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Music Moments That Defined 2017
When words fail, music speaks—Hans Christian Andersen
We all underestimated 2017 when it first came around. But as we all know now, it was a monster like nothing else that came before it. It was year of ups and downs, arguments and reconciliation, surprises and disappointments—all of which can be traced back to the music moments that made it.
Adele’s tribute to Beyoncé at the Grammy Awards
February 13, 2017
At this year’s Grammy Awards, Adele was awarded Album Of The Year for 25. Her acceptance speech was honest and humble, but it was her tribute to Beyoncé that really did us in. Lemonade was nominated in the same category and plenty of people thought Queen Bey should bring home the award—including Adele.
RELATED: Happy Birthday, Beyoncé! 10 Times Queen Bey Slayed Our Existence
Ed Sheeran’s chart toppers
March 2017
Ed Sheeran’s Divide had some of the most played tracks this year. In fact, BBC noted that all 17 songs from the album entered the Top 20 chart at one time in March. It was questioned at that point, but the publication noted that the chart was supposed to be a reflection of what people were actually listening to that week. And, evidently, it was a total Ed-takeover.
Farewell Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington
May 18, 2017; July 20, 2017
In May, the world had to bid farewell to Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell. A few months after in July, we had to say goodbye to Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington. It was painful to lose both men so closely to each other, but we’ve been gifted their music for years—and really, what more could we have asked from them?
RELATED: Musicians We’ll Always Miss
Coldplay’s Manila concert
April 4, 2017
A lot of musical acts came into town this year and we are grateful for all of them, but we’re still on a high from Coldplay: A Head Full Of Dreams. The lineup was amazing, the energy was palpable and watching Chris Martin perform live on stage with Johnny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion was a dream come true for anyone that has ever heard and silently cried to The Scientist.
Ariana Grande’s Manchester Benefit concert
June 5, 2017
On May 22, Ariana Grande held a concert in Manchester, during which a suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device that injured over 200 and killed 22. The incident traumatized everyone in attendance and put a glaring spotlight on the then-23-year-old musician. How would she react? What would she do? How could she turn tragedy into gold? The answer: With grace and sensitivity
When June rolled around, Ariana held another concert aptly entitled One Love Manchester, which benefited the We Love Manchester appeal of Red Cross. She headlined, played all her songs but brought along a few other show stoppers.
Taylor Swift’s return to Spotify
June 8, 2017
After a three-year boycott, Taylor Swift returned to Spotify in a move that shocked the music-streaming world. An announcement by her management said the re-release was meant as a “thank you” to fans as 1989 sold over 10 million albums worldwide.
Goodbye, Charice; Hello, Jake Zyrus
June 20, 2017
Despite a relatively colorful career here in the Philippines, it wasn’t until Charice Pempengco showed up on the Ellen Degeneres Show in 2007 that she was propelled into the international limelight. She guest starred on Glee, had a duet with Celine Dion, sang alongside David Foster and performed in front of millions. But in June, she came out as Jake Zyrus and revealed that he had been taking testosterone shots for months at that point. The journey to becoming a transman, he said, was his journey to becoming “complete.”
The overthrow of Gangnam Style
July 11, 2017
In 2012, Gangnam Style hit YouTube and quickly went viral. For years, it stood the test of time as the most viewed video on the website. Many came close, but nothing could overthrow it—that is, until See You Again (Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth) and Despacito (Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee).
RELATED: Psy Is Back: Is His New Music Better Than The Original?
Dua Lipa’s New Rules
July 21, 2017 (UK release)
Spotify just released its year-end figures and Dua Lipa is officially the most streamed woman of 2017. And in an industry of Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande and Rihanna, this is no small feat. What’s even more impressing is that at the tender age of 22, Dua Lipa is quickly becoming an authentic voice for young women everywhere. She epitomizes independence, cool and being in control of her own sexuality.
Image via facebook.com/arianagrande
