Whether it was Kim and Kanye rewriting the rules of the celebrity brand or Katie Holmes orchestrating a daring exit, 2012 was a year where romantic storylines felt like blockbuster movies.
If 2012 had a definitive romantic beginning, it was the moment Kanye West released "Theraflu" (later titled "Cold"), admitting he’d fallen in love with Kim Kardashian. After Kim’s highly publicised 72-day marriage to Kris Humphries ended in late 2011, the world watched as she transitioned from a reality TV star to a fashion icon under Kanye’s influence.
While some couples were beginning, one of Hollywood’s most high-profile marriages was coming to a sudden, cinematic end. In June 2012, Katie Holmes blindsided Tom Cruise—and the public—by filing for divorce.
Looking back at the celebrity tape of 2012, it’s clear this was the last year of "traditional" tabloid dominance before Instagram and TikTok completely changed how we consume celebrity news. These storylines weren't just about romance; they were about the shift in how stars managed their public personas—transitioning from being subjects of the news to the creators of it.
The "TomKat" split became a media frenzy, with storylines focusing on Holmes’ desire to protect their daughter, Suri, and the mysterious inner workings of Scientology. It was a rare instance where a celebrity breakup felt like a high-stakes thriller, ending one of the most talked-about relationships of the 2000s. 3. Haylor: The Brief But Iconic Romance
1. The Power Couple of the Decade: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West