2016 is one for the history books
Presidential politics dominated U.S. pop culture — and vice versa
Politics is often reflected in popular culture, and vice versa — especially in a U.S. election year. That relationship seemed closer than ever in 2016, when a TV personality was elected president, reality shows and beauty contests were referenced in presidential debates, and even a Broadway show ignited partisan sparring.
At times, it seemed like the election overshadowed everything, but of course there was more. The diversity issue again roiled Hollywood. The old-style musical made a glamorous comeback. One of Hollywood’s most scrutinized couples called it quits. And we said a series of painful goodbyes. Our annual, highly selective journey down pop culture memory lane:
January
Ground Control to Major Tom: We shall miss you. The death of David Bowie casts a pall over the pop culture scene as the year begins. The elegant rock star succumbs to cancer — an illness he fought in secret — just a few days after his 69th birthday and the release of his final music video, Lazarus, which begins with the line: “Look up here, I’m in heaven.”
February
A year after #OscarsSoWhite in 2015, the Oscars are ... #SoWhiteAgain! For the second year, all 20 nominated actors are white. The lack of diversity leads to some sweeping membership changes at the Academy. Meanwhile, the Super Bowl halftime show is allegedly headlined by Coldplay. But it’s Beyoncé who rules with a commanding performance of her new song, Formation, proving that Queen Bey is still very much among our royalty.
March
The Rolling Stones perform in Cuba, a once-unthinkable event that happens a week after U.S. President Barack Obama visits the island nation. Speaking of Obama, he hosts a White House concert performance of Hamilton, part of a remarkable 2016 for Lin-Manuel Miranda and his rap-infused Broadway musical about founding father Alexander Hamilton. We say goodbye to Garry Shandling.
April
Hamilton wins the Pulitzer for drama and current Treasury Secretary Jack Lew reverses a plan to bump Hamilton from the $10 bill after fans kick up a fuss — undoubtedly the first time a Broadway show influences currency policy. And April showers bring Purple Rain: Rock legend Prince dies a shocking death at 57 of an accidental opioid overdose.
May
“It’s not over ’til I say it’s over,” says Bernie Sanders to Hillary Clinton, of the fight for the Democratic nomination. Actually, that’s Larry David talking to Kate McKinnon on Saturday Night Live. As McKinnon hones her acclaimed, manically ambitious portrayal of Clinton — one of nine actresses to portray her in SNL history — Donald Trump (in real life), clinches the Republican nomination.
June
The greatest is gone: Muhammad Ali dies at 74 after a three-decade battle with Parkinson’s disease. It’s Clinton’s turn to clinch her party’s nomination, becoming the first woman in U.S. history to lead a major party ticket. At the Tony awards, host James Corden opens with a tribute to the Orlando nightclub shooting victims, and Miranda a does the same with a tearful sonnet.
July
Hollywood always turns out for Democrats, and the Democratic National Convention is no exception. Performers include Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, Carole King, Demi Lovato, Boyz II Men and Paul Simon, among many others. Roger Ailes is out at Fox News Channel, following allegations of sexual harassment. Retired Jon Stewart returns to late night for an appearance with Stephen Colbert.
August
Scott Baio is the biggest celebrity at the Republican National Convention. And some sports news: In Rio, Michael Phelps ends his historic Olympic career, with a mind-boggling 23rd career gold. But the U.S. swim team’s achievements are overshadowed by Ryan Lochte’s drunken night. Goodbye, Willy Wonka and Leo Bloom: Actor Gene Wilder — whose name could describe his famous eyes and hair — dies at 83.
September
The first Clinton-Trump debate draws 84 million viewers, the most ever for a U.S. presidential matchup, and yields at least one catchy meme: The “Hillary Shimmy.” Clinton tries her hand at comedy with Zach Galifianakis on Between Two Ferns. Jimmy Fallon famously musses Trump’s hair, and is criticized for the friendly encounter. Bye Bye, Brangelina: One of the most high-profile couplings in Hollywood is over.
October
Hello, Nasty woman: Trump’s frustrated comment about Clinton in their third, extremely contentious debate becomes one of the more famous exchanges of the season, launching “nasty woman” merchandise like the Madam President If You’re Nasty T-shirt. We meet Alec Baldwin’s Trump on SNL. Trump — the real one — tweets: “Alec Baldwin portrayal stinks.” And the candidate’s “grab ’em” comments on Access Hollywood emerge, sending his campaign into damage control.
November
Leonard Cohen dies at 82. Many find themselves singing Hallelujah, his much-covered ballad — including a sombre McKinnon on SNL, a few days after the election. Baldwin reprises Trump, the Donald settles into meetings at Trump Tower, and his vice-president-elect, Mike Pence, goes to Hamilton, where the production appeals to him from the stage to work on behalf of all Americans. Pence says he doesn’t mind, but Trump tweets: “Apologize!”
December
It’s been quite a year for the musical, and not just on Broadway. Hairspray Live! continues the live TV musical fad. And movie audiences are enchanted by an old-fashioned musical ode to Tinseltown itself, La La Land, by young director Damien Chazelle. Finally, for those craving a little consistency in this turbulent year, it’s perhaps nice to know that December arrives bearing the same Christmas gift as it did last year: A new Star Wars movie.