Pop Culture Moments Celebrating Their 10th Anniversary in 2025
From Katy Perry’s iconic Roar performance at the Super Bowl to Zayn Malik’s departure from One Direction
GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 01: Katy Perry performs during the Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show at University of Phoenix Stadium on February 1, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Al Pereira/WireImage)
Andrea Romero—This year, 2025, marks ten years since 2015, one of the most unforgettable years in music and pop culture. That year gave us so many iconic moments that still feel like turning points for fans, music lovers, and anyone who spent their afternoons scrolling through Tumblr or playing their favorite songs on their iPods.
From incredible comebacks by legendary artists to the rise of new stars. Let’s look back at some key moments that defined a generation and are now a permanent part of pop culture history.
Ten Pop Culture Moments Turning Ten in 2025
Zayn Leaves One Direction and Their Final Album
March 25, 2015, was a day fans will never forget—Zayn Malik announced he was leaving One Direction, breaking millions of hearts. Just eight months later, the band released ‘Made in the A.M.,’ their first album as a quartet and their last before going on an indefinite break. It marked the end of an era for one of the biggest boybands in history.
Katy Perry Roars at the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most anticipated events of the year, and in 2015, Katy Perry delivered a performance to remember. Riding a giant mechanical lion to the sound of her hit ‘Roar,’ she instantly made her mark in halftime show history. Her bold entrance and unforgettable performance remain one of the all-time best.
Justin Bieber and His Breakthrough Era: Purpose
2015 was a game-changing year for Justin Bieber, marking a turning point in his career. With ‘Purpose,’ he didn’t just win back his loyal fans—he reached new heights with hits like ‘Sorry,’ ‘What Do You Mean?,’ and ‘Love Yourself.’ These songs helped him connect with audiences who hadn’t yet fallen for Bieber Fever. Combining pop with electronic dance music, Purpose captured the sound of the time and remains one of the strongest albums in his career.
Dua Lipa: The Rise of a New Pop Star
Ten years ago, in 2015, we witnessed the debut of Dua Lipa. Her first single, ‘New Love,’ didn’t make much of a splash initially, but things changed a few months later with her second single, ‘Be The One.’ The song became a fan favorite and a staple in her concerts. For Dua, it holds a special place as the song that launched her incredible journey to becoming a global pop star.