Happy New Year! As 2026 begins, pop culture fans are being invited to take one last look back at the moments that defined — and confused — the year gone by. From AI-generated pop stars to viral movie obsessions, a new New Year quiz is testing how closely audiences followed the cultural chaos of 2025. The quiz, curated by Euronews Culture, revisits some of the most bizarre, talked-about, and internet-fueled stories of the past year. It is designed as a quick but revealing snapshot of how entertainment, technology, and social media continued to collide in unexpected ways.
A Year of AI, Obsessions, and Internet Chaos
2025 may already feel distant, but it delivered no shortage of memorable moments. Artificial intelligence continued to reshape music and art, with AI bands and virtual performers sparking debate over creativity and authenticity.
At the same time, Hollywood remained firmly in the spotlight. Stars like Sydney Sweeney dominated headlines, while movie culture was consumed by everything from blockbuster fandoms to unexpected viral trends. The quiz draws on these moments, challenging readers to recall the stories that briefly took over timelines before disappearing into the endless scroll.
From Coldplay Controversies to Wicked Mania
Live music and film culture also played a major role in shaping the year. Concert moments — including viral crowd footage and kiss-cam debates at Coldplay shows — fueled online discussion far beyond the venues themselves.
Cinema had its own obsession cycle. The cultural phenomenon surrounding Wicked extended well into 2025, proving that blockbuster fandoms now thrive just as much on social media as they do in theaters. These stories, once unavoidable, are now part of a fast-moving archive of internet memory — exactly what the quiz aims to test.
Demon Hunters, Terrifying Toys, and Viral Trends
Beyond mainstream hits, 2025 was also defined by its stranger corners. From creepy toys trending on social platforms to demon-hunting storylines capturing niche audiences, the year highlighted how quickly odd or unsettling content can go viral.
The quiz frames these moments as a reminder of how entertainment consumption has changed. Algorithms, trends, and online communities increasingly dictate what becomes culturally relevant — even if only for a few days.
A Lighthearted Way to Start 2026
The quiz is intentionally short and playful, making it ideal for anyone easing into the new year. Whether readers are recovering from holiday celebrations or relaxing with comfort movies, the goal is simple: reflect, laugh, and see how much of 2025 still lingers in memory.
Much like Katy Perry’s widely discussed Blue Origin space journey, the quiz doesn’t demand too much time — but it does invite curiosity. Readers are encouraged to share their results online and compare scores, turning nostalgia into a social experience as pop culture resets for another year.
