There is no doubt that 2008 was the year of President-Elect Barack Obama (and Future FLOTUS Michelle Obama too). (Or should I say Obamarama as the folks over at the late, great site Sterohyped used to say.) The historic and successful campaign, the controversies (who can forget The New Yorker cover and Barack the Magic Negro), and the smart, skilled way Michelle won over those who had labeled her an ABW (angry black woman). Anyway, this post is not about the Obama’s, instead let’s take a look at some of the other stories that captured our attention (for good or for bad) in 2008.

Kwamegate. Yup, former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick showed his hubris (and his behind) big time in the infamous text-messaging scandal and aftermath. Former lover and staffer Christine Beatty came along for the ride. He thought himself invincible (that is until he had to put on that orange jumpsuit and do time for real). But I must say that Governor Blagojevich of Illinois has trumped Kwame’s gangsta behavior with stunts that boggles the mind even more.

The Hudson Family Tragedy. It seemed like Jennifer Hudson was just coming into her own. After keeping us waiting for what seemed like forever, the Oscar winner finally released her self-titled album to critical praise and eager fans alike. A few short weeks later, we were heartbroken to learn that her mother, brother and nephew were murdered. The alleged suspect, William Balfour, her brother-in-law. The star has kept a low profile since (understandably) but will return to the stage next February when she performs at MusiCares Person of the Year 2009 Awards, a pre-Grammy event.

R. Kelly Finally Goes To Trial (and gets off). After years of delays (which coincidentally allowed his alleged victim to reach adulthood), the R&B crooner finally had his day in court on child pornography charges. It was alleged that he taped himself performing sexual acts with a 13-year-old girl but the jury thought there wasn’t enough evidence. Go figure.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z Secretly Wed. Since they first got together, these two superstars played it cagey about their relationship. It seemed to work for them so they followed through with a secret wedding too. And even after they wed, they remained coy (at least for awhile). Here’s to hoping their strategy works and their love lasts. We know that the secret wedding strategy caught on: Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon followed suit.

Donna Brazille speaks her mind and everyone listens. Who knew that when political pundit Donna Brazille appeared on the “If I Were Running This Campaign” panel sponsored by The New Yorker that she would speak so passionately and candidly about being a black person living in America. The ‘if Obama loses I am not going to back of the bus again’ comment was priceless. So was the look on Gwen Ifill’s face when she had to deal with Sarah Palin during the Vice Presidential debates.

The Fire, 50 Cent and The Baby Mama Drama. When a fire broke out in the wee hours of the morning at the home of Shaniqua Tompkins, the mother of 50’s son, Marquise, accusations started to fly. He was a serious case of ‘he said,’ ’she said,’ out of control (with the child as a pawn).

Wendy Williams and Omarosa go toe-to-toe. During the Queen of All Media’s six-week trial run of her epononymous television talk show she had an unexpected run-in with the notorious ex-Apprentice contestant. The conversation devolved from plugging a book to trading insults. Frankly I am surprised that Williams didn’t deck the chick.

The Jackson Family Just Can’t Get It Together. Janet Jackson cancels her ‘Rock Witchu Tour’. Before doing so she cancelled (or rescheduled) numerous dates due to a case of vertigo (or pregnancy) depending upon who you ask. After brother Michael claims his poor health was going to prevent from him appearing at the trial where the Sheik of Bahrain filed suit against him, a writer/biographer later claimed that the King of Pop was gravely ill and in need of a lung transplant. (Jackson says it isn’t true). What is true, however, is that Michael refused to join his brothers on a reunion tour they had hung their hopes on. This came after it was revealed that the rest of the Jackson 5 (or six if you include Randy) are essentially broke. I still can’t get over that!

What do you think deserves to be on the list?

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