Top Entertainment stories of 2009
Michael Jackson, pictured at a news conference in London, died June 25 after a successful and controversial music career. (March 5, 2009) Credit: Getty Images
The year in entertainment was rife with shocking deaths, fascinating television, celebrities gone wild and the growing popularity of a classic film villain: The vampire. We take a look back at the stories that rocked the entertainment industry in 2009.
No. 9: CELEBS GONE TOO SOON
Among the celebrities making news in 2009 for their untimely deaths: Farrah Fawcett, Patrick Swayze, David Carradine, Natasha Richardson, DJ AM, TV pitchman Billy Mays and Michael Jackson.
>> PHOTOS: More notable deaths of 2009
No. 8: PAULA ABDUL QUITS, ELLEN ARRIVES AT "IDOL"
Paula Abdul did the unthinkable -- she quit "American Idol." Fans got the bad news via Twitter: "With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to 'Idol,'" she wrote. "I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day one become an international phenomenon." Where is she now? Paula is hawking her own line of costume jewelry on a home-shopping channel. Ellen DeGeneres replaced Paula as judge for the new season, which starts Jan. 12.
>> PHOTOS: Paula Abdul at the Season 8 finale
No. 7: SUSAN BOYLE
The spunky Brit took the Internet by storm when she sang a heart-wrenching version of "I Dreamed A Dream" on "Britain's Got Talent" and melted the hearts of everyone within earshot of her angelic voice. Her debut CD is filled with poignant ballads. Susan Boyle's "I Dreamed a Dream" topped the charts in its debut and also earned the biggest sales week of the year, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
>> PHOTOS: Susan Boyle
No. 6: KANYE VS. TAYLOR SWIFT AT VMAs
He's one wild and crazy guy! Rapper Kanye West had a year full of odd behavior, from exorcising his demons in a Spike Jonze film to canceling his much-anticipated tour with Lady Gaga.
But his biggest gaffe of the year was snatching Taylor Swift's Video Music Award for best female video and then shouting that Beyonce was more deserving of the award, all on live TV. Celebrities and even President Obama were outraged at the incident. Kanye has since apologized to Taylor many times. What will he do in 2010? Stay tuned.
>> PHOTOS: Kanye West | MTV VMAs show
No. 5: "TWILIGHT" MANIA
Moms and their tweens went gaga over author Stephanie Meyer's "Twilight" series, and the 2009 debut of the movie "New Moon" sent the "Twilight" frenzy into overdrive. "New Moon" has grossed more than $255.6 million domestically.
>> REVIEW: "Twilight Saga: New Moon" obsessed with sexual restraint
>> PHOTOS: "Twilight Saga: New Moon" premiere in NY and LA
No. 4: LETTERMAN'S AFFAIR
David Letterman was allegedly extorted by a CBS employee who threatened to expose his sexual affairs with "Late Show" staffers. What did Long Islanders think about David Letterman's situation? The answers are surprising. Watch this clip.
>> PHOTOS: David Letterman's most notable guests
No. 3: JON MINUS KATE
When keeping it real goes wrong. Five seasons of "Jon and Kate Plus 8" - Cara, Mady, Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah, Joel - and this is what we ended up with. Anger, bitterness, recriminations, tears, cows, lemons, faux happy-family scenes, and two people who Americans alternately loved and loathed. Jon and Kate Gosselin went through a very public divorce and the TLC network finally ended taping for the popular reality-TV show.
>> PHOTOS: Jon and Kate Gosselin and kids
No. 2: CHRIS BROWN-RIHANNA ASSAULT
Chris Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault for beating Rihanna and got five years' probation, six months' community labor and a year of domestic violence counseling. Since the incident, both singers debuted new CDs -- Rihanna's is heavy and dark and Chris' is full of desperate sweet nothings to save a career. In a TV interview, Rihanna said that "domestic violence is a big secret. The positive thing that has come out of my situation is that people can learn from that. I want to give as much insight as I can to young women, because I feel like I represent a voice that really isn't heard."
>> REVIEW: Chris Brown's "Graffiti"
>> REVIEW: Rihanna's "Rated R"
No. 1: MICHAEL JACKSON DIES
Michael Jackson's unexpected death on June 25 stunned fans around the world. His fans publicly mourned the loss of such a unique talent, while his family honored his life at a private memorial. His personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, remained at the center of an investigation into the King of Pop's death. The London concert series, "This Is It," was supposed to be Michael's comeback tour and has since been turned into a movie of behind-the-scenes footage of his final performances.
>> PHOTOS: "This Is It" premiere
>> READ MORE: Click here to see more of our Top 9 of 2009 lists
Gilgo-related search for remains expands ... Congestion pricing target date ... Suffolk air quality ... A dog's bucket list
Gilgo-related search for remains expands ... Congestion pricing target date ... Suffolk air quality ... A dog's bucket list
