As 2010 draws near, The Hollywood Gossip staff looks back on the year that was, honoring finalists for our prestigious, 3rd Annual Celebrity of the Year award.
These stars have given us their best, their worst, their off-the-wall antics and in the case of these two, an immediate, but lasting impact on the music world.
It's time for THG to pay tribute to this greatness.
The year in music belonged to these two rising stars.
He started the year as an unknown; made headlines in February for his flamboyant acts; finished second on American Idol; and has to already be considered one of the most successful singers in the show's history.
Adam Lambert hasn't merely made a name for himself in 2009, he's created a cult following in fewer than 12 months.
Hated by some and embraced by others, the crooner managed to handle his sexuality with both subtle grace AND over-the-top exploits. Adam has more in common with Lady GaGa than unique fashion taste and controversial performances.
Both are well-spoken in interviews and deadly serious about their craft.
Lambert made out with a man at the American Music Awards, but 2009 will be best remembered as the year he made off with the title of Most Fascinating Singer Alive.
As for his female counterpart, Lady Gaga produced a half-dozen hits this year, proving herself so much more than a gimmick or flamboyant flash in the musical pan.
Not that there was a shortage of flamboyance.
She dressed as scrap metal, a gimp, a button, a chain-smoking rabbit, and a Kermit the frog doll collage. She simulated her own bloody murder on stage. She was even rumored to be a hermaphrodite after one revealing display.
We love her for every moment of it. That's just Lady Gaga for you.
It's only fitting that these dynamic performers share the #5 spot on our end-of-year countdown.
