2006

What Was Happening in 2006

Twitter is born in 140 characters, Pluto loses planet status, and Zidane's headbutt stuns the World Cup final.

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 2006 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"A Moment Like This"

Leona Lewis

The X Factor winner's debut single set a world record for the most digital downloads in 24 hours, selling over 50,000 copies on its first day to become the Christmas number one.

US #1

"Bad Day"

Daniel Powter

The Canadian singer's piano-pop anthem spent five weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became synonymous with American Idol, where it was played as eliminated contestants walked offstage.

Biggest Films of 2006 — Box Office Hits

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Box Office: $1.07 billion worldwide

The sequel to the surprise 2003 hit became the first film to earn over $1 billion that wasn't a Lord of the Rings entry, driven by Johnny Depp's beloved Jack Sparrow character and spectacular visual effects.

Fashion and Style of 2006

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 2006

Buildings completed and structures opened in 2006

More About 2006

What Was Happening — A journey through the years