To be quite honest, May was a quiet month in news and pop culture. But a few exciting things did happen and we’ve got you covered on all of them.
2021 Billboard Music Awards
The 2021 Billboard Music Awards were held on Sunday, May 23rd, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles and celebrated artists’ achievements on the Billboard charts from the past year. P!nk received the Billboard Icon Award which recognized her contributions and music throughout her career and Drake was awarded the Artist of the Decade. The Weeknd took home 10 awards and who’s to blame – “Blinding Lights” was the song that defined last year and was played everywhere you went. Other winners included Taylor Swift, Doja Cat, Lady Gaga, Megan Thee Stallion, and many more.
Season Finale of SNL
We won’t be hearing the infamous words “LIVE FROM NEW YORK…IT’S SATURDAY NIGHT!” again until the fall as SNL wrapped up its 46th season on Saturday, May 22. The entire season was filmed in front of a live studio audience during a pandemic with no COVID-19 outbreaks…impressive. Many viewers started to speculate if it was the final show for some cast members such as Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, Cecily Strong, and Kennan Thompson after they all got emotional during the cold open. If it is their last season, we will miss them and their many contributions but we wish them the best of luck in their next endeavors and know we will see them again on SNL again in some capacity!
SOUR
You may or may not have heard a little song during the beginning of 2021 known as “Driver’s License” by Olivia Rodrigo—it dominated the charts for eight consecutive weeks. Well, after releasing three singles, the artist put out her debut album Sour to acclaim from critics and the public. As of now, Olivia is set to have her album debut at #1 and become the first female artist to have two songs from a debut album debut at number one on the Billboard Chart.
Vaccine Incentives
In efforts to get more Americans vaccinated against COVID-19, many states and companies have taken it upon themselves to incentivize people to get their shot. Businesses such as Krispy Kreme, Shake Shack, and White Castle are offering free food items with proof of vaccination. West Virginia is offering people between the ages of 16-35 a $100 savings bond or $100 gift card if fully vaccinated. Other states are now launching or have launched lotteries to residents who are willing to get their shot.
Hello Summer!
Well, it’s officially summer which means pool parties, barbecues, and vacation with friends and family! As the country re-opens, we are excited to make new memories and start to resume our pre-COVID lifestyles. Stay tuned for next month’s blog to recap all the latest news across the country and in pop culture!
