Am I romanticizing 2024 one year later? Yes, I absolutely am. Please bring me back to the times of Reesa Teesa’s Oscar-worthy “Who TF Did I Marry” series, the greatest Love Island USA season of all time, the Olympics muffin man, BRAT summer, and Ariana Grande bizarrely holding Cynthia Erivo’s finger. (Thank god we at least get one more Wicked fall this year.)
Needless to say, last year was a pop culture golden age. And with so much chaos and brilliance packed into one year, narrowing down the winners for our annual Betch of the Year awards was no easy feat. Of course, Reesa Teesa took home the ultimate crown (who else?), but we also handed out awards across multiple categories, from meme and viral sound to babygirl and feud of the year.
Where are Reesa Teesa and the other winners today, you ask? I conducted some necessary check-ins: Here’s an update on our 2024 Betch of the Year winners.
WINNER: Reesa Teesa
Reesa is absolutely thriving in 2025. She’s living her best influencer life and going on amazing trips to places like Cape Town, South Africa. And yes, her TV show is in the works! White Lotus star Natasha Rothwell acquired the rights to the “Who TF Did I Marry” series and will executive produce and star in the upcoming show based on Reesa’s story. In an August Instagram video, Reesa gave a much-needed update on the show. She revealed that season 1 is written, they have a show runner, and they’re currently pitching the show to networks. Keep your fingers crossed for a 2026 premiere, folks!
Viral Sound: “Spectacular gimme 14 of ’em right now”
Although the actual TikTok sound isn’t used as frequently now, this iconic phrase lives on in pop culture, and I personally say it all the time. Thank you, Al, for your truly incredible reaction to Vicky’s sweet potato and egg pancakes. And don’t worry: A year later, Vicky’s still dreaming up delicious dishes, and Al’s still gifting us his honest, enthusiastic reactions. The guy really just spends his days enjoying the pool and eating his wife’s food. Boomer influencers are objectively the best kind <3.
Meme of the Year: Glasgow Willy Wonka
I’m truly sorry to the folks who had to experience the now-infamous Willy Wonka-inspired event in Glasglow, Scotland — I can only hope you’re in therapy now. As for Kirsty Paterson, the woman with the fuckass green bob, she totally embraces the meme and references it in most of her Instagram posts. (You can keep up with her at @scottishoompaloompa, a goated username.) Kirsty just recently left Scotland for Australia, so I hope this queen enjoys her fresh start.
Reality Star Icon: PPG (Love Island)
Between brand deals and the full-blown influencer life, a Love Island USA season 6 spinoff show, and evolving relationships, the past year has been a journey for PPG. Thank goodness the chaos has only brought JaNa Craig, Serena Page, and Leah Kateb closer together. In Love Island: Beyond the Villa, we see the girlies supporting each other through various trials and tribulations (Serena navigating long-distance with Kordell, Leah’s health scare, etc.). And most recently, Leah and Serena supported JaNa following her breakup with Kenny Rodriguez.
If PPG ever needs a fourth member, I volunteer as tribute.
Niche Hyperfixation: Holding Space for “Defying Gravity”
A year since holding space for the lyrics of “Defying Gravity”?! I’m getting emotional. This moment changed me and queer media for good. Tracy Gilchrist, the Out Magazine journalist who gifted us the phrase, is a certified celeb now (okay, maybe just for certain demographics, as in girls and gays). She’s still at Out, asking all the hard-hitting questions. Most recently, Tracy interviewed Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, Lauren Graham, and Dylan O’Brien. Her IG bio now reads, “I am in queer media,” which is iconic. Clearly, she has a very positive relationship with the viral moment.
I’m still holding space for holding space as we approach Wicked: For Good season.
Song of the Year: “Looking For a Man in Finance” – Girl on Couch
I fear I just heard a remix of this song in a New York City bar, so “Looking For a Man in Finance” is definitely alive and well in 2025. As for Girl on Couch, aka Megan Boni? She now has more than 300k followers on TikTok and seems to be more focused on making hilarious videos than pursuing a music career. She’s yet to release another single, but perhaps this year…
Quote of the Year: “What tour?” – cop who pulled over JT
“This is gonna ruin the tour” has a permanent home in my lexicon, for better or worse. It’s safe to say the glorious meme will be referenced for years to come. Spoiler alert: JT’s DUI arrest did not, in fact, ruin the tour. However, the singer did call off his final US show on the Forget Tomorrow World Tour, saying he was forced to cancel for health reasons. In July 2025, Justin revealed he’s been diagnosed with Lyme disease (a common occurrence amongst celebs), and he’s taken a social media break since sharing that update.
Feud of the Year: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni
I. Am. Exhausted. Yes, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s It Ends With Us-related feud and legal battle is still ongoing. As we all know, Blake initially accused Justin of sexual harassment and retaliation back in December 2024. In June 2025, a federal judge dismissed the director’s $400 million defamation and extortion countersuit against Blake, Ryan Reynolds, and The New York Times, but Blake’s original lawsuit is still active. The It Ends With Us co-stars are set to appear in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York for a March 9, 2026 trial.
Baby Girl of the Year: Jack Schlossberg
Jack’s still babygirling his ass off these days, trolling Republicans 24/7 (including his own cousin once removed, Health Secretary RFK) with amusing Instagram and TikTok videos. But that’s not the only thing keeping this king busy right now! Our fave political influencer is also apparently exploring a run for Congress in New York. In September, Jack asked his followers if he should run and revealed that he’s “formed an exploratory committee.” Thank god.
Wait, That Happened This Year: Mob Wives Aesthetic
Where is she now? Uh, like nowhere to be seen. The mob wives aesthetic trend came and went in like a month or two at the beginning of 2024 (may she RIP). These days, the girlies are more focused on polka dots, gray mascara, and dressing like a maximalist.
Fever Dream Food of the Year: The Spider Donut (Spidey D)
Dunkin’ introduced donut daddy Spidey D last year, and the world instantly fell in love with this spooky, sassy diva — a personified Halloween treat complete with purple frosting, a glazed chocolate Munchkins Donut Hole, chocolate drizzle spider legs, white frosting eyes, and a whole lotta rizz. He took over Dunkin’s socials last October, and he’s soooo back this Halloween season.
Don’t text, ’cause Spidey’s really busy editing himself onto Taylor Swift’s Life of a Showgirl album cover, cracking thirsty jokes (she ghostin u but she goblin me’), and **allegedly** vandalizing a Salem, Massachusetts Dunkin’ location. There’s an ongoing investigation.
