8 Celebrities Who Made 2017 Their Year
2017 was quite the come-up of a year with many rising celebs finally getting the attention they long deserved. And while some names on this list may be established acts overseas (*cough* BTS *cough*) or people we kind of knew from before (looking at you, Joe Keery), there was just something about this year that really put them on our radar. From musical whizzes, who became chart-toppers, to child actors who made a big return to our screens, this was a huge year for pop culture — and, obviously, the people who created it. Ahead, find 8 celebs who had breakout moments in 2017; they’re the ones to watch this year and beyond.
John Parra1/9SZA
There's nothing not to love about SZA, who's honest and beautiful debut album CTRL just garnered a whopping five Grammy nominations. With ultra-real lyrics and an unforgettable voice, accompanied by amazing style, we're obviously obsessed.
Jason LaVeris2/9BTS
While they've already gained massive success in South Korea, K-pop boy band BTS has become a truly global sensation in the last couple years and finally cracked the American market with their new music. With their most recent album Love Yourself: Her topping the charts, out-of-this-world style and swoon-worthy beauty looks — these guys are truly changing the game.
Dimitrios Kambouris3/9Paloma Elsesser
If you're not following Paloma Elsesser on Instagram, we highly suggest you do yourself a favor and jump on the bandwagon because this babe is doing all the things. We love the model and muse — who has worked with Nike, Glossier and Fenty Beauty — because she always keeps it real and calls out the bodyshamers.
Kevin Mazur4/9Cole Sprouse
2017 saw many things — one of them being the comeback of Cole Sprouse. No longer known only for his show with his brother, the former Disney star is now rocking our world's as Jughead on "Riverdale" and doing pretty well as photographer himself.
Jamie McCarthy5/9Jessica Williams
From co-hosting the podcast 2 Dope Queens with Phoebe Robinson to appearing in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts sequel, Jessica Williams seems to be everywhere right now and we're loving it. The hilarious and outspoken comedian, who starred in Netflix's The Incredible Jessica James earlier this year, is the kind of girl you can't help but want to be best friends with.
Steve Granitz6/9Joe Keery
This on-screen bully-turned-hero captured our hearts as Steve Harrington in season two of Stranger Things, but actor Joe Keery has charmed us IRL as well. With his out-of-this-world hair, which we're pretty sure actually defies gravity‚ and his adorably charming sense of humor, we're sold.
Dimitrios Kambouris7/9Adwoa Aboah
Adwoa Aboah is constantly slaying us with her Instagram presence, her stunning covers from the likes of British Vogue and Dazed, and her overall existence. We love that in addition to shooting for magazines and strutting her stuff on the catwalk, she's also an activist and the founder of Gurls Talk, a platform for women to share and thrive.
Jeff Kravitz/AMA20178/9Khalid
As soon as Khalid entered our hearts, there was no going back. The 19-year-old up for five Grammy nominations will put you in a trace with his dreamy, relatable tunes like "Location" and "Young, Dumb and Broke" and now, his latest song with Alessia Cara and Logic is actually helping to save lives.
