From heartbreaking losses and high-profile trials to blockbuster releases, sporting history, and viral pop-culture moments, 2026 has kept the world searching. Based on Google search interest from January 2026 through late October, these are the people who dominated headlines and captured global curiosity this year.Please note that this list has been produced by analysing data from Google Trends, and is not an official list released by Google.
10. Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner poses as she walks the runway during the Victoria’s Secret fashion show at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California, US, October 18, 2026.
Walking the Victoria’s Secret runway sporting the iconic Fantasy Bra, the Kardashian-Jenner family cannot stay out of the news cycle. The bra, made in collaboration by Victoria’s Secret and Jacob & Co., was worth 50 million dollars.Jenner’s appearance was one of the year’s biggest fashion and pop-culture talking points. The Fantasy Bra, known for its elaborate craftsmanship and extraordinary value, brought together the worlds of luxury jewellery, fashion and celebrity culture. Her walk on the Vcitoria Secret runway generated plenty of online discussion, with fans and fashion watchers sharing photographs and videos of the look. Her place at the top of this countdown is another example of the Kardashian-Jenner family’s enduring hold on the global news cycle.
9. Lindsay Clancy
FILE PHOTO: Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts woman whose trial on murder charges for killing her three children ended in a mistrial earlier this month, sits during a court appearance in Plymouth,
The trials of Lindsay Clancy, in which she strangled her three children, also gained a lot of coverage. The case brought a lot of attention to postpartum mental health and became a controversial subject of public discussion.The tragedy drew widespread attention to the circumstances surrounding the deaths of her children and the legal proceedings that followed. It also prompted difficult conversations about postpartum mental health, maternal wellbeing and the support available to new mothers.
8. Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman poses upon arrival at the Chanel Womenswear Spring Summer 2027 collection presented in Paris, France, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
Nicole Kidman needs no introduction, but the trending song titled after her by ADELA drove up the search engines. In fact, her video dancing to the tunes during the Victoria’s Secret show, and a reel with Pedro Pascal, Dua Lipa and Kristen Wiig have become iconic moments.Kidman has been a familiar name in cinema for decades, but this year’s viral moments have brought her into a different kind of spotlight. Her appearance at the Victoria’s Secret show caught the attention of social media users, while her interactions with other celebrities became widely shared clips.
7. Lionel Messi
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) reacts following an unsuccessful scoring attempt during the second half of an MLS soccer match against FC Cincinnati, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Revered as one of the greatest football players in history, Lionel Messi made headlines earlier this year with the FIFA World Cup and his retirement from international football. He also had a great year with many achievements, like a remarkable fifth-place finish in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings.Millions of football fans across the world follow Messi’s career, making even the smallest developments around him a talking point. His performances, milestones and future in the sport continue to attract attention well beyond the football field.
6. Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus poses with her new star during a ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
God-daughter of Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus made a lot of headlines this year, ranging from new music to sold-out shows. She is completely revamping her persona, dropping her last name and releasing more new music soon. Her homage to Dolly Parton has also made the news, making many teary-eyed during the concerts and on social media.Cyrus has always been known for reinventing herself, moving between musical styles and public personas throughout her career. This year, her connection with Parton has added a particularly emotional element to her public appearances. As Parton’s god-daughter, Cyrus has often spoken about the influence the country music legend has had on her life and career. Her tributes have resonated with fans, especially following Parton’s passing, making their relationship a talking point across music and pop culture.
5. John F. Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
An ode to their love story, FX’s Love Story brought the famed couple back into trending. Carolyn’s fashion was so highly revered, she inspired many stylish trend cycles earlier this year.The fascination with John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy has long extended beyond their relationship. Their public appearances, understated style and place in American popular culture have continued to capture attention decades later. The series brought their story to a new generation, while also renewing interest in Carolyn’s wardrobe. Her minimalist approach to dressing, marked by clean silhouettes and understated accessories, became a reference point for all of the fashion industry. Social media was quick to revisit her looks, turning her personal style into a source of inspiration once again.
4. Hayden Panettiere
Hayden Panettiere cause of death: Fentanyl, alprazolam and other drugs detected in actress’ system
The premature death of actress Hayden Panettiere is one of 2026’s most unfortunate tragedies; the end to her life was an accidental drug overdose. She started acting at just 11 months old and has starred in many hit TV shows and movies like Bring It On: All or Nothing, the Scream series, and more.Panettiere grew up in front of the camera, building a career that spanned television and film. Her death at just 36 brought renewed attention to her career and the personal struggles she had spoken about publicly.
3. Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway attends the premiere of Amazon MGM Studios’ “Verity” at AMC Lincoln Square on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
With five major films released in 2026, Anne Hathaway makes a strong pick for Actress of the Year. Mother Mary, The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Odyssey, The End of Oak Street and Verity span genres from psychological thrillers to blockbuster sequels. Her loveable press tours while pregnant have also been a delight to watch.Hathaway has had a particularly busy year, with audiences seeing her take on a range of roles. The return of The Devil Wears Prada has been especially exciting for fans of the original film, while her other projects brought her into conversations across different corners of cinema.
2. Dolly Parton
FILE – Dolly Parton poses at the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy Ceremony in New York, on Oct. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, File)
The darling songbird, Dolly Parton passed away earlier this year. The tragic news broke many hearts and brought her to no. 2 on the list of most Googled celebrities of 2026 so far. Dubbed the “Queen of Country”, she was also known for her cultural influence, particularly through Dollywood and the Dollywood Foundation.With a career spanning several decades, Parton was much more than a country music singer. Her songwriting, distinctive style and larger-than-life personality made her a beloved figure across generations. Beyond music, her philanthropic work, particularly through the Imagination Library, helped establish her as a cultural icon. Her passing brought renewed attention to her life, music and legacy, with fans revisiting her songs and celebrating the work she leaves behind.
1. Donald Trump
President Donald Trump says Georgia GOP Senate candidate Mike Collins can call him whenever he wants to ask for help for his state. But if Georgia reelects Democratic Sen Jon Ossoff, Trump says it could be another story.
Making no. 1 on this list for three consecutive years, Donald Trump is definitely one of the most controversial figures of the 21st century. The President of the United States of America, his controversial remarks, actions and policies frequently make the news and invite curiosity. From political decisions and international developments to his public statements, Trump has remained a constant presence in the news cycle.Whether people are following his administration, debating his policies or simply trying to understand his latest announcement, there is rarely a quiet week when it comes to the American President. His position at the top of the search rankings reflects the extent to which political developments continue to drive global curiosity.