As Thanksgiving approaches, families across America gather to share food, stories — and a little celebrity gossip. But if each state had to agree on one name that’s bound to come up between the turkey and the pie, who would it be?
To find out, BetMGM analyzed Google Trends data for 100 of the world’s most famous celebrities over the past year, revealing which stars dominated searches in each U.S. state. Then, to settle any ties, we reviewed regional media coverage to uncover which names truly captured local attention in 2025.
From Hollywood icons to pop legends, these are the figures America can’t stop talking about this Thanksgiving season.
Explore the Map
Key Findings
- Britney Spears tops the national conversation, claiming 81% of America’s collective curiosity.
- Will Smith takes second place with 78%, followed closely by Adele at 77%. Smith remains one of the most widely discussed figures in popular culture, leading the most individual states in search dominance.
- Across the U.S., actors dominate the dialogue, with 13 states buzzing most about film stars, while just seven gave the conversational crown to musicians. Politicians and athletes rarely broke through this year’s celebrity chatter.
When it comes to Thanksgiving talk, Americans gravitate toward the familiar — the household names who’ve shaped our screens, playlists, and collective memories. From Will Smith to Brad Pitt, these are the cultural constants who spark instant recognition (and maybe a friendly debate) at the table.
Thanksgiving, after all, is about connection and shared experience — and nothing connects people quite like reminiscing over the stars we’ve grown up with.
Methodology
BetMGM analyzed Google Trends data from January 1 through October 31, 2025, covering 100 celebrities listed in YouGov’s Most Famous Celebrities index. The data revealed which star generated the most searches in each U.S. state.
In cases of ties, results were refined through regional media coverage analysis, identifying the celebrity with the most local headlines over the past year.
This hybrid approach blends public curiosity and media presence, creating a state-by-state snapshot of the celebrities most likely to dominate America’s Thanksgiving conversations in 2025.
Closing Thoughts
While these celebrities might not be making a surprise appearance to join you for dinner this Thanksgiving, you can always take the time after a hearty Thanksgiving meal to continue the entertainment and enjoy your favorite online casino games at BetMGM Casino.
When you sign up to play, you’ll discover great live dealer games, casino table games, exclusive titles, and even Thanksgiving-themed online slots.
Register at BetMGM Casino to wager on all of these entertaining online casino games and more this Thanksgiving season.
