1. Britney Spears Early in 2008 (yes, already her fans are cringing), Britney was at her darkest time yet. She was pictured strapped to a gurney and was in psychiatric care. Our readers even voted her into the Biggest Celebrity Train Wrecks of 2008 list. But what a difference a few months makes. She released one of the best albums of her career, earned herself her first #1 single since 1999's "..Baby One More Time", and looks better than ever. The real comeback test for Britney is the stage and all eyes will be on her upcoming world tour starting in March.
2. Barack Obama (tie) He was on your TV probably more than anyone else this year and toured the country more than Bon Jovi, earning him the votes back in November and now to become the #2 Top Celebrity of 2008. The President Elect was able to turn a grassroots movement into one of the most effective presidential campaigns ever created and then changing history by coming the first Black President of the United States.
2. Miley Cyrus (tie) Probably the only list you'll ever see Miley Cyrus tied with Barack Obama for anything. But this year the tween star had another hit season of Hannah Montana, released her first concert film, a new album, and sold another bajillion dollars in merch. She was also no stranger to controversy for appearing sorta topless in an Annie Liebovitz spread for Vanity Fair. Next year, Miley hits the big screen again for the first "Hannah Montana" movie.
4. Angelina Jolie While her and Brad Pitt have become one of the biggest tabloid targets, 2008 helped remind us of why we care about Jolie in the first place. She was at her most bad-ass yet in the action-thriller "Wanted", showed off some of her Oscar-winning chops in the Clint Eastwood directed drama "Changeling", and even played an animated tiger in the animated comedy "Kung Fu Panda."
5. Tina Fey She did a hilariously quotable Sarah Palin on her return stint to SNL, writes and stars in one of the funniest comedies on television with "30 Rock", starred with Amy Poehler in "Baby Mama", and can be seen on American Express ads every other commercial break. The difference between her and other celebrities who were everywhere in 2008? We actually WANT to see her everywhere.
6. Lady Gaga hit the scene in mid-2008 with her Red One-produced single "Just Dance" which is now climbing up to its highest position on the charts yet. But what set Lady Gaga apart from the rest is that she arrived with the makings of a bonafide star: a hot, self-written dance/pop album, eccentric performances, and a style all her own.
7. Madonna headlined her "Sticky & Sweet" tour this year but made much bigger headlines for her sour divorce from husband Guy Ritchie. She also directed a widely panned film, but also earned a global #1 album and single, as well as the highest earning tour for a female artist. The only way to describe 2008 for Madonna is just that: sticky & sweet.
8. Sarah Palin It's hard to get Tina Fey out of your head but the Sarah Palin character is actually a flesh and blood human being! And all you Joe six-packs and hockey moms voted for the Alaskan governor as the one of the Top Celebrities of 2008. Who else added more catchphrases to the country's lexicon? You betcha.
9. Heath Ledger's death was a shock to the country and the world, who first garnered attention as a teen heartthrob in "10 Things I Hate About You", and later in his Oscar nominated turn for "Brokeback Mountain." His turn as the Joker in this year's "The Dark Knight" has been regarded the most fully-really realized performance of his lifetime. Other than some footage captured for next year's "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus", it's sadly his last.
10. Taylor Swift Her single "Love Story" was a #1 Country single but her real life love story consisted of a quickie break-up with Jonas Brother Joe over the phone (27 seconds, to be exact). But she's already sold over a million copies of her just-released album "Fearless" and has already scored at least 5 hits from it. Taylor's story this year definitely had a happy ending.
Honorable mentions: Katy Perry, Jonas Brothers, Robert Pattinson
Photo:BritneySpears.com
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