It is safe to say that 2020 wasn't the best year for most people — celebrities included. Movie and TV productions were halted or delayed, music tours and awards shows got canceled, and there was so much uncertainty around how to safely make new art and entertainment. Celebrities were probably feeling just as hopeful as the rest of us that 2021 would be a much better year. And although the COVID-19 and its variants are still a thing and life isn't fully back to normal, there were some celebrities who ended up having a pretty great 2021.
For some celebrities, 2021 was terrific because they hit a new peak in their career. It might have been their first No. 1 song or a major hit movie or getting recognized by their peers with an Academy Award or Grammy Award nomination. Other celebs had a great 2021 because something joyful happened in their personal lives. We're talking new babies, new loves, a certain Kardashian who finally passed her "baby bar" exam (we see you, Kim, living your best aspiring lawyer life!), and even a viral moment turned into a whole new career.
No matter what the reason, all of us who love celebrity gossip were glad for fresh news to talk about and for celebrities to be out in public again in 2021.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian had a big 2021. She and Kanye West called it quits. She took (and failed) the "baby bar" exam (required for her to continue her legal studies) several times, including once while she was sick with COVID-19. It could have been a bad year, but December finds her with a fresh passing grade, a new boyfriend in Pete Davidson, and seemingly living her best life post-Kanye.
Ryan Reynolds
Not only did Ryan Reynolds have two massive hit movies this year (Free Guy and Red Notice), but he was also honored with a Governor General's Performing Arts Award, recognizing him as one of Canada's most beloved entertainers. All that and he got multiple chances to make snarky but hilarious posts on Instagram about how much he loves his wife, Blake Lively.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift was a little busy in 2021. She released two albums, Fearless (Taylor's Version) and Red (Taylor's Version), she won a Grammy, she was a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, and she topped the charts with her much-anticipated extended version of All Too Well. Dare fans hope for more music in 2022, or is she going to take a second to breathe?
Cody Rigsby
The pandemic made sales of Peloton bikes skyrocket and turned some of the company's top instructors into celebrities on and off the bike. Cody Rigsby got to model for Beyoncé's Ivy Park line, appeared on Dancing With the Stars (snagging a third-place finish), and still managed to keep Peloton riders happy with new rides all year long. He's not quite a household name yet, but 2022 might be an even bigger year for him.
Ariana Grande
The petite pop diva Ariana Grande had a big 2021. She joined the cast of The Voice, she was announced as the next Glinda for the hotly anticipated movie adaptation of Wicked, and she got married. Her wedding photos were the most-liked post on Instagram in 2021.
Kourtney Kardashian
Kim isn't the only Kardashian sister to have a great 2021. (Sorry, Khloé — this isn't about you.) Kourtney spent 2021 in a loved-up haze, complete with PDA with Travis Barker all over the world. The duo got engaged in October, so maybe there will be a Kardashian wedding in 2022?
Oprah
The March 2021 Oprah interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry was a major media moment. Ratings were through the roof, the special sparked days of follow-up conversation (and several great memes), and it reminded everyone that when it comes to juicy tell-all interviews, Oprah is the GOAT.
Suni Lee
Though she was predicted to medal in the uneven bars at the Tokyo Olympics, gymnast Suni Lee ended up having a much bigger Olympics than anyone expected. After winning gold, she kept right on having a great year. She appeared on Dancing With the Stars, started college, and even got to attend the Met Gala. Not too shabby for the 18-year-old from St. Paul, Minnesota!
Ella Emhoff
The year started off on a high note for Ella Emhoff. She took the stage to watch her stepmother get inaugurated as the first female vice president of the United States, and her quirky style captured the attention of many in the fashion industry. She's now working as a runway model and designer. She also made a major splash at the Met Gala, ending up on several "best dressed" lists.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle
Harry and Meghan lived their best lives in 2021. They got to tell their side of the story to Oprah and welcomed a daughter, and Meghan scored major legal victories in her fight against The Daily Mail, as British courts found that the media outlet had violated her rights to privacy. We're just hoping we'll maybe get to see a picture of baby Lilibet in 2022!
Adele
She's back! After several years out of the limelight and living through a divorce, Adele reemerged with her new album, 30. Not only did she look and sound terrific, but her album got rave reviews and is on track to being the best-selling album of 2021. Welcome back, Adele. We missed you!
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion won several accolades this year, including three American Music Awards and a Glamour Woman of the Year award. But she earned something even more important: her college diploma. In December, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in health care administration. She's got beauty, brains, and a music career that is still on fire.
Lin-Manuel Miranda
After the massive success of the musical Hamilton, some may have wondered how Lin-Manuel Miranda would follow up on that success. If 2021 is any indication, he's going to be just fine. The movie version of his stage musical In the Heights was a big hit, and he also did the music for the latest Disney movie Encanto and directed Tick, Tick … Boom for Netflix.
Britney Spears
She's freeeeeeeee! After years of being in a conservatorship that meant her father and other advisors controlled almost every element of her life (including her finances and reproductive choices), Britney Spears was finally given back control in 2021.
Gabrielle Union
OK, so first things first. Gabrielle Union's Instagram page is a must-follow because her posts about her daughter Kaavia are a consistent delight. In addition to killing it at the social media game, Gabrielle also released her second memoir in 2021, You Got Anything Stronger? and it was another critical and sales success.
