golden Globes making a comeback to Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance, from the Oscars without slaps to the finale of “The Last of Us,” from Hollywood writers striking to Swift’s tour kicking off, each month of 2023 had its highlights. The year saw big movies like “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” unexpected developments like Twitter’s rebranding to “X,” and significant pop culture milestones.

Sports icons like Lionel Messi gained massive social media followings, and celebrity splits dominated the headlines. Martin Scorsese and the Rolling Stones proved age is just a number with their new ventures, and AI brought a new Beatles song to life.

Spotify’s most-streamed artist was Taylor Swift, dethroning Bad Bunny. Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” film was a box office hit, and the year ended with Swift gracing magazine covers as Time’s Person of the Year. The year 2023, in many ways, was a testament to how long the “storm” of a superstar like Taylor Swift can continue to intensify, continually rewriting the rules of fame and success in the world of pop culture.