1. 12-12-12 Concert: The nearly six-hour Boomerfest raised more than $35 million for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. From the line-up however, it would appear that only old, white rockers care about helping hurricane victims.
2. Taylor Swift: It”s a banner week as “Red” returns to No. 1, Swift earns her first Golden Globes nomination, and she celebrates her 23rd birthday with new beau, One Direction”s Harry Styles. Hmmm, which one of these will we get a song about first?
3. Adele: “21” is the gift that just keeps on giving. Billboard names the British singer the biggest artist of 2012 and her 2011 album the biggest seller. The sky”s not falling out of her career any time soon.
4. Rush: The power trio finally gets into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after years of lobbying bitching by its fans. KISS fans will now need to amp up their game.
5. Bruno Mars: He lands his 4th No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 shorter than any other solo male artist since Bobby Vinton 48 years ago. Maybe they can record a doo-wop duet together.
6. Whitney Houston: It”s a sad honor to be sure, but Houston was the “top trending” search of the year. Hey, at least the late legend came in ahead of Psy, who galloped into second place.
7. Britney Spears: Forbes names Spears the richest woman in music in 2012, shortly after naming Dr. Dre the richest artist in music. Note: neither one achieved this feat by putting out a new album in 2012. That tells you all you need to know about album sales, doesn”t it?
8. Mariah Carey: Eighteen years after she first released it, the new holiday classic “All I Want For Christmas” finally enters the Top 40.
9. Depeche Mode: The British post-punk pioneers sign a new worldwide deal with Columbia Records. We hear it comes with their own personal Jesus.
10. Jenni Rivera: RIP