2009 is over, but it's never too late to celebrate the stars that emerged last year. Here are a few people and things that really caught my attention in '09.
Lady Gaga: I've never seen a woman as bold, creative, or eccentric as Lady Gaga. She made her mark this year with her off-the-wall fashion statements, over-the-top performances, and outlandish statements - but the thing that gave Gaga credibility in '09 is her undeniable talent for giving the people exactly what they want. She recorded smash hit after smash hit this year, and has certainly established herself as an essential part of popular culture today. In fact, she served as a huge inspiration for the next person on my list. Adam Lambert was the breakout star on American Idol this year. He single-handedly constructed not only his own career, but the cultural phenomenon that surrounds the show itself as well. He is wild, raw, and unbridled, and his voice is in a league of its own. He isn't afraid to raise eyebrows or cultivate a controversial image, and while not everyone loves this showman, he will never change who he is to satisfy the public. One person who doesn't have to worry about becoming more likable is Taylor Swift. In the past year, Taylor has achieved sweetheart status all over America. The best thing about Taylor Swift is her uncanny ability to make people root for her. When Kanye West insulted her on national television, he actually did her a favor. Swift displayed such immense maturity and poise in that situation. By staying calm and diplomatic, she won over everyone in America...including one of the hottest guys in Hollywood. Thanks to Taylor Lautner, 2009 was the year of Team Jacob. The Twilight craze was nothing new, but up until recently, only rebels and cynics supported the third wheel on the saga's love triangle. In my opinion, Jacob was never a very endearing character on paper - it took a muscle-toting teen by the name of Taylor to create an intense fan base surrounding the werewolf, effectively creating a rift between teenage girls everywhere. Although vampires (The Vampire Diaries was a more realistic take on the trend, starring Nina Dobrev, a much more appealing heroine than Twilight's Kristin Stewart could ever be ) seemed to rule everywhere else, Taylor was Twilight's breakout star this year. Lautner and Swift both had an amazing year, and next year they'll be starring in the movie Valentine's Day. Speaking of movies, my favorite of the year was 17 Again, which turned Zac Efron into a bona fide leading man. He was great in the movie, which charming, funny, and not quite as squeaky-clean as the rest of Efron's work. And while I love me some body-shifting entertainment, I have to say that the best movie of '09 was Precious. Granted, the film was depressing and graphic, but it did something that most underdog films do not - it presented its star as a girl who fails more often than she succeeds. While her dreams of becoming a star are not fulfilled, she manages to achieve transcendence in her own small way. Without giving away too much, I'll say that the ending of this film was equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming. While it may not have been as inspirational and extraordinary as -say, Slumdog Millionaire, the story seemed much more plausible. On the small-screen, it was all about Glee. This show is one of the most original things I've ever seen. Loved by critics and audiences alike, it was a career-making, trend-setting, groundbreaking part of 2009's popular culture scene.
2009 was a year full of fashion revelations as well. my personal favorite trend was the whole high-waisted, business-y skirt thing. Not only is this look classy, it's flattering and versatile. Gladiator sandals made a huge splash in '09 as well, and they looked especially cute with maxidresses.
Photo of Lady Gaga and Adam Lambert: Poisonivyjones.com
