Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

It used to be American music’s biggest awards ceremony and party. Unfortunately, it has taken a turn for the worse in recent years.

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

When sound becomes pictures.

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Mother Monster returns!

Morgan Thomas, Wayne State University

The K-pop group’s influence reaches far beyond the borders of South Korea, encouraging individuality and bringing happiness to many around the world.

Meredith Granmayeh, Chapman University

Dr. Luke’s upcoming tracks with Kim Petras have resurfaced allegations that the producer abused singer Kesha.

Virginia Laurie, Washington and Lee University

Despite the hype, the new fashion-based true crime film has garnered mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike.

Nina Dutta, Occidental College

Staying home for the greater good —  the social media platform has become the next Madison Square Garden.

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

The announcement has many excited, but still courts some controversy.

Abby Webb, Rice University

They used to be reserved for dimming stars, but now it’s hosting the brightest and regaining its reputation.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

Did your favorites make the cut?

Sarah Mease, Columbia College Chicago

The powerhouse musician ups the ante by doing two simultaneous tours, Enigma and Jazz & Piano.

Sarah Mease, Columbia College Chicago

Five years on, it’s time to take a look at one of jazz music’s unlikelier duos.

Paige Brauser, Connecticut College

The conversations we’ve needed to have for decades are finally taking place.

Megan Mehta, University of Illinois at Chicago

The entertainment renaissance man has now tried and succeeded in almost every facet of film production.

Haley Newlin, Southern New Hampshire University

And what a year it has been.

Kiersten Lynch, Seton Hall University

We should all be more like Annie.

Lexi Anderson, Pratt Institute

Feel old yet?

Michelle Dreyer, Southern New Hampshire University

In the new documentary, Gaga throws off her poker face.

Tylah Silva, Emerson College

Despite the political battlefield that the media has become, this year’s Super Bowl commercials failed to impress.

Bri Griffith, Carlow University

Though Gaga is still a meat dress-wearing show woman at heart, her new album has a soberer, more ambitious sound.

Elizabeth Rourk, University of New Haven and Guest Contributor

Choosing Lady Gaga not only reflected Bowie’s importance to the music industry, it reflected Ziggy Stardust’s importance to David Bowie.