MomSkoop
Pop culture is full of surprises, and some of the biggest ones happen when stars and brands we thought were gone forever suddenly come roaring back.
From musicians who disappeared for years to companies that seemed totally outdated, these comebacks prove that you can never count anyone out.
Get ready to explore some of the most unexpected pop culture comebacks that had everyone talking.
1. Lorde
After disappearing from the spotlight for what felt like forever, the New Zealand singer stunned everyone by returning in 2025 with her album Virgin. Fans had almost given up hope of hearing new music from her.
Her creative break lasted years, leaving many wondering if she’d ever release another project. But when Virgin dropped, it proved she was worth the wait. The album showcased her unique sound and poetic lyrics that made her famous in the first place.
Critics praised her bold return, and streaming numbers skyrocketed within days. Her comeback reminded everyone why she became a global sensation as a teenager and proved she still has plenty to say.
2. Kesha
Breaking free from a difficult past, Kesha made headlines in 2024-25 by releasing music under her own label, finally controlling her artistic vision. Her album Period marked a powerful new chapter in her career. Nobody expected her to bounce back so strongly after years of legal battles and personal struggles.
Taking charge of her music meant she could be completely authentic without anyone telling her what to do. The album’s raw honesty and catchy beats showed a more mature side of the artist fans fell in love with years ago.
Her independent success inspired countless other artists to take control of their own careers and proved that sometimes starting over leads to the best work.
3. Mariah Carey
When Mariah Carey released Here for It All in 2025, the music world collectively gasped. Sure, she never really went away—her Christmas song plays every December—but a full studio album was unexpected. Fans thought she might just coast on her legendary status forever.
Instead, she proved she still has the vocal power and creative energy that made her one of the best-selling artists ever. The album featured fresh sounds while keeping that signature Mariah style everyone loves.
Her return to making new studio albums reminded younger generations why she’s called a living legend and showed older fans she’s not done creating magic yet.
4. Lady Gaga
Remember when Lady Gaga was all about wild outfits and dance-floor bangers? After exploring jazz, country, and acting, she shocked everyone by returning to her dance-pop roots with Mayhem in 2025. Fans who missed the old Gaga celebrated like it was 2009 all over again.
The album brought back the high-energy beats and fearless creativity that launched her to superstardom. She reminded the world that nobody does theatrical pop quite like she does, mixing catchy hooks with artistic vision.
Her return to dance music felt both nostalgic and fresh, proving she can reinvent herself while staying true to what made her famous originally.
5. ABBA
Decades after their last album, ABBA did the impossible—they reunited and released new music that actually lived up to their legendary status. Most people assumed the Swedish supergroup would never record together again after splitting up in the early 1980s.
Their comeback included not just new songs but also a revolutionary virtual concert experience using digital avatars. Fans who grew up with Dancing Queen got to introduce their kids to fresh ABBA magic while reliving their own memories.
The reunion proved that great music never gets old and that some bands are simply too special to stay retired forever, no matter how much time passes.
6. NSYNC
Screams echoed across the internet when NSYNC released a new song in 2023 after years of fans begging for a reunion. The boy band that defined late 90s and early 2000s pop had been dormant for so long that most people thought they’d never collaborate again.
Their return wasn’t just nostalgia—it showed that their harmonies and chemistry still worked perfectly together. Millennials who had their posters on bedroom walls suddenly felt like teenagers again, while younger fans discovered what the hype was about.
The comeback proved that boy band magic doesn’t fade with age and that some groups are worth waiting decades to hear from again.
7. Crocs
Once considered the ugliest shoes on Earth, Crocs somehow transformed into a must-have fashion statement that nobody saw coming. People who swore they’d never wear them suddenly owned multiple pairs in different colors. Fashion influencers and celebrities started rocking them everywhere, from red carpets to casual outings.
The comfort factor always existed, but Crocs became cool by embracing their weird look and collaborating with designers and brands. Customizable charms called Jibbitz let people express their personality, making each pair unique.
Their comeback taught everyone that comfort can be stylish and that sometimes the things we mock end up becoming the trends we love most.
8. Polaroid
In a world dominated by smartphone cameras and digital photos, Polaroid instant cameras made a shocking comeback that delighted photography lovers everywhere. The brand that almost disappeared completely suddenly became trendy again among young people who never experienced the original craze.
Something about holding a physical photo seconds after taking it feels magical in our screen-obsessed world. Polaroid cameras offer a tangible memory that you can stick on your wall or give to friends, creating a personal connection digital images can’t match.
The revival proved that old technology can feel new again and that sometimes we need a break from perfection to appreciate authentic, imperfect moments captured on film.
9. Salt-N-Pepa
Remember jamming to “Push It” and “Shoop” back in the day? Salt-N-Pepa dominated the hip-hop scene in the late 80s and 90s with their bold lyrics and infectious beats. After years away from the spotlight, this iconic duo surprised everyone by returning with legacy tours and special performances.
Their comeback wasn’t just about nostalgia. They proved their music still resonates with fans old and new. Reissues of classic albums introduced their sound to younger generations who never experienced the originals.
Nobody predicted they’d reclaim their throne after such a long break. Yet here they are, reminding us why they’re hip-hop royalty and inspiring artists everywhere with their timeless energy and confidence.
10. Belinda Carlisle
“Heaven Is a Place on Earth” made Belinda Carlisle a household name in the 1980s. After dominating pop radio with The Go-Go’s and her solo career, she stepped away from English-language music for nearly three decades. Fans assumed her pop star days were behind her.
Then 2023 arrived with a stunning surprise—Belinda released new pop music in English for the first time in 27 years! The announcement sent shockwaves through the music community. Critics and fans alike wondered if she could recapture that magic.
Her return proved she still has that special spark. The new material showcased her signature vocals while feeling fresh and modern, bridging generations of pop music lovers beautifully.
11. The Spice Girls
Girl power took over the world in the 1990s, thanks to five British women who changed pop music forever. The Spice Girls sold millions of albums before disbanding, leaving fans heartbroken. For years, reunion rumors swirled but nothing materialized.
Fast forward to the 2020s, and suddenly they’re everywhere again! Album reissues hit stores, new tours sold out instantly, and their presence flooded social media. Even without all five members participating, the comeback felt monumental.
What makes this return so shocking? Many thought the moment had passed for 90s nostalgia acts. Instead, they proved their brand of fun, empowering pop transcends generations, introducing “Wannabe” to kids who weren’t even born when it first dropped.
12. Nokia
Once upon a time, Nokia ruled the mobile phone world. Everyone owned one of their indestructible brick phones. Then smartphones arrived, and Nokia seemed to vanish overnight, crushed by Apple and Samsung’s dominance.
But wait—Nokia’s back! The brand made an unexpected comeback in the digital age, riding waves of nostalgia while releasing updated phones. Younger consumers discovered the legendary durability their parents raved about. Meanwhile, older fans welcomed the familiar name with open arms.
This resurrection shocked tech experts who’d written Nokia’s obituary years earlier. The company cleverly balanced retro appeal with modern features, proving even fallen giants can rise again when they understand what people truly want from technology.
13. Blockbuster
Friday nights meant one thing in the 90s and early 2000s—heading to Blockbuster for movie rentals. Those blue and yellow stores were everywhere until streaming killed the video rental business. The company filed for bankruptcy, and nearly every location closed permanently.
Yet somehow, Blockbuster became cool again! The brand experienced a cultural revival nobody anticipated. One remaining store in Oregon became a tourist destination. Merchandise featuring the logo flew off shelves. Social media exploded with Blockbuster nostalgia posts.
Why did this happen? People missed the experience of browsing physical movies and the communal ritual of rental night. This surprising comeback proves some things are too beloved to stay dead forever, even in our digital world.
14. Old Spice
Your grandfather’s aftershave wasn’t exactly the coolest thing around. Old Spice had become synonymous with outdated masculinity, something young guys actively avoided. The brand seemed destined to fade into irrelevance as newer companies captured younger markets.
Then came one of advertising’s greatest turnarounds. Old Spice launched hilarious, absurd commercials that went viral instantly. Suddenly, the ancient brand became the hippest thing in men’s grooming. Sales skyrocketed among exactly the demographic they’d lost.
This reinvention shocked marketing professionals everywhere. Old Spice proved that with creativity and self-awareness, even the most old-fashioned brand can become culturally relevant again. They embraced humor and weirdness, transforming from grandpa’s cologne into every guy’s favorite.
15. RadioShack
RadioShack was where tech nerds bought components and gadgets before the internet changed everything. As online shopping exploded, the electronics retailer struggled badly. Multiple bankruptcies seemed to seal RadioShack’s fate permanently. Everyone assumed the brand was dead and buried.
Surprisingly, RadioShack found new life in the nostalgia economy! The brand reinvented itself through pop culture references and social media presence. Younger generations discovered RadioShack through memes and retro culture, while older fans reminisced about their first electronics purchases there.
This comeback took an unexpected path—less about physical stores, more about cultural relevance. RadioShack became a symbol of simpler tech times, proving brand recognition never truly dies when memories run deep enough in our collective consciousness.