17 things that happened in 2017

1.Chance the Rapper, an unsigned rap artist, won three Grammy awards.

The Chicago native, philanthropist and musician, Chance the Rapper, won the Grammy awards for Best New Artist, Best Rap Performance (“No Problem” with 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne), and Best Rap Album (“Coloring Book”). The album was available for streaming exclusively on Apple Music at its initial release. Despite a non-traditional release, it still rose on the Billboard charts and received worldwide acclaim. Chance is not signed with big time record labels like many other artists, and therefore crossed boundaries in the way of independent artists into the mainstream.

2. A frozen embryo conceived over 20 years ago is born.

Emma Gibson was born on Nov. 25 at the National Embryo Donation Center, but she is not your typical baby. She is the product of a frozen embryo from 1992, over 20 years ago. Gibson is also now the longest frozen embryo known to come to birth. This provides great information and continuing research on embryo donation to help couples who are infertile looking to have children.

3. “Dear Evan Hansen” wins the Tony award for Best Musical.

Up against shows like “Groundhog Day” (based on the 1993 film), “Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812,” and 9/11 true story “Come from Away,” the inspiring “Dear Evan Hansen” walked away with the Tony award for Best Musical. The show sheds a light on teen suicide and mental illness with uplifting music. The show also won awards for Best Book, Best Original Score, Best Leading Actor (Ben Platt), Best Featured Actress (Rachel Bay Jones), and Best Orchestrations.

4. The solar eclipse happened!

On Monday, Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse happened for the first time since 1979. On this day, the moon completely covered the sun. Protective glasses sold out in stores and online around the world to watch this rare event.

5. Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch was created as a handheld-console hybrid to make travel and on-the-go gameplay easier. The device has inspired the new generation of gamers while giving veteran players a satisfying new way to enjoy their old favorites. The Verge calls it “the most innovative game console in years.”

6. “Stranger Things” Season 2

The popular Netflix original show, “Stranger Things,” gave fans a Halloween treat with a second season being released on Oct. 27. The nine new episodes received overwhelming positive reviews from fans, and the show was renewed for a third season on Dec. 1.

7. “La La Land” didn't win Best Picture

While this event might have disappointed your musical loving heart, it was amusing to watch another awards show mix up on live television. “La La Land” was tied for the most nominated film in history, up for awards like Best Director, Best Original Music, and Best Picture. During the acceptance speeches, it was discovered that “La La Land” was not written on the card read by Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway and “Moonlight” was the real Best Picture.

8. Miss North Dakota wins Miss America for the first time

Cara Mund, a native of Bismarck, became the first Miss North Dakota to win Miss America. Mund wowed the judges with her grace, poise, and talent, a jazz dance to Michael Jackson’s “The way you make me feel.”

9. Women in Saudi Arabia driving

In September, the Saudi foreign ministry tweeted that a royal decree had been issued allowing women in the country to drive. “This is a historic big day in our kingdom,” Prince Khaled bin Salman told CNN.

10. Prince Harry got engaged

Prince Harry of Wales proposed to actress Meghan Markle in November, and the two are set to be married at St George’s Chapel in May 2018. Another extravagant royal wedding on television is definitely something to be thankful for.

11. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (no spoilers!)

The second film in the sequel trilogy to Star Wars was released on Dec. 15. The story is continued from “The Force Awakens,” released in 2015. A final installment of the trilogy is already set for release in December 2019.

12. Hurricane Relief

After the devastation of natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, many people ran to the aid of those affected. Benefits were held around the country to assist the victims. Donations and volunteers are still needed to help these families and individuals in the coming months. Click here for more information.

13. Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 65th year of reign in February. The celebration included gun salutes at different locations around the United Kingdom.

14. Major League Baseball World Series

The Houston Astros won the World Series for the first time ever this past Nov. 1 since the team’s formation in 1962.

15. Women take a stand

Allegations of sexual assault and harassment invaded Hollywood this year. Victims and supporters banded together with marches, protests, and viral hashtag #MeToo to raise awareness for the epidemic.

16. Darci Lynn wins “America’s Got Talent”

Twelve-year-old Darci wowed the judges with her ventriloquist act on “America’s Got Talent,” making it straight to the live shows with the golden buzzer and won first place. View all her performances here.

17. 2017 is (almost) over!

Although this year did have some good, it is hard to not think about the bad things or the upsetting personal or world events that happen. 2018 can be a new beginning.