Devastating reason Aussie legend in the news
Google has released the top searches made by Aussies in 2024 - led by a tragic event that saw John Singleton in the headlines.
1/50John Singleton, who endured a devastating 2024 after his daughter, Dawn, was one of the women killed in the Bondi Junction stabbings, was the most searched Australian public figure.
2/50Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, who was released from prison in June 2024 after a plea deal that ended his long fight against extradition to the US, remained a figure of intense public interest and the second most searched Australian. Picture: AFP
3/50Rachael Gunn, known by her stage name Raygun, went viral for her performance in the breakdancing competition at the Paris Olympics. Her unique style and the debut of breakdancing at the Games propelled her to the top of the search rankings for Australian athletes. Picture: AFP
4/50Sam Kerr, captain of the Matildas, led the team to a historic semi-final finish in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, capturing the nation’s attention. News of her pregnancy later in the year further fuelled public interest, making her one of the most searched Australian sportspeople. Picture: Instagram
5/50Bruce Lehrmann, whose highly publicised court cases regarding the alleged sexual assault of Brittany Higgins continued to unfold in 2024, remained a central figure in national discussions about workplace safety and accountability, making him the most searched Australian political figure. Picture: NCA NewsWire
6/50Jacob Elordi, star of the controversial film Saltburn, made headlines both on and off the screen in 2024. His alleged altercation with a radio personality at Coogee Bay Hotel and the intense fan reactions to Saltburn’s shocking ending kept him firmly in the spotlight and among the most searched Australian actors. Picture: Getty Images
7/50The Fox sisters, Jess and Noemie, made history at the Paris Olympics, each securing gold medals in their respective canoe slalom events. Jess continued her reign in the C1, while Noemie’s victory in the K1 marked her arrival as a force to be reckoned with. Their combined success solidified their place as sporting icons and propelled them to the top of Australian search trends. Picture: Getty Images
8/50Saya Sakakibara’s gold medal in BMX racing at the Paris Olympics was a triumph over adversity. Inspired by her brother Kai, who suffered a life-altering brain injury in a 2020 crash, Saya’s victory was a testament to her resilience. Her emotional celebration with Kai captivated audiences and made her the eighth most searched Australian. Picture: AFP
9/50Arisa Trew, at just 14 years old, became Australia’s youngest-ever Olympic gold medalist with a stunning victory in the women’s park skateboarding event at the Paris Games. Her endearing post-win interview where she revealed a deal with her parents to get a pet duck if she won, captivated audiences worldwide and made her one of the most searched Australian athletes. Picture: Getty
10/50Ariarne Titmus rounds out the top ten most-searched Australians. At the Paris Olympics, she added to her impressive medal haul with a gold in the 400m freestyle and a silver in the 200m freestyle, where she was edged out by rising star and training mate Mollie O’Callaghan. Picture: Getty
11/50The 2024 US presidential election saw President Joe Biden drop out of the race, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to campaign as the first woman seeking the presidency. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s road to victory was marked by controversy, including his viral “they’re eating our dogs” comment, which fuelled global attention. The election’s high stakes and dramatic moments made it the most-searched news event of the year. Picture: AFP
12/50Australia’s impressive performance at the Paris Olympics saw medal wins across swimming, athletics, and team sports. Search interest surged as fans tracked the country’s position on the medal tally, placing it second on the list of most-searched news events. Pic: Michael Klein
13/50The disappearance and nationwide search for Samantha Murphy, which unfolded over several weeks, became a major story in 2024. Public interest in updates and the investigation made it the third most-searched news event. Picture: Tony Gough
14/50The devastating Bondi Junction stabbings in April 2024 claimed the lives of six people. The attack shocked the nation, leading to extensive searches for updates on the victims, the suspect, and heightened discussions about public safety. It ranked fourth among the most-searched news events in Australia. Picture: Twitter @OzraeliAvi
15/50The CrowdStrike outage in 2024 saw a faulty software update crash millions of Windows devices globally, impacting businesses, government agencies, and individuals. This disruption triggered a surge in searches as people sought information about the cause of the outage, the extent of its impact, and potential solutions to restore their systems. Picture David Clark
16/50As Cyclone Kirrily threatened the Queensland coast, Australians anxiously sought real-time updates on the storm’s path, wind speeds, and potential damage. Searches spiked for evacuation orders, emergency contact information, and shelter locations as residents prepared for the cyclone’s impact. Picture: Photographer Peta Rowlands Wangkangurru/Yarluyandi Traditional Owner of Birdsville
17/50Hurricane Milton’s devastating force as it slammed into the eastern United States prompted a surge in searches from Australians concerned about loved ones, the extent of the damage, and the storm’s potential to trigger wider global weather patterns. Picture: AFP
18/50The shocking collapse of a major bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, captured global attention. Australians seeking information on the cause of the disaster, the scale of the tragedy, and the impact on the city’s infrastructure and residents, made the collapse the eighth most searched news event of 2024. Picture: AFP
19/50A rare and vibrant display of the Aurora Australis across southern Australia ignited widespread fascination. Aussies were curious for information about the science behind the phenomenon, the best viewing locations, and stunning photographs capturing the spectacle. Picture: AFP
20/50The Queensland state election kept residents on the edge of their seats, with a close contest between the incumbent Labor government and the opposition. As the vote counts trickled in, searches for real-time results, seat projections, and analysis of the potential outcomes surged, making it the tenth most searched news event. Picture: NewsWire
21/50Taylor Swift dominated this year as her Eras Tour became one of the highest-grossing tours in history, drawing fans worldwide. Her relationship with Travis Kelce added a crossover appeal between music and sports, sparking countless headlines and memes. Swift also garnered critical acclaim with new music releases and surprise collaborations, cementing her as the most searched figure globally in 2024. Picture: AFP
22/50Donald Trump made history by winning the 2024 U.S. presidential election, marking his return to the White House. His campaign trail was filled with viral moments, fiery debates, attempted assinations, and controversial statements that kept him at the center of global discussions. His victory solidified his position as one of the most polarising figures in modern politics. Picture: AFP
23/50The Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, leading to a hiatus from public duties. Her prior absence from the public and photoshopped images fuelled divorce rumours and speculation about her health. Her return to public engagements, including attending Wimbledon amid treatment, was highly covered. Picture: AFP
24/50As the Democratic nominee in the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris campaigned to become the first female U.S. president. Her debates with Donald Trump and policy proposals were extensively analysed. Endorsements from high-profile figures like Taylor Swift brought additional attention to her campaign, leading to her being the fourth most searched global figure of 2024. Picture: AFP
25/502024 was a big year for Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who made history by winning a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the first Algerian woman to achieve this feat. Her victory was celebrated globally, inspiring many in the sports community. Picture: AFP
26/50The Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end not only excelled on the field but also gained media attention through his relationship with Taylor Swift. Their appearances together and mutual support during respective events captivated both sports and entertainment audiences. It’s no surprise this ‘golden retreiver’ boyfriend landed the number sixth position of most searched global figures. Picture: AFP
27/50As the incumbent president during the 2024 election, Joe Biden’s policies and campaign efforts were under intense scrutiny. His administration’s handling of domestic and international issues remained a focal point of public discourse this year. Picture: AFP
28/50The rapper released his highly anticipated album Utopia in 2024, which received critical acclaim and topped charts worldwide. His innovative music videos and collaborations with other artists kept him in the cultural spotlight. He also toured down under this year, with many controversial moments going viral online. Picture: AFP
29/50Simone Biles had a monumental 2024, returning to competition and dominating at the Paris Olympics. Her performances were hailed as some of the best in gymnastics history, solidifying her status as the greatest of all time. Off the mat, her highly anticipated documentary offered a raw and inspiring look at her mental health journey and career highs and lows. Picture: AFP
30/50In 2024, Sean “P Diddy” Combs became a major focus of public and media attention due to multiple lawsuits and criminal allegations involving sexual misconduct, harassment, and abuse. Additionally, his ties to high-profile figures and alleged incidents from his past added to the controversy. Picture: Reuters
31/50The unexpected passing of One Direction star Liam Payne at the young age of 30 sent shockwaves through the music world and beyond. Fans across the globe mourned the loss of the beloved singer, triggering a surge of searches for information about his life, his music, and the circumstances surrounding his untimely death. Picture: Instagram
32/50The death of renowned British journalist and television presenter Michael Mosley prompted an outpouring of grief and a wave of searches for information about his career, his contributions to science communication, and the legacy he leaves behind. Picture: Getty Images
33/50A true icon of stage and screen, Maggie Smith’s passing at 89 years old led to an outpouring of tributes and a rise in searches. From her unforgettable roles in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter series to her award-winning theatre performances, fans delved into her remarkable career and celebrated her enduring legacy. Picture: Downton Abbey trailer.
34/50The tragic deaths of former Channel 10 reporter Jesse Baird and his partner, Luke Davies, sent shockwaves through Australia. The young couple were allegedly murdered by a former police officer, a crime that sparked outrage and a desperate search for answers. Searches for information about the case, the victims, and the ongoing investigation dominated news cycles and online discussions as the nation grappled with this senseless act of violence. Picture: Instagram
35/50Following a courageous battle with cancer, the passing of actress Shannen Doherty resonated deeply with fans who grew up watching her in Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed. There was a desire to revisit her iconic roles, celebrate her strength and resilience, and learn more about her advocacy and impact beyond the screen. Picture: AFP
36/50A titan of cinema, Donald Sutherland’s death at 88 prompted a wave of searches as film enthusiasts revisited his extensive filmography. From his roles in classics like MASH* and Klute to his more recent appearances in The Hunger Games franchise, his impact on film history became a focal point of online searches. Picture: Getty Images
37/50Australia’s comedy scene lost a beloved figure with the passing of Nathan Templeton. His sudden death sent shockwaves around the nation. Fans sought to understand the circumstances, revisit his stand-up routines and television appearances, and celebrate the laughter he brought into their lives. Picture: Supplied
38/50In 2024, the world bid farewell to a voice that defined generations. James Earl Jones, the legendary actor behind Darth Vader and Mufasa, passed away, prompting a wave of searches as people remembered his iconic roles, his powerful voice, and his impact on film and theatre history. Picture: Getty
39/50The country music world mourned the loss of Toby Keith, whose music resonated with fans for decades. Searches spiked as people revisited his chart-topping hits, celebrated his songwriting talent, and reflected on his influence on country music after his 2024 passing. Picture: Getty
40/50From his action-packed roles in Rocky and Predator to his comedic turns in more recent projects, Carl Weathers’ passing was the tenth most searched in 2024. Searches reflected an appreciation for his versatility as an actor and his memorable contributions to film and television. Picture: Getty
41/50Claiming the top spot in entertainment searches, Connections, the innovative word game from the New York Times, captivated players with its unique challenge of finding the common thread between seemingly unrelated words. Its addictive nature fuelled online discussions about strategies and solutions. Picture: New York Times
42/50Saltburn, the controversial film starring Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan, ignited a firestorm of online discussion and debate. Its shocking ending and intense themes left viewers grappling with questions and eager to dissect the film’s deeper meanings, propelling it to the second spot on the search rankings. Picture: Prime Video
43/50This darkly comedic Netflix series, written by and starring comedian Richard Gadd, took viewers on an unsettling journey as it explored his real-life experience with a stalker. The show’s unflinching portrayal of obsession and harassment, combined with its darkly humorous undertones, and that viral ‘sent from iphon’ meme, sparked online conversations. Picture: Netflix
44/50Trent Dalton’s award-winning novel continued to enthral readers in 2024, its popularity further amplified by its adaptation into a gripping Netflix series. The story’s exploration of love, loss, and resilience in 1980s Brisbane resonated with audiences, who sought out the book, the series, and interviews with Dalton to delve deeper into this captivating coming-of-age tale. Picture: Netflix
45/50Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us continued its reign as a cultural phenomenon in 2024, sparking fervent discussions about its exploration of love, loss, and domestic violence. The film adaptation, however, added another layer to the conversation. The reported tension between actor and producer Blake Lively and actor and director Justin Baldoni, along with the controversial casting choices, fuelled online debates. Picture: AFP
46/50The 2024 release of Pixar’s Inside Out 2 delved deeper into the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence, introducing new characters like the anxiety-ridden Panic and the perpetually awkward Embarrassment. These relatable additions, alongside the return of Joy, Sadness, and the rest of the gang, resonated with audiences, sparking searches online. Picture: Pixar
47/50This immersive crafting game took the gaming world by storm, offering endless possibilities for creative expression and exploration. Players seeking tips, tutorials, and community forums to enhance their gameplay resulted in it being a top search term in the gaming community. Picture: Infinate Craft
48/50Harlan Coben’s twisty thriller, Fool Me Once, became a double sensation in 2024. First, the novel captivated readers with its intricate plot and shocking revelations. Then, the Netflix adaptation starring Michelle Keegan amplified the intrigue, drawing in a wider audience. Picture: Netflix
49/50Another hit from the New York Times Games team, Strands challenges players to unravel a web of hidden words within a grid. Its unique twist on the classic word search format, requiring players to find interconnected words with a common theme is both addictive and challenging, sparking online discussions about strategies, solutions, and personal best times. Picture: New York Times
50/50The return of the ghost with the most! Tim Burton’s classic film Beetlejuice got a long-awaited sequel, reigniting interest in the original and sparking searches for cast information, trailers, and release dates. The buzz surrounding the sequel propelled this iconic character back into the spotlight, making it the tenth most searched item in entertainment. Picture: Beetlejuice