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PEOPLE Staff

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10 Celebrities Who Crushed 2021

This year was a rollercoaster, but these stars shone bright

CELEBRITY

With support from fans and a new legal team, Spears finally won in court and the 13-year conservatorship that kept her under her father's control came to an end on Nov. 12.

Britney Spears

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Liu was launched to the A-list when he landed the starring role in Shang-Chi and became Marvel’s first Asian lead in the franchise! 

Simu Liu

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If you thought the "Old Town Road" singer was going to be a one-hit wonder, you thought wrong. In 2021, the artist continued to find success and challenge gender norms.

Lil Nas X

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After a five-year hiatus, the British icon reemerged with new music and a new boyfriend. We’ll have whatever she’s having! 

Adele

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 If you catch us binge watching any show from 2021, odds are it was created by Shonda Rhimes. Hello, Bridgerton?!

Shonda Rhimes

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The actor's titular role in Ted Lasso as an American football coach hired to coach a U.K. soccer team charmed viewers craving positivity during a pandemic — and earned seven Emmys! 

Jason Sudeikis

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After Raya and the Last Dragon, the comedian from Queens moved up to the Marvel Universe this year as Simu Liu's comic sidekick, Katy, in Shang-Chi. 

Awkwafina

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The breakout popstar of 2021 was so influential she was invited to the White House to promote COVID vaccination. Need we say more?

Olivia Rodrigo

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The Umbrella Academy star shared his journey in a Time cover story in March, and said that coming out as trans brought him "true excitement and deep gratitude."

Elliot Page

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The multi-hyphenate joined the billionaire's club when Forbes crowned her the world's wealthiest female music artist. She was also named National Hero by her home country, Barbados.

Rihanna

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