The Biggest Celebrity Engagements of 2018

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It’s hard to pick a favorite song from 2018, since there were so many stellar releases from both new and established artists. So we’re ending the year instead with a list of songs we could not get out of our heads. For better or worse, these tracks were everywhere in 2018 — on the radio, in stores, on TV, at awards shows, and yes, on our own personal playlists.

1. “No Tears Left to Cry,” Ariana Grande: In April, Ariana Grande dropped her emotional anthem “No Tears Left to Cry,” an expression of the grief she felt after the May 2017 bombing at her concert in Manchester. The accompanying music video featured a bee-themed tribute to the victims of the tragic attack, which killed 22 people and wounded hundreds of others.

2. “Shallow,” Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper:Rolling Stone ranked “Shallow,” the lead single from the A Star Is Born soundtrack, as the second-best song of 2018. It’s also up for a Golden Globe and four Grammys, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

3. “God’s Plan,” Drake: “God’s Plan” topped the charts in 14 countries and racked up more than 911 million views on YouTube. In the video, Drake gives away nearly $1 million — the entire production budget for the visual — to people and programs in the Miami area.

4. “Sober,” Demi Lovato: “Sober,” which Demi Lovato debuted on June 21, two months before her reported overdose, gave fans some insight into the singer’s struggles with substance abuse. “Mama, I’m so sorry I’m not sober anymore / And Daddy, please forgive me for the drinks spilled on the floor / To the ones who never left me / We’ve been down this road before / I’m so sorry, I’m not sober anymore,” she sings in the tune.

5. “Apesh*t,” The Carters: Beyoncé and Jay-Z took their art to a new level by filming their “Apesh*t” music video in the Louvre. It was the perfect introduction to their nine-track collaborative album Everything Is Love.

6. “I Like It,” Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin: Cardi B had a stellar 2018, and the massive success of “I Like It” was a big part of that. Deemed the Song of the Summer at the MTV Video Music Awards in August, the Latin trap track from Cardi’s debut studio album Invasion of Privacy earned nominations for an iHeartRadio Much Music Video Award, a BET Hip Hop Award, and a Soul Train Music Award.

7. “Havana,” Camila Cabello: “Havana,” from Camila Cabello’s debut solo album, was everywhere this summer. It reached number one in the US, Canada, Australia, Brazil, France, the UK, and six other countries around the world, and the video starred none other than To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before heartthrob Noah Centineo.

8. “All the Stars,” SZA and Kendrick Lamar: Kendrick Lamar co-wrote and curated the Black Panther soundtrack, and while we loved every one of the 14 tracks, “All the Stars” is a definite standout, especially when you consider the accompanying music video, which is a beautifully stylized homage to African culture.

9. “High Horse,” Kacey Musgraves: Kacey Musgraves had one of the hottest hits of 2018 in “High Horse,” from her Grammy-nominated album Golden Hour. “I think we’ve seen enough / To know that you ain’t ever gonna come down / So, why don’t you giddy up / And ride straight out of this town / You and your high horse,” the former Nashville Star competitor sings.

10. “Back To You,” Selena Gomez: It’s almost impossible not to sing along with Selena Gomez’s “Back to You,” the lead single from the season 2 soundtrack for 13 Reasons Why.

11. “This Is America,” Childish Gambino: Somehow, even with commitments to Atlanta, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and The Lion King, Donald Glover found time to record and release new music as Childish Gambino. In May, he dropped “This Is America,” which debuted at number one in the US and went viral online, thanks in part to its award-winning music video. The Hiro Murai-directed video — featuring scenes depicting gun violence, police brutality, and racism — racked up more than 455 million views this year alone.

12. “thank u next,” Ariana Grande: Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next” might be the most epic metaphorical mic drop of 2018. The song, which she released shortly after her split from fiancé Pete Davidson, references several of the singer’s high-profile exes — including Davidson, Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, and the late Mac Miller — and the roles they played in her life. “One taught me love / One taught me patience / And one taught me pain / Now, I’m so amazing,” she sings on the track. Did we mention that the music video pays homage to some of our favorite rom-coms?

13. “In My Feelings,” Drake: Drake had another hit on his hands with “In My Feelings,” which sparked a viral dance craze known as the #InMyFeelingsChallenge or the #ShiggyChallenge (after social media star Shiggy, who created the dance). For a few weeks this summer, it was impossible to scroll through Instagram and Twitter without seeing #DoTheShiggy or hearing “Kiki, do you love me?” The dance became so ubiquitous, in fact, that Drake made it the centerpiece of his music video for the song.

14. “Girls Like You,” Maroon 5 feat. Cardi B: “Girls Like You” was originally released as part of Maroon 5’s 2017 album Red Pill Blues, but it didn’t really take over the airwaves until the band released a second version featuring Cardi B. The video for the song — which features dozens of powerful women including Camila Cabello, Aly Raisman, Gal Gadot, Lilly Singh, Tiffany Haddish, Ellen DeGeneres, Millie Bobby Brown, Chloe Kim, and Ashley Graham — topped Vevo’s list of the most-viewed videos of 2018.

15. “In My Blood,” Shawn Mendes: Shawn Mendes had several hits in 2018, but “In My Blood” was by far the most pervasive. Released as the lead single from the singer’s third studio album, the track describes Mendes’ struggle with anxiety: “Help me, it’s like the walls are caving in / Sometimes I feel like giving up / No medicine is strong enough / Someone help me.” He performed it on multiple talk shows and awards shows, including the 2018 Billboard Awards and the 2018 VMAs.

16. “Psycho,” Post Malone feat. Ty Dolla $ign: Thanks in part to “Psycho,” Post Malone was the second most-streamed artist on Spotify in 2018, behind only Drake, who is the most-streamed artist of all time.

17. “The Middle,” Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey: There’s a good chance you had this song stuck in your head at least once a week, every week, for the past 12 months. Even though it was released in January, it finished the year at number one on two different Billboard charts, and in the top 10 on two others. It’s also nominated in three categories at the 2019 Grammys.

18. “Boo’d Up,” Ella Mai: Newcomer Ella Mai broke out with her catchy love song “Boo’d Up,” the first single from her self-titled debut album. Although the track was originally released as part of an EP in 2017, it blew up in 2018. Billboard even named it the third-best song of the year.

What songs did you play on repeat in 2018? Let us know @BritandCo!

(photo via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)

Now widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most optimistic and compassionate figures due to her recent career shift as a talk show host, Drew Barrymore is also a veteran actress who’s made her mark behind the camera. Above all else, she’s truly iconic, at just 49 years young, she’s achieved more than most do in a lifetime.

From being catapulted to global fame at the age of 4 to becoming one of the most recognizable movie stars in the world, Barrymore has had a career that’s nothing short of extraordinary. It’s safe to say Barrymore has solidified her spot in Hollywood and continues to be an influential figure. Now for the fun part — with a lengthy resume chalk full of incredible films, you may be wondering where to start.

So, to make it easier, here’s a list of the Drew Barrymore movies everyone should see in their lifetime.

1. E.T.

Universal Pictures

This remains one of Barrymore’s most iconic roles, and at 6 years old no less. Stephen Spielberg’s E.T. continues to be regarded as one of the greatest films ever made since its release in 1982, and comes in with a 7.9 out of 10 on IMDb and a whopping 99 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s no wonder why as the film beautifully portrays two children befriending an alien and keeping his existence a secret to protect him. If you want to cry, this is a must-see. If you don’t, well, you still have to watch this, just have the tissues ready. Not to mention, 6-year-old Drew Barrymore is so cute in this.

2. ​Ever After

20th Century Fox

A retelling of the fairytale Cinderella with Drew Barrymore? Say less. There have been a handful of Cinderella adaptations, to say the least, but this may be one of the best, and Barrymore is to thank for that. Her effervescent innocence shines through in this role and she offers a wit and independence that was not seen in preceding versions – Barrymore’s Cinderella is resourceful and isn’t the archetypal damsel in distress, which is why this is a refreshing must-watch. Plus, its 7.1 out of 10 score on IMDb and 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

3. Scream

Dimension Films/Paramount

Yes, I know Barrymore is only in Scream for all of 10 minutes, but in my humble opinion, it may be the best 10 minutes of the film. Her incredible performance and blood-curdling scream open the film, and thrust you into the most prolific horror film franchise of our time. So yeah, I think this deserves a spot on the list. And even though it's rated 7.4 out of 10 on IMDb and 77 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it's arguably one of Barrymore's most iconic moments ever.

4. Donnie Darko

Newmarket Films

This thought-provoking, and might I add haunting, film has still been top of mind for me since my first watch. While Barrymore’s screen time is certainly limited in Donnie Darko, there’s no questioning the impact her role and character offered the film. Her character, high-school teacher Karen Pomeroy, is a relatable anchor in a film that is otherwise unsettling. And that, friends, should be enough reasoning to get you to watch this movie. Plus its 8 out of 10 on IMDb and 87 percent Rotten Tomatoes score.

5. Whip It

Searchlight Pictures

It’s only fitting Whip It follows a performance like Ever After – two very different settings, yet two very similar roles for Barrymore in that she plays a strong, independent woman in both. Even more so, Barrymore not only starred and directed this film, she co-wrote the screenplay as well. What can’t she do?! I love this movie (about a roller derby league) so much that it ~magically~ appears on my TV screen every year. It comes in with a 6.9 out of 10 IMDb rating and a 86 percent RT rating.

6. ​Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind

Miramax

If anyone ever needed proof that Barrymore has range — I don’t know who would, but that’s beside the point — I’d show them George Clooney’s directorial debut Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind. Barrymore plays a supporting role that seemingly morphs into one of her most memorable as she plays the typical supporting woman alongside Sam Rockwell’s game show host & undercover assassin. Because what man can simply exist without a woman behind him? The movie has a 7 out of 10 IMDb rating and a 79 percent Rotten Tomatoes score.

7. ​The Wedding Singer

New Line Cinema

I didn’t mean to intentionally put two Adam Sandler movies on this list, but here we are. What can I say? The Barrymore and Sandler duo cannot be stopped! It’s another early 2000s film (that decade has the best rom-coms, and I won’t debate this fact), where Barrymore and Sandler slowly fall in love…despite the fact she’s engaged to someone else. What’s not to love? The movie has a 6.9 on IMDb and 72 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

8. ​Never Been Kissed

20th Century Pictures

If She’s All That and Mean Girls had a movie child together, (with maybe a hint of step-parenting from 21 Jump Street) it would be Never Been Kissed. This movie (which as a 6 out of 10 on IMDb and only 55 percent on RT) is quintessential early 20's Barrymore entering her rom-com phase, and for that, I’m forever thankful. Barrymore stars as an undercover journalist who breaks into the most popular clique at school…and then falls for her English teacher.

9. ​Charlie's Angels

Columbia Pictures

I remember my first time watching Charlie’s Angels – it’s one of those films everyone’s dad calls a classic – and after watching it, I thought ‘dang, rightfully so.’ Beneath all of the visible hairspray, sexy innuendos, and revealing outfits, this film is really about strong female relationships and camaraderie. If anything, it’s a fun time filled with action and drama, and, I hate to admit it, it’s a classic (despite the fact it has a 5.6 out of 10 IMDb rating and a 68 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Don't even get me started on the 45 percent audience score!).

10. 50 First Dates

Columbia Pictures

It’s no secret that Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler have insane screen chemistry, and this movie proves it. 50 First Dates is a witty romance that Barrymore shines in. She portrays a woman who has amnesia after an accident, meaning she basically relives the same day over and over. Her portrayal is truly unforgettable and she commands the screen — sorry Adam. The movie scored a 6.8 out of 10 on IMDb but somehow only got a 45 percent on Rotten Tomatoes!

What's your favorite Drew Barrymore movie? Did we leave anything off the list? Let us know in the comments and read up on A Definitive Ranking Of Emma Stone's Best Movies for more!