Positive and amazing are not the first adjectives one would use to describe 2024. Over the past 12 months, struggles and controversy unfolded across almost all industries: Companies such as Red Lobster, RedBox, Express, and The Body Shop all filed for bankruptcy. In the business world, survive until 2025 became a rallying cry.When times get tough, Fred Rogers taught his young viewers to look for the helpers. Thankfully, pop culture had an abundance this year. The individualsand one adorable zoo animalon this list might not have saved humanity from the darkest of times, but they did impact the zeitgeist for good. They were a beacon of light among all the uncertainty:Moo DengThis playful pygmy hippopotamus was born on July 10, 2024, at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Chonburi, Thailand. At just two months old, she became an internet star because of her wild antics, such as knocking over her water dish and giving her keepers gummy bites of affection. Her name was chosen in a public Facebook poll and literally means bouncy pork.Moo Deng warmed the hearts of many this year, offering free entertainment and joy, thanks to social media.[Photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP via Getty Images]Travis Kelces London appearance in the Eras TourWhile power couple Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce started dating last year, 2024 gave us many swoon-worthy moments. Perhaps the most bold was when they joined forces on stage in the city where Swifts notably private ex-boyfriend, English actor Joe Alwyn, was raised.Alwyn was one who preferred to stay on the sidelines and not share public displays of affection. Kelce seems to be the exact opposite, declaring his love for Swift loudly and often. He got in on her act in a big way, appearing during the song I Can Do It With a Broken Heart on the third night of her Wembley Stadium Eras Tour shows.Wicked (part 1)made movie musicals a box-office forceHollywood has hesitated to fully embrace the musical because the genre doesnt always test well. The powers that be have even taken singing and dancing out of trailers, ostensibly to mitigate the risks.But the box-office haul for Universals Wicked might just put a stop to this ridiculous practice. Released in November, the first part of a two-film series has already made more than $634 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo, placing it at No. 6 for 2024. That number is only going to grow.[Photo: Universal Pictures]Very mindful, very demureBefore August, TikTokker Jools Lebron was working as a cashier in Chicago. The transgender content creator uploaded a video explaining the meaning of the word demure as it applies to the workplace and broke the internet. Soon, celebrities RuPaul and Penn Badgley were making demure posts and celebrating the viral trend. She even appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, proving that you never know when your big break will come.Celine Dions return to performing at the Olympics opening ceremonyIn December 2022, singer Celine Dion revealed that she was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome (SPS). Undergoing treatmentwhich includesmedication, immunotherapy, vocal therapy, and vigorous physical rehabilitationhas been a difficult journey. Dion wasnt sure if she would ever perform live again as SPS impacts the vocal cords.Her hard work paid off. Dions emotional performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics was a testament to her resilience. She sang Edith Piafs LHymne lAmour at the iconic Eiffel Tower, reminding the world they too can overcome adversity.Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese further popularize womens sportsWomens athletics have often been treated as the ugly stepchild of the sports world. The undeniable talents of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have aided in silencing the sexism. Even before Clark made her professional debut, she broke a 54-year-old scoring record, becoming the all-time NCAA Division I scoring leader and dethroning the late Pete Maravich. Clark was the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever while Reese was the seventh overall pick in by the Chicago Sky. The rookies helped the league attract its highest attendance in 22 years and drastically increase merchandise sales.Their impact may even extend beyond basketball. A womens professional baseball league is currently in the works, with plans to start knocking balls out of the park in 2026.Caitlin Clark (left) and Angel Reese [Photo: Sarah Stier/Getty Images]Freddie Freemans walk-off home runSpeaking of the great American pastime, the Los Angeles Dodgers took home the World Series championship with the help of MVP Freddie Freeman. He lived out his little-league dreams in game one by hitting a walk-off grand slam at the bottom of the 10th inning with the bases loaded on a sprained ankle.After running home, he went immediately to the stands to celebrate with his dad, giving him credit for driving him to games and practicing in the backyard with him. Beyond the emotional high, this moment will go down in history as the first-ever walk-off grand slam in a World Series. It might be the greatest baseball moment Ive ever witnessed, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mused to NPR. And Ive witnessed some great ones.The ball was caught by 10-year-old Zachary Ruderman, who thought he was going home early from school to get his braces off. It recently sold at auction for $1.56 million, so its safe to say his college fund is secure.