It’s January, and we’re all in misery *said in Beverly D’Angelo’s voice from Christmas Vacation*. We’ve made it at least halfway into the first month of the new year, and while the winter/post-holiday blues may be in full swing, there are some fun uplifts in pop culture to cure your brooding.
For no reason other than for fun, here’s a roundup of songs, shows, speeches, and performances to give you a lift in your day.
Miley Cyrus, “Flowers”
Of course we’re starting with this! Miley dropped the first single for her new album Endless Summer Vacation (out March 10, 2023), simply titled “Flowers”. You’ve likely heard the story behind the song now, apparently outlining the downfall of her relationship and marriage to actor Liam Hemsworth. Check out this TikTok for the rumored tea. We love a queen who spills it all in the mansion her ex supposedly cheated on her in. As Lucille Bluth famously said, “Good for her.”
Sasha Colby’s performance, “Angels and Men/Fierce”
Have a book you’ve been thinking about writing? Song to compose? Feel the need to create? Then watch. this. performance. Drag icon Sasha Colby is gaining mainstream attention in the current season 15 of Rupaul’s Drag Race, unearthing this incredible performance from the 2012 Miss Continental pageant, which she also won that year. A legend in the drag industry, Sasha’s known for her immersive performances. We know she’ll continue to wow viewers into joining her massive pool of fans.
Also check out this awesome, recent interview with Entertainment Weekly below, where Sasha discusses teaching trans identity, her culture and how it influences her drag, and what to expect for season 15.
Florence Pugh making garlic crostini (and confirming you must always stand up for yourself)
Academy Award and Bafta nominee Florence Pugh is the January cover star of U.S. Vogue, and the magazine made it extra fun with this video of Florence showing us how to make an excellent garlic crostini. While the video in its entirety is fun because she’s so damn charming, make sure not to miss 3:24, where she shares how she put her foot down on a set-mandated diet for a film she was shooting. Florence, we absolutely adore you, and I’m sure I’m going to love that crostini just as much when I make it this evening.
Anetra’s “One Night Only” Talent Show performance on Rupaul’s Drag Race, Season 15
It’s everywhere, you’ve seen it a thousand times, I don’t care. Anetra’s face when she says, “yes” and smacks that wood in half makes me feel like I can conquer the world. Rumor has it Ariana’s mouth is still agape.
Kevin Williamson giving us what we want
Kevin Williamson, creator of Dawson’s Creek, The Vampire Diaries and the Scream franchise, is back with two slasher hits for 2023. First up on Peacock is Sick, a COVID-slasher film Williamson co-wrote with Katelyn Crabb that’s nabbed 87% on Rotten Tomatoes. With the quippy flair fans of Williamson love, Sick is a fun horror flick to get you through the winter. You can stream now on Peacock.
Scream VI is out March 10, 2023, and EW has the first look at stars Jenny Ortega and Hayden Panettiere getting chased by Ghostface and Courtney Cox in a creepy, cobwebbed-covered elevator.
Sheryl Lee Ralph being the icon she is
My fingers haven’t stopped snapping since I watched this acceptance speech. The world can seem very grim most of the time, but Sheryl Lee Ralph is there to remind us that it doesn’t have to. You just have to look in the mirror and say, “yes” to what you see.
And of course, if you haven’t already, watch the very-deserved acceptance speeches everyone’s talking about: Jennifer Coolidge, Ke Huy Quan, Michelle Yeoh at the Golden Globes, and Brenden Frasier at the Critic’s Choice Awards.
There are so many other uplifting pop culture moments to highlight – drop them in the comments below or tweet us at Pure_Fandom!
