Society tends to view celebrities residing in Hollywood and Beverly Hills’ fanciest homes as privileged and feel as if they become immune to common inconveniences that affect the ordinary population. However, COVID-19 imposed struggles that even Hollywood’s richest patrons couldn’t escape. Seven months of quarantine, self-isolation, and social distancing regulations, forced celebrities to stay within the walls of their elaborate mansions. Instead of viewing these months away from work as an inconvenience and barrier, a multitude of famous artists and creators spent their copious amounts of free time producing and releasing new aspects of their most refined work.

1. Taylor Swift

A 30-year-old American singer and songwriter, Taylor Swift, spent her exasperated days of quarantine producing her eighth studio album, Folklore. This unexpected album release on July 24 sent shockwaves through Swifites worldwide. The release of Swift’s seven previous studio albums came after months of tenacious planning and advertisement juxtaposed with strategically placed easter eggs. Folklore’s spontaneity defied Swift’s fifteen-year reputation. The album’s release thrilled fans and continues to break records held in the music industry.

“In isolation, my imagination has run wild and this album is the result. I’ve told these stories to the best of my ability with all the love, wonder, and whimsy they deserve,” Swift said.

2. Stephanie Meyer

Best selling author Stephanie Meyer shocked Twilight fans on August 4 with the release of Midnight Sun, her 5th novel in the esteemed Twilight series. The novel follows the tragic love story of fictional characters Bella Swan and Edward Cullen told from Cullen’s perspective. The unexpected release came as a shock to Twilight fans after a 12-year hiatus from their favorite vampires. Meyer dreamt, fine-tuned, and perfected Midnight Sun over the course of thirteen years. COVID-19 gifted her with ample time to finalize and release her novel.

“I don’t know how everyone else is coping [with COVID-19], but right now books are my main solace and happiest escape. Personally, I would be nothing but delighted if one of my favorite authors announced something new for me to read,” Meyer said. 

3. Suzanne Collins

Suzanne Collins improved the quarantine routines of Hunger Games fans by allowing them to revisit the dystopian realm of Panem through the written art of her latest novel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. This novel takes place during the 10th annual Hunger Games, 64 years before fictional characters Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark win their first Hunger Game. Collins released The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes 10 years after Mockingjay, the third book in the Hunger Games trilogy. The prequel reveals the point of view of the trilogy’s antagonist, President Snow.

4. Selena Gomez

Throughout the duration of quarantine, American singer and actress Selena Gomez ventured into the realm of beauty and cosmetics. Gomez released her makeup line, Rare Beauty, on September 3 after months of advertising and publicity. Gomez announced the launch of her beauty line on February 4 to her 194 million Instagram followers. Although Gomez kept Rare Beauty a secret over a two-year span, quarantine regulations provided her with the perfect opportunity to refining and release her brand.

5. Charli D’Amelio

16-year-old TikTok star Charli D’Amelio refused to let COVID-19 stand in the way of her plans. The millionaire continued to post daily TikTok,’s and partnered with numerous trendy brands. Alongside her sister Dixie D’Amelio, the influential teen released a beauty line, Morphe 2 and partnered with Hollister. She also stunned coffee lovers worldwide by announcing her own signature drink, The Charli at Dunkin’.

All five of these creative artists strayed from the “new normal” imposed by COVID-19. Instead of viewing the pandemic as a vacation, they embarked on journeys that challenged their creativity to introduce products from record-breaking albums, best-selling books, makeup lines and signature drinks. These creations cultivated light in the darkness surrounding 2020 and fostered hope in the hearts of fans across the globe.