When 2020 rolled into 2021, it was awfully hard to know what to expect. If 2020 taught us anything, it was to expect the unexpected. Nobody could have predicted how long the health crisis would wage on (or how sick we'd be of the word "surge" by the end of the year) or all the other challenges we've faced. But one thing that we probably could have guessed was that, no matter what else is going on in the world, celebrities always have us covered when it comes to juicy gossip and news.
From major divorce announcements to tragic movie set accidents to one our favorite pop divas finally getting a new lease on life, 2021 had some shocking celebrity stories for sure. When it came time to choose which stories were the biggest of 2021, there were plenty of options. We decided to focus on the celebrity stories that were the most shocking (an actor accused of cannibalism — what?!), the most tragic, or that seem like they have the potential to be the biggest game changers.
We also have to give a special shout-out for the biggest pregnancy announcements, the most shocking royal scandals, and the celebrity arrest that was a long time coming. Here is a recap of the year that was in celebrity land.
Astroworld Festival Tragedy
Travis Scott fans attending the Astroworld Festival in Houston in November were hoping for an unforgettable concert experience. Sadly, they got exactly that, but in a way that nobody would have hoped for. A combination of factors led to a crowd crush situation that resulted in the deaths of 10 concertgoers and injuries for more than 300 others. As of this writing, Travis is facing millions of dollars in lawsuits and an uncertain future with advertisers and other concert sponsors.
Surprise Celebrity Babies
One major celebrity trend this year was the surprise baby announcement. While there are plenty of celebs who are happy to document every phase of their pregnancy or path to parenthood, 2021 saw a number of celebs who waited until days or even weeks passed before announcing they welcomed a child. Some of those who kept their parenting plans on the quiet include Amber Heard, Naomi Campbell, Jamie Chung, Ilana Glazer, and likely Emma Stone, who still hasn't officially announced her child's birth, which is believed to have happened in May.
Finally Free Britney
Britney Spears is finally free! After nearly 14 years under a court-mandated conservatorship that seriously curtailed her life, including allegedly limiting her reproductive choices, the pop star was finally released from the controversial legal arrangement put in place by her father. Fans who have been clamoring to "Free Britney" for years cheered this decision and are now eagerly waiting to see what her next move will be.
Kourtney's Whirlwind Romance
Although they've known each other for years, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker hit the fast-forward button on their relationship this year. They went from rumored to be dating in January to fully engaged by November. No word on a wedding date yet, but it's sure to be an epic celebration!
A Royal Death
It isn't shocking when a 99-year-old man passes away, but when that man is married to the Queen of England, it is big news! The death of Prince Philip represents the beginning of the end of an era for the British monarchy and raises questions about how much longer it will be until Price Charles assumes the throne.
A Child Star Comes Out
JoJo Siwa is officially no longer a child star. She turned 18 in May and had a major year. She came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, made history as the first celeb on Dancing With the Stars to have a same-sex partner, and even faced her first big breakup in the public eye when she shared that her nine-month relationship with her first girlfriend, Kylie Prew, had ended.
Royal Baby Boom
The British royal family welcomed several new members this year. Princess Eugenie gave birth to son August in February, Zara Tindall (daughter of Princess Anne and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth) welcomed a son named Lucas in March, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed daughter Lilibet in June, and Princess Beatrice welcomed daughter Sienna in September. For those keeping track, that means the Queen is now up to 12 great-grandchildren!
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
Kimye Divorce
After seven years of over-the-top ups (so many extravagant gifts) and major downs (his presidential run, the public challenges with mental health issues), Kim Kardashian and Kanye West called it quits in February. While the divorce still isn't final, it was a major split in the world of celebrity couples.
Josh Duggar's Arrest & Conviction
There have been rumors about the sexual (and possibly criminal) habits of Josh Duggar for years. Prior to 2021, he'd been outed as a cheater and reported to have molested several of his sisters. In April, he was arrested on child pornography charges and was convicted in December.
Simone Biles Stands Up for Mental Health
Going into the Tokyo Olympics, the expectations for gymnast Simone Biles were as high as her flips (which are really, really high). Everyone assumed she'd win multiple gold medals, but she shocked the world when she ended up pulling out of multiple events because she wasn't in the position to safely tumble. While critics called her a quitter, she was widely praised for prioritizing both her physical safety and her mental health. She showed that real champions don't need medals to win.
When Harry & Meghan Told All to Oprah
The March 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview with Harry and Meghan was basically the Super Bowl for royal watchers, critics, and Harry/Meghan stans. More than 17 million people watched the interview where the royal couple got real and candid about what actually drove them to move to the US. It was mandatory watching for anyone who wondered what happened behind the scenes of one of the biggest royal stories since Princess Diana died.
Ben & J.Lo Together Again
Did anyone have Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck getting back together on their 2021 celebrity gossip bingo card? This summer, J.Lo celebrated her 52nd birthday by showing off some amazing abs — and some smooching pictures with Ben, giving us all flashbacks to 2004. Time will tell if a re-engagement will be in the works for 2022.
'Rust' Tragedy
In October, actor Alec Baldwin was involved in an accidental shooting on the set of his movie Rust, resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. While there are differing accounts of what happened and what exactly was Alec's role in the discharge of the gun, the tragedy has raised major questions about gun safety on movie sets.
Baby No. 2 for Kylie
After keeping her whole pregnancy with daughter Stormi a secret, it was a big celebrity gossip moment when Kylie Jenner officially announced that she was expecting her second child. She shared the news via a sweet video on Instagram in September. Since then, fans have been treated to lots of bump shots.
Armie Hammer Scandal
It's probably safe to say that 2021 wasn't actor Armie Hammer's best year. In January, allegations began to emerge that he has engaged in abusive behavior with women he was having affairs with. These allegations hit another level when text messages and emails allegedly sent by Armie were leaked that show him talking about deeply dark sexual fantasies, including a desire for cannibalism and to cause pain and injury to his partners. Armie has denied the validity of these messages, but in March another woman came forward with claims that he raped her in 2017. That allegation is still being investigated.
New Music From Adele
Adele is back — finally! One of the most hotly anticipated music moments of 2021 was the return of the British songstress. Her latest album, 30, comes more than five years since her last studio release, and fans of music that makes the listener feel all the feelings were overjoyed to cry along with the first single, "Easy on Me."
