The seven biggest shocks in a shocking year
By Jessica Rapana| 3 years ago
The year that shocked the world is almost over.
It may have arrived like any other but 2016 quickly became the year that blew our minds. First came Brexit, then came Trump. Enough said.
To help us all come to terms with the year that was, we've nailed down a list of 2016's biggest shocks that left us, well, scratching our heads.
The vote nobody saw coming — when the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. Fifty-two percent voted to leave in the June 23 referendum with a turnout of 71.8 percent. And, people are MAD. After the vote, David Cameron resigned as Prime Minister and millions of people went on strike. Many Brits even spoke about their "regret" at having voted to leave. New Prime Minister Theresa May has since been elected and she will lead the country through the transition. Formal negotiations on the UK's departure from, and its future relationship with, the EU have yet to start.
When Donald Trump initially announced he was going to run for president, he became the butt of many, many jokes. Well, who's laughing now. The billionaire real estate mogul swooped in to become arguably the most powerful leader in the world when he was elected as president of the United States last month. Few people thought he would actually run when he launched his campaign more than a year ago, let alone win.
The world went into mourning at the news David Bowie passed away this year. The legendary musician died at 69 after a very private battle with cancer. Tributes flowed from around the world for the British singer, actor and songwriter after his death was announced on his social media account. The musician's death was one of many that shocked the world this year, including Alan Rickman and Prince.
Just when you thought Pokemon was so 2006, the mystical creatures got a 2016 makeover with a new app that went viral. Using GPS, gamers get to locate, capture battle and train Pokemon, who appear on the screen as if they were in the real-world. And, people went crazy for it. It was downloaded more than 500 million times in the first two months. So much so, that the game prompted outrage when Pokemon hunters started storming churches, memorial sites looking for Pokemon.
The end of Brangelina
If two of the world's most beautiful people can't make marriage work, seriously, who can? The world, including us, went into meltdown at the news Angelina Jolie had filed from divorce from Brad Pitt in September. Jolie, who also sought custody of the couple's six children, cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the shock-split after more than 12 years together. They first met on the set of Mr and Mrs Smith.
The death of Muhammad Ali
News of Muhammad Ali's death this year triggered a worldwide outpouring of affection and admiration. The former heavyweight champion died in July from septic shock, after being hospitalised for respiratory complications. Ali, one of the best known figures of the 20th century, was also recognised for his political activism. Ali, who suffered from Parkinson's Syndrome, died aged 74.
Leo finally won his Oscar
After six nominations, Leonardo DiCaprio FINALLY won an Oscar this year. It only took 22 years since he was first nominated. The Hollywood heartthrob took out the Academy Awards gong for best actor in February for his role in Quentin Tarantino's The Revenant. And so, Leo fans everywhere rejoiced that finally our man had been given the recognition he deserved. His Titanic co-star Kate Winslet was also there to congratulate him and we loved it.