2016 has been a rough year for most of us. College tuition continues to rise, numerous and big-named K-Pop groups disbanded, numerous celebrity deaths including Prince, David Bowie, and most recently, George Michael. And you-know-who is the new President of the United States. Be honest: 2016 was a butthole.
You're not alone. We are all waiting and scared of what's to come next year. Even though 2016 kicked our butts, there are many great things that came out of 2016. Most of them help distract us from the thought of both our country and society continue to crumble.
Luckily, they are here for us to laugh, cry, and feel blessed that they exist. So lucky that they have become a huge success commercially and critically. As a matter of fact, they might have helped us get through this year.
Before we get into the list, here are a few honorable mentions:
Honorable Mentions: Twice, The Return of Frank Ocean, Childish Gambino, and Lady Gaga, Gilmore Girls, "Rogue One", "Moonlight," Todrick Hall's surprise visual album "Straight Outta Oz," Disney's "Moana," and Rihanna's album "Anti."
Without further ado, here are some things that saved us from the wrath of 2016.
1. Beyoncé
After releasing a surprised video that expressed her Black heritage, "Formation," in a Beyoncé way, Queen B came back with a fresh new visual album, "Lemonade." From her unapologetic song "Sorry," (pun unintended) exposing her partner (*cough*Jay-Z*cough*). Jay-Z was rumored to have an affair with "Becky With the Good hair" to her liberating song about Black women "Freedom," Beyoncé has made 2016 a little less scary.
2. Hamilton
Broadway's smash hit musical by the incredible songwriter, actor, and creator Lin Manuel Miranda has brought a new perspective of America's historical figure Alexander Hamilton. With diverse, intersectional cast and songs that will leave you so confident you won't throw away your shot for next year.
3. Chance The Rapper
After releasing his 3rd mixtape "Coloring Book," Chance The Rapper continues to grace us with positive but innovating songs and ride his success humbly as an independent artist. Please check out "Coloring Book" because it will leave you in tears of joy.
4. BTS (Bangtan Boys)
K-Pop's biggest stars have been releasing songs so lit that even caught many attention from big-named artists like Wale. Coming back with beautifully crafted albums that included songs such as "Fire" and "Blood, Sweat, and Tears," BTS shows no sign of slowing down especially since they will be going on tour in Korea and U.S.
5. "Stranger Things"
From the now iconic character Eleven to great storyline about a group of kids trying to find their friend after his mysterious disappearance. Netflix's "Stranger Things" has taken pop culture to grand adventures through emotions, power of friendship, mystery, and thriller.
6. Asian American Entertainers
With the backlash of whitewash casting from "Ghost In The Shell" and "Doctor Strange," many Asian American actors and entertainers including Constance Wu, Margaret Cho, Dumbfounded, Aziz Ansari, and more took a stand to bring discussion on lack of Asian American representation. Along with Black Lives Matter and Stand With Standing Rock, Asian American representation has opened more conversations on intersectional representation.
7. "Yuri On Ice"
Can you hear my heart beat? Because this anime set my heart on fire and feels. "Yuri On Ice" is about a figure skater named Yuri Katsuki after he majorly lost during Grand Prix Finals he became unsure about his skating career. When he came back to his hometown in Hasetsu and returned to the ice rink for practice, he perfectly mimicked his idol and Russian figure skating champion Victor Nikiforov's skating routine.
When his performance was secretly filmed and went viral, Victor saw the video, flew to Japan, and offered to catch Yuri for the next Grand Prix Finals. Not only does this anime display great figure skaters and figure skating competition, "Yuri On Ice" also shows, what many fans praised, a good, queer relationship between Yuri and Victor. When you have the chance, you should definitely watch "Yuri On Ice" for great music, fantastic skating, and Victuuri (Yuri and Victor's couple name).
8. Deadpool
In a pool of PG-13 Marvel and DC movies, the surprise hit movie "Deadpool" became the first superhero rated-R movie filled hilariously crude jokes and bloody action. A comic book anti-hero who breaks the fourth wall and jabs at current pop culture trends including the X-Men films. "Deadpool" continues to break records and becoming everyone's favorite comic book hero.
9. Carpool Karaoke
It's not everyday you see your favorite artists singing along to their songs in a car ride with a late night host like James Corden.
10. Laverne Cox + More Conversations on Trans Visibility
Actress and activist continues to use her star power to bring awareness to trans women of color while slaying us with her lip-sync performance and her portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in FOX's adaptation of "Rocky Horror Picture Show."
11. Solange
With a self-love album "A Seat At The Table," Solange dances away from her big sister's shadow then blessed everyone with her low-key powerful songs on Black beauty and self-confidence.
12. John Oliver
Another great late night host! John Oliver provides great commentary, information, and jokes that will keep us updated about the world and how ridiculous we can be.
13. Leslie Jones
and Kate McKinnon
Because these women keep us laughing away from haters and you-know-who.
15. And pretty much most SNL skits
Sure there were hiccups and unsuccessful nights, Saturday Night Live came back on their toes with memorable host (Lin Manuel-Miranda, Dave Chappelle, Tom Hanks, and more) and laugh-out loud sketches.
With these incredible people, shows, and music in 2016, it will remind us to keep our head high and face what 2017 has in stores for all of us.
