MJ's death voted top 2009 entertainment story

On June 25, Jackson was pronounced dead at the age of 50. One of the most momentous and shocking deaths in pop culture history, the event reverberated in many ways. Read on to find out 2009's top entertainment stories...

Here are 2009's top entertainment stories as voted by US newspaper and broadcast editors:

1. Michael Jackson dies: On June 25, Jackson was pronounced dead at the age of 50. One of the most momentous and shocking deaths in pop culture history, the event reverberated in many ways. There was the ongoing investigation: Jackson's death was ruled a homicide, and his personal physician, Dr Conrad Murray, who says he's innocent of wrongdoing, is being investigated for manslaughter. There was the gigantic Los Angeles funeral. There was the documentary, "This Is It," of Jackson's preparations for a comeback concert series. But, perhaps most of all, there was the celebration of his music, on stages and sidewalks the world over.

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2. Susan boyle becomes overnight sensation: Two 21st-century powers, reality TV and the Web, combined to turn the humble, unknown Boyle into an international star. After Boyle sang "I Dreamed a Dream" on "Britain's Got Talent" on April 11, the clip spread like wildfire online, totaling more than 120 million views on YouTube. Her album, released in November, had the best opening week sales of a female debut in decades.

3. Late-night swap: On NBC, Conan O'Brien took over the "Tonight" show, and Jay Leno moved to 10 pm. All the fanfare may have been overdone, though: At year's end, neither was receiving good ratings.

4. Walter Cronkite dies: The passing on July 17 of Cronkite, a paragon of journalism and a father figure to a nation, was not only the sad loss of a universally acknowledged great man but was a reminder of a bygone era in broadcasting.

5. David Letterman affair: Letterman's October 1 announcement on his "Late Show" carried two bombshells: He alleged that he had been the victim of an extortion attempt, and he confessed to having affairs with women on his staff.