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14 pop culture moments from 2009 that will make you feel old af
4 January 2019, 21:52
It's been a decade since 2009, which means a decade since Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift's VMAs speech, Obama was inaugurated, and Avatar became the highest grossing film of all time. Here are some of the most memorable pop culture moments from 2009, including ones that will make you say "I cannot possibly be this old."
2009 was a big year in pop culture. From President Obama taking office to the tragic death of Michael Jackson, these 2009 events are still considered hugely significant even today. We've compiled a list of some of the year's most significant events and unbelievable facts that are, honestly, just going to make you feel old af. Sorry in advance.
Obama is sworn in as the 44th president of The United States of America - January 20, 2009
2009 got off to a hopeful start as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of The United States of America. In his inauguration speech, President Obama promised "a new era of responsibility" as he looked toward the future and acknowledged the country's challenges.
Obama went on to serve two terms as president before leaving office in January 2017.
Grindr launches - March 25, 2009
A new dating app for gay and bisexual men called Grindr launched in March 2009. Grindr, which allows men to view and communicate with others users close by, has become a very popular dating and hook-up app and is used in 234 countries worldwide.
Hannah Montana: The Movie hits theatres - April 10, 2009
Who remembers Hannah Montana: The Movie? The Disney Channel original show was turned into a feature length film, giving fans "The Climb" and a truly iconic Tyra Banks cameo. The film took in $169 million at the box office and further solidified Miley Cyrus' growing teen empire.
Glee (May 2009) and Modern Family (September 2009) air their first episodes.
Ten years ago, both Glee and Modern Family aired their first episodes. Over Glee's 6 seasons, it was awarded six Emmy's. Now in its 10th season, Modern Family has picked up 22 Emmy awards. Both shows are considered extremely popular and beloved by audiences.
Facebook launches FarmVille in June 2009. In under a year, it had over 83 million monthly users.
Remember back in the day when all of your aunts and uncles used to send you FarmVille requests on Facebook? The farming simulator quickly amassed millions of users within its first year. So, if it felt like 83 million people were asking you to help out with their virtual farms....well, that's because they were.
The King of Pop Michael Jackson dies age 50 - June 25, 2009
Fans of the King of Pop bid farewell to Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009. Michael Jackson stopped breathing at his LA home and was rushed to a nearby hospital while medics performed CPR on him en route. Efforts to save Michael Jackson failed, however, and he was pronounced dead later that afternoon. Millions of tributes poured in from fans and mourners of the 50 year old pop icon.
Chris Pratt and Anna Faris are married - July 9, 2009
Chris Pratt and Anna Faris tied the knot a decade ago in summer 2009. The pair share a son, born in 2012. Pratt and Faris filed for legal separation in October 2018, calling it quits after nine years of marriage.
Kanye West interrupts Taylor Swift during her VMA video of the year acceptance speech - September 13, 2009
A day that will forever live on in infamy, September 13, 2009 will mark the very beginning of the longstanding Kanye West/Taylor Swift feud. While Taylor Swift was accepting her award for Best Female Video at the MTV VMAs, Kanye West stormed the stage and declared that Beyoncé had "one of the best music videos of all time." He was talking about the music video for "Single Ladies", of course.
A decade later, and the two are still on the outs for various reasons.
Lady Gaga gives iconic (and bloody) performance of "Paparazzi" at the 2009 MTV VMA awards - September 13, 2009
Lady Gaga's first ever VMAs performance ended in (fake) blood as the singer gave a spirited performance of her hit single "Paparazzi". At the time, it all seemed a bit much but Gaga quickly established herself as a visual artist unafraid to shock her audiences. The next year, Lady Gaga arrived to the MTV VMAs wearing a dress made of raw meat. Queen of doing the unexpected.
The Black Eyed Peas spend 26 weeks at number 1 with "Boom Boom Pow" and "I Got A Feeling".
If you're racking your brain trying to remember what music was popular in 2009, the Black Eyed Peas have got your answer. Two BEP singles, "Boom Boom Pow" and "I Got A Feeling" spent a collective 26 weeks at number one in the year 2009.
"Jacob" and "Isabella" are the top baby names of 2009. A case of Twilight fever perhaps.
In 2008, Twilight officially became an international sensation, raking in $393 million at the box office. A year later, "Jacob" and "Isabella" top the ranking of baby names for 2009. Hmm, now where have we heard those names before? Isabella is of course, the long version of "Bella", the lead in the Twilight series. As for Jacob, who could forget the werewolf with a heart of gold?
Sony sells 12 million floppy disks in 2009...then stops selling them altogether in 2010.
If you thought 2009 wasn't all that long ago, please remember that Sony sold 12 million FLOPPY DISKS in 2009. The very next year, Sony announced that it was halting production on floppy disks. If you don't know what a floppy disk is...ask your parents.
The Jersey Shore premieres on MTV - December 3, 2009
Gym, tan, laundry! The men and women of MTV's The Jersey Shore partied, hooked up, and delivered some of the most explosive TV moments audiences had ever seen. Each weekly preview promised more blow outs, relationship drama, and unforgettable show downs.
Avatar is released and becomes the highest grossing film of all time - December 18, 2009
Avatar, released in December 2009, went on to become the highest grossing film of all time. BoxofficeMojo lists its total box office earnings at $2.7 billion. James Cameron directed the film starring Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, and Sam Worthington.