Not so fast, Times Square ball. Before we celebrate the beginning of 2012, it’s time to raise a glass to the year that was. At THG, we’re doing that by counting down the 10 most newsworthy celebrities of 2011. First, there was the arresting centerfold Lindsay Lohan at #10; then the newly-divorced reality show judge Jennifer Lopez at #9; then the singing sensation Selena Gomez at#8; then those hilarious viral video stars at#7 spot; then everyone’s favorite California Gurl Katy Perry at #6. Now, at #5, who else? Justin Bieber himself! 2011 was the year Justin Bieber went from floppy-haired niche favorite to mainstream teenage icon. He met the President, he made wishes come true for family members of 9/11 , he even proved infallible to the classic celebrity scandal. Seriously. Nice try, Mariah Yeater . Coming into this year, we all knew Justin could sing. But 12 months later, we know now he can also play basketball , give back to charities and dominate the box office as much as he can the music charts. “Never Say Never” made millions across the U.S. and was actually applauded by most movie critics . Bieber can also rap, act (hello, CSI guest starring-spot!) and almost take down Twitter single-handedly by merely getting a haircut. Justin went public in February with Selena Gomez, but that relationship has not slowed down his popularity. To the star’s credit, he’s been nothing but open about his feelings and his connection to this pretty artist. The only drawback of their courtship? How Bieber has made every other boyfriend in the country look horrible by comparison, thanks to stunts such as this . A crossover star, Bieber sang duets in 2011 with everyone from Chris Brown to Mariah Carey, Usher to Boyz II Men. We’re looking at our generation’s next Justin Timberlake here, a singer who can step across genres, on to the big screen, really succeed anywhere across the entertainment spectrum. The guy is seriously talented. Justin concluded an incredible year by releasing a Christmas album that shot to number-one on the charts, to no one’s surprise. He made the media round in promotion, dazzling David Letterman and singing live for Today Show viewers. You name the medium and Justin Bieber has controlled it over the past few months. So congratulations on your number-five ranking, JB. We have a feeling you’ll be a mainstay on this countdown for many years to come.
