23 Pop Culture Moments From January 2009 That’ll Make You Say “Wow, That Was Such A Different Time!”

1.

Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”…


Sony Music

2.

…and Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” were the No. 1 songs in the country…and also the No. 1 songs that got everyone running to the dance floor.

3.

Lady Gaga also rocked her iconic bow hair.


Philip Ramey Photography, Llc / Getty Images

4.

The Kings of Leon dominated alternative radio with their smash hit, “Sex on Fire.”


Sony Music

5.

Taylor Swift had the No. 1 album in the country…


Big Machine

6.

…and she also performed on SNL for the first time (in case you forgot, Neil Patrick Harris hosted).


NBC / Getty Images

7.

Chris Pratt and Anna Faris announced they were engaged.


Michael Buckner / Getty Images

8.

Fergie and Josh Duhamel got married.

9.

Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy broke up after dating for five years.


Jamie Mcdonald / Getty Images

10.

Joaquin Phoenix said he was quitting acting to pursue a rap career.


Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

12.

Faye Dunaway and Hilary Duff started their feud after Faye reportedly said, “Couldn’t they at least cast a real actress?” upon hearing Hilary would play “Bonnie” in a Bonnie & Clyde remake (a role that Faye immortalized).


Warner Bros., Brad Barket / Getty Images

13.

Jessica Simpson got the internet in a tizzy after wearing these infamous jeans:


Logan Fazio / Getty Images

15.

The Oscar nominations were announced and, as expected, Heath Ledger received a posthumous nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the Joker in The Dark Knight.


Kevin Winter / Getty Images

16.

Katy Perry said she was taking a vow of celibacy, but took it back the next day.


Getty Images

17.

The 66th Golden Globes award show aired, and some of the big winners were Slumdog Millionaire for Best Motion-Picture Drama…


Jewel Samad / AFP / Getty Images

18.

Mad Men for Best Television Series – Drama…


Jason Merritt / Getty Images

19.

…and 30 Rock for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy (Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin also won Best Performances Globes in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for their performances on the show).


Jason Merritt / Getty Images

20.

Kara DioGuardi made her debut as a judge on the eighth season of American Idol.


Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images

21.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Taken were among the movies released into theaters that month.


Columbia Pictures, 20th Century Fox

23.

And finally, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America.


Mark Wilson / Getty Images