Wikipedia:Top 25 Report/September 12 to 18, 2021

Most Popular Wikipedia Articles of the Week (September 12 to 18, 2021)
Prepared with commentary by, ,

The death of a beloved comedian marks some change in a list that mostly continues the topics from last week.


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! Rank ! Article ! Class ! Views ! Image ! Notes/about The royal decree suggests that Onika won't be taking any pills or potions to stop the spread of COVID-19, and proves she might be even battier than her mentally unstable alter ego, Roman Zolanski. According to a series of tweets from Nicki, she won't be getting vaccinated after her cousin's friend from Trinidad had his testicles supposedly swell up from getting the vaccine, causing him to get left at the altar by his would-be wife. Thankfully for him, she never named this friend, because then everyone would know that someone put it all up in his face, then he caught a cause. This led to one hell of a media frenzy, with anti-vaxxers suddenly flying their Barb flags high, the White House hurriedly offering Nicki a personal invite (presumably to keep her from spreading any more easily debunkable anti-science propaganda), Dr. Fauci and the Health Minister of Trinidad and Tobago publicly denying her claims about the balls, and the Barbz doing what they always do: mindlessly rallying behind their fearless leader, even going as far as to protest outside of a CDC building in Atlanta on her behalf. Nicki didn't stop there, as she proceeded to dox two reporters on her Instagram story.
 * 1
 * Norm Macdonald
 * 2,793,630
 * Norm MacDonald (26378045703) (cropped).jpg
 * The iconoclastic, incisive comedian who first made his mark on Saturday Night Live as its Weekend Update correspondent, died this week at 61 from leukemia. To quote Norm himself: "I'm pretty sure if you die, the cancer also dies at exactly the same time. So that to me is not a loss, that's a draw."
 * 2
 * Emma Raducanu
 * 2,255,534
 * Emma Raducanu Fed Cup 2020.jpg
 * Fresh off the heels of her undeniably impressive win at the US Open finals, this 18-year-old British tennis sensation continues to game the system and set herself up as the sport's next superstar, even if she almost met her match while going up against Fernandez (#18). (What? We can't all be as clever as Norm.) Raducanu also made an appearance at #8, and the irony of inviting a Canadian-born British girl of Chinese and Romanian descent to an America-themed ball is not lost on me.
 * 3
 * September 11 attacks
 * 1,348,074
 * Sept_11_Victims_Mural_DC_RIP.jpg
 * This week's Report started the day after 9/11, so we get to see the tragic collapse of the Twin Towers appear on our list for a third consecutive week.
 * 4
 * Deaths in 2021
 * 862,819
 * Calaveras skulls.jpg
 * I seen the sun comin' up at the funeral at dawn With the long broken arm of human law...
 * 5
 * Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
 * 832,188
 * Simu Liu (48469127391).jpg
 * The latest addition to the MCU (and its first entry to feature an Asian lead and only the fourth film ever produced by a major Hollywood studio with a predominantly Asian cast) sees Simu Liu of Kim's Convenience fame playing its title character, a gifted Chinese martial artist who is forced to confront his complicated past. It's proving to be a hit with critics, viewers, and, in a return to pre-pandemic normalcy, at the box office, bringing moviegoers back to theaters and bringing AMC out of its pandemic-imposed darkness. The only place it hasn't made waves is the one place it spends most of its runtime paying tribute to: Marvel still has yet to receive clearance to even show Shang-Chi in Chinese theaters, though not for lack of trying. In any case, Shang-Chi went to great lengths to fix the source material's blatant stereotyping, and it seems that East Asian audiences outside of China have responded well to the film's representation.
 * 6
 * Michael Schumacher
 * 782,282
 * Graffiti de Michael Schumacher.jpg
 * The impressive life and times of the Formula One racer were chronicled in a Netflix documentary released on September 15.
 * 7
 * United Airlines Flight 93
 * 772,146
 * Flight-93-temporary-memorial.jpg
 * #3 could have been even worse if the members of Al-Qaeda who hijacked Flight 93 hadn't been thwarted by the plane's passengers, who attempted to take back control of the plane before it was crashed into the ground in Pennsylvania, killing all 44 people on board.
 * 8
 * Met Gala
 * 758,821
 * KDV2009UncleSamBarrells.JPG
 * After losing a year of being able to watch unfathomably rich people strut down the red carpet in clothes that remind us that we're inching closer and closer to living in the Hunger Games, we've returned to Anna Wintour's magical fashion land. The theme this year was "In America", but based on most of the outfits, attendees must have been told it was "On Jupiter". Some of the more "American"-themed outfits weren't even worn by Americans (see: Lupita Nyong'o's denim outfit, Nikkie de Jager's Marsha P. Johnson tribute, Maluma's cowboy getup) and at least we got some actual American representation through the appearance of Alaskan Quannah Chasinghorse. Other outfits followed the American tradition of dominating the headlines simply by being obnoxious (like this) or memeable (like this). Perhaps the most American thing to happen during the Met Gala this year, though, was a Black Lives Matter protest getting shut down right outside.
 * 9
 * Malignant (2021 film)
 * 613,660
 * James Wan 2018.png
 * This polarizing, James Wan-directed horror flick about a woman who starts having visions of people getting murdered before realizing that they're actually getting murdered was released to theaters and HBO Max on September 10, 2021. And yes, there's a tumor involved.
 * 10
 * Lil Nas X
 * 591,454
 * 191125 Lil Nas X at the 2019 American Music Awards.png
 * Montero Lamar Hill has continued to run strong ever since he took his horse to the Old Town Road. He appeared at the #8 looking like a character from Saint Seiya, released his debut album, and had "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" win the Video of the Year at the VMAs, proving flamboyancy and controversy are no big deal for him, and probably even help.
 * 11
 * Cristiano Ronaldo
 * 589,920
 * Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United, November 5, 2008.jpg
 * Ronaldo continues to attract high views following his move back to Manchester United F.C. He is already the team's joint top-scorer for the season (with Bruno Fernandes) despite having missed 3 of the 6 games so far this season.
 * 12
 * Megan Fox
 * 588,811
 * Megan Fox Jennifers Body TIFF09 cropped.jpg
 * It's arguably been a while since this Fox-y lady's heyday, but it looks like she's making a comeback — thanks in no small part to her highly-publicized relationship with the guy below, who escorted her to this year's VMAs, where she wore a sheer dress that caused quite a stir and apparently gave quite a few people the Stirrings.
 * 13
 * Machine Gun Kelly (rapper)
 * 582,201
 * Machine Gun Kelly 2018 01.jpg
 * The heavy artillery rapper didn't end up on the list this week for any new music or even his performance at this week's VMAs, but instead for an altercation before that awards ceremony with the cocky, "Notorious" Conor McGregor (you know what they say: never bring a Machine Gun to a fist fight) and for his aforementioned relationship with #12.
 * 14
 * Daniil Medvedev
 * 540,003
 * Medvedev_EBN17_(20)_(35844798786).jpg
 * Novak Djokovic already had a bad time at the Olympics, finishing only fourth in two tournaments (though one because he decided to not even contest the bronze). And then his attempt at getting a Calendar Grand Slam was blocked by this Russian, who he beat in the Australian Open final but ended with the last laugh while also winning his first title of tennis' big four. His "dead fish" celebration also inspired some gallows humor from a doubles semifinalist.
 * 15
 * Larry Nassar
 * 520,225
 * MuseeLeon 06.jpg
 * Gymnasts McKayla Maroney, Simone Biles, Maggie Nichols and Aly Raisman testified before the U.S. Senate regarding the mishandling by FBI agents of abuse allegations brought against this totally reprehensible human being who abused the quartet, among hundreds of other gymnasts, mostly minors, under the guise of medical treatment. Deservingly, he's rotting in prison (the earliest possible release date for Nassar is 2068!).
 * 16
 * Sex Education (TV series)
 * 489,209
 * Fan Expo 2012 - Gillian Anderson 09 (7891579576).jpg
 * The third season of this Netflix comedy dropped on September 17. The "British" school problem has been fixed, in an attempt by the new head (or principal for you Americans) to fix the "sex school".
 * 17
 * What If...? (TV series)
 * 471,073
 * SDCC 2015 - Michael B. Jordan (19747747602).jpg
 * Fans of Michael B. Jordan's Erik Killmonger could meet him again in the MCU's alternate history cartoon. And this time any sympathy he had in Black Panther is absent, as after preventing the events of Iron Man Killmonger turns out to be a manipulative bastard who derails everything in his revenge campaign.
 * 18
 * Leylah Fernandez
 * 457,605
 * Fernandez_RG21_(47)_(51376940739).jpg
 * Like #2, Fernandez continues to celebrate her remarkable run at the US Open.
 * 19
 * 2021 California gubernatorial recall election
 * 453,472
 * [[File:Shall Gavin Newsom be recalled from the office of Governor on ballot - Sarah Stierch.jpg|100px]]
 * Unlike 2003, this time California chose not to get rid of its governor. Maybe it was a lack of a recall candidate comparable to Arnold Schwarzenegger?
 * 20
 * Yom Kippur
 * 427,816
 * Maurycy Gottlieb - Jews Praying in the Synagogue on Yom Kippur.jpg
 * Roughly translated as "day of atonement", this, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, was celebrated September 16 (well, sunset on September 15-nightfall on September 16) or (the proper definition of the date) the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tishrei. The confusing part is that the Jewish and current calendars aren't in sync, meaning Yom Kippur is on a different date every year.
 * 21
 * Gavin Newsom
 * 411,803
 * Gavin Newsom - 9.2.2020.jpg
 * #19 didn't take his seat in Sacramento, even if many Californians aren't exactly happy with how things are going under the former mayor of San Francisco.
 * 22
 * Todd Beamer
 * 411,681
 * Flight-93-victim-angels.jpg
 * On September 11, 2001, this Oracle Corporation account manager was flying to San Francisco to meet with Sony representatives. And then al-Qaeda hijacked his plane (#7), and through a call to a customer-service representative was heard speaking "Are you ready? Okay. Let's roll." before along with other passengers going to the cockpit to fight back.
 * 23
 * World Trade Center (1973–2001)
 * 409,541
 * [[File:World Trade Center, New York City - aerial view (March 2001) (modified version with desaturated towers).jpg|100px]]
 * A complex of seven buildings, spearheaded by Twin Towers that upon completion were the tallest skyscrapers in the world, even attracting King Kong. Sadly, two planes were thrown by al-Qaeda on the Towers (#3 - and whoever says it was not the case should be slapped), and the debris as they collapsed wrecked the rest of the complex. A new WTC has taken its place, with One World Trade Center as the center building, and also a memorial that includes huge reflecting pools where the Twin Towers stood.
 * 24
 * Nicki Minaj
 * 399,139
 * Nicki Minaj VMA 2018.jpg
 * The Queen has spoken! (But maybe she shouldn't have?)
 * 18
 * Leylah Fernandez
 * 457,605
 * Fernandez_RG21_(47)_(51376940739).jpg
 * Like #2, Fernandez continues to celebrate her remarkable run at the US Open.
 * 19
 * 2021 California gubernatorial recall election
 * 453,472
 * [[File:Shall Gavin Newsom be recalled from the office of Governor on ballot - Sarah Stierch.jpg|100px]]
 * Unlike 2003, this time California chose not to get rid of its governor. Maybe it was a lack of a recall candidate comparable to Arnold Schwarzenegger?
 * 20
 * Yom Kippur
 * 427,816
 * Maurycy Gottlieb - Jews Praying in the Synagogue on Yom Kippur.jpg
 * Roughly translated as "day of atonement", this, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, was celebrated September 16 (well, sunset on September 15-nightfall on September 16) or (the proper definition of the date) the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tishrei. The confusing part is that the Jewish and current calendars aren't in sync, meaning Yom Kippur is on a different date every year.
 * 21
 * Gavin Newsom
 * 411,803
 * Gavin Newsom - 9.2.2020.jpg
 * #19 didn't take his seat in Sacramento, even if many Californians aren't exactly happy with how things are going under the former mayor of San Francisco.
 * 22
 * Todd Beamer
 * 411,681
 * Flight-93-victim-angels.jpg
 * On September 11, 2001, this Oracle Corporation account manager was flying to San Francisco to meet with Sony representatives. And then al-Qaeda hijacked his plane (#7), and through a call to a customer-service representative was heard speaking "Are you ready? Okay. Let's roll." before along with other passengers going to the cockpit to fight back.
 * 23
 * World Trade Center (1973–2001)
 * 409,541
 * [[File:World Trade Center, New York City - aerial view (March 2001) (modified version with desaturated towers).jpg|100px]]
 * A complex of seven buildings, spearheaded by Twin Towers that upon completion were the tallest skyscrapers in the world, even attracting King Kong. Sadly, two planes were thrown by al-Qaeda on the Towers (#3 - and whoever says it was not the case should be slapped), and the debris as they collapsed wrecked the rest of the complex. A new WTC has taken its place, with One World Trade Center as the center building, and also a memorial that includes huge reflecting pools where the Twin Towers stood.
 * 24
 * Nicki Minaj
 * 399,139
 * Nicki Minaj VMA 2018.jpg
 * The Queen has spoken! (But maybe she shouldn't have?)
 * 23
 * World Trade Center (1973–2001)
 * 409,541
 * [[File:World Trade Center, New York City - aerial view (March 2001) (modified version with desaturated towers).jpg|100px]]
 * A complex of seven buildings, spearheaded by Twin Towers that upon completion were the tallest skyscrapers in the world, even attracting King Kong. Sadly, two planes were thrown by al-Qaeda on the Towers (#3 - and whoever says it was not the case should be slapped), and the debris as they collapsed wrecked the rest of the complex. A new WTC has taken its place, with One World Trade Center as the center building, and also a memorial that includes huge reflecting pools where the Twin Towers stood.
 * 24
 * Nicki Minaj
 * 399,139
 * Nicki Minaj VMA 2018.jpg
 * The Queen has spoken! (But maybe she shouldn't have?)
 * 399,139
 * Nicki Minaj VMA 2018.jpg
 * The Queen has spoken! (But maybe she shouldn't have?)

This fiasco seems a bit too conveniently timed, though. It just happened to drown out the coinciding news that her husband, who was convicted of first-degree attempted rape in 1995, plead guilty to failing to register as a sex offender in the state of California, leaving with him up to 10 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release. Yikes.
 * 25
 * Dune (2021 film)
 * 386,274
 * Arrakis (184163051).jpeg
 * Denis Villeneuve has already brought Singapore, Taiwan and many European countries back to planet Arrakis. The UK and the Americas will have to wait another month to see if the critical acclaim is warranted.
 * }
 * Denis Villeneuve has already brought Singapore, Taiwan and many European countries back to planet Arrakis. The UK and the Americas will have to wait another month to see if the critical acclaim is warranted.
 * }
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Exclusions

 * This list excludes the Wikipedia main page, non-article pages (such as redlinks), and anomalous entries (such as DDoS attacks or likely automated views). Since mobile view data became available to the Report in October 2014, we exclude articles that have almost no mobile views (5–6% or less) or almost all mobile views (94–95% or more) because they are very likely to be automated views based on our experience and research of the issue. Please feel free to discuss any removal on the talk page if you wish.