25 PSY
Some of you are probably thinking, "Wait, why is this man who created a dance that embarrassing adults started doing after it was cool, make him a hero?". Well, it doesn't. He may have made a funny dance that soon fermented into proper cheese, but just think about it for a minute. This is one of the only men to sing a song that isn't in English and reached number 1, he shows that you can be funny and make an addictive, catchy song, and best of all, his video for Gangnam Style took over Justin Bieber's video for his single Baby. At least Beliebers cannot say they have the most viewed video of all time.
24 Zambia
After years of war and poverty, the nation of Zambia had something to smile about when their national football team won the African Cup of Nations where they were ranked outsiders. A penalty shootout helped the minnows triumph over giants Ivory Coast in the final, as they won their first title.
23 Alex Trimble
He had one hell of a year didn't he? Although Two Door Cinema Club's "Beacon" came second best to indie rock group The Vaccines' "Come of Age", they gained massive popularity, they sold out all their February dates instantly and best of all, Alex got the honour of singing at the Olympics Opening Ceremony, showing people he can really sing.
22 Swedish House Mafia
The definition of going out on a high should be in history under Swedish House Mafia. Near the start of the year, they announced they would be splitting to do individual projects, but announced many dates. T In the Park was their last appearance in Scotland, where people flocked to see them. They then announced dates in Amsterdam and Paris as many Brits travelled to watch some of their last performances in Europe. They continue their "One Last Tour" around the rest of the world next year before ending, in what will likely be in style.
21 The Stone Roses
They played T In the Park, they announced dates in London and Glasgow for 2013, they announced they could be making new songs in 2013. I would say their reunion was a success and they would be higher up this list if it wasn't for the over-hype of many people.
20 Fernando Alonso
He narrowly missed out on winning the F1 2012 World Championship for the third time by German Sebastian Vettel in an underpowered Ferrari car, compared to the superiority of the Red Bull car. It was heartbreaking for him, but he was great. His driving was rarely poor and if Vettel was not racing, he would have dominated the season.
19 The Rolling Stones
Okay, let's forget for a moment that they completely ripped people off with absolutely abysmal ticket prices and just think about this, the band have now been going for over 50 years, they put on a hell of a show for those who went to their concert and they performed a charity benefit for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. They can be good guys sometimes.
18 Indie/Rock Bands
Again a dubious decision, but artists like The Vaccines, Mumford and Sons, Lana Del Rey, Muse, The Killers and Jake Bugg all topped the album chart in the autumn and spring months, with the likes of Two Door Cinema Club only being kept out of top spot by another one of these artists. Then there was bands like hardcore band Enter Shikari being top of the album charts at the midweek, only to be crushed cruelly by "Saturday Shopping" with their album falling to number 4.
17 Barack Obama
Put aside the fact that he is the coolest guy to ever be in charge of a nation and the fact that he can probably slam dunk like a badass, he's more than that. Despite losing a lot of popularity in America in his four years in charge, he managed to show that he is a lot better than Mitt Romney for President, shows he wants to keep peace with countries instead of fighting them and completely roasted Romney in the debates. Ooohh burrnedd.
16 Felix Baumgartner
He managed to do a near-impossible feat by jumping from space to Earth, in the highest descend. He was a brave, brave man.Now he'll go down in history for that record-breaking skydive.
15 Usain Bolt
The Jamaican sprinter yet again entertained the crowds, showed off his ego and defeated the opposition. He famously done to Mobot as Mo Farah done the Lightning Bolt in what was one of the best pictures of the games. He yet again won the 100m, 200m and was part of the winning 4x100m relay team for a second Olympics in a row.
14 Noel Gallagher
One of the legends of music wowed people as a solo artist, and he continued his great music with many dates on tour. He is also the man who has gave Jake Bugg the push in his career that he needs. Great man. Great music.
13 Oscar Pistorius
The Blade Runner from South Africa deserves to be on here due to his breakthrough. He manages to become the first amputee to compete in the Olympics. He managed to make the semi finals of the 400m in the Olympics and won in the Paralympics. Great stuff.
12 Enter Shikari
The hardcore band turned very Greenpeace this year which helped to get their point across in their new album "A Flash Flood of Colour" which slates the government (Gandhi Mate, Gandhi), reminds people of what could happen if they don't change their ways (Arguing With Thermometers) and adds a cool dubstep sound (Sssnakepit). They have really picked it up when performing live as well. Bravo boys.
11 Christopher Nolan
Possibly the greatest trilogy ever made (The Batman Trilogy) was directed by no other than this man. Nolan changed Batman from a comical film with many cheesy flaws, to a serious, dark franchise with a great selection in casting and a great selection in scenery. The Dark Knight Rises finished off the trilogy in dramatic fashion, ending the best 7 hours of my life. He really was amazing because he made every character have reason, and made Bruce Wayne look unable to win many a time.
10 Andy Murray
After a couple of years of heartbreak, Scotsman Andy Murray had a great year in 2012. He reached the final of Wimbledon, which ended in heartbreak again, but recovered to win Gold at the Olympics against Roger Federer (who defeated him at Wimbledon) and beat Novak Djokovic at the US Open to win his first major. That's heroic.
9 New Generation of Bands
This year saw a remarkable step for bands. The likes of Tribes, Howler, TOY, Palma Violets, Savages, Spector, Swim Deep, Deap Vally as well as solo artists Michael Kiwanuka, Frank Ocean, Lucy Rose and Jake Bugg. All I'm saying is, I cannot wait for 2013.
8 Frank Ocean
Talking about Frank Ocean just there, he really brought a fresh new sound to hip hop didn't he? Although he was already established through rap group OFWGKTA, he brought so much to the stage in 2012. He managed to have a successful album called Channel Orange, he was a pioneer as he announced he was bisexual (something not very common in hip hop) and he brought some sweet vocals with him too. He'll do great.
7 Sebastian Vettel
He is youngest driver to win a race, win pole position, win a title, win two titles and recently became the youngest driver to win three world titles. No wonder he gets called "Baby Schumi". Some criticised him as an unworthy champion due to his huge advantage in car over Alonso, but he did stay consistent, finishing 6th or above in every race he finished, he made some miraculous comebacks and he never gave up. Truly deserved winner.
6 Arctic Monkeys
They had a great year after their album Suck It and See, with the release of their single "R U Mine?" and then best of all, they played the Olympics. Playing the Opening Ceremony, they kicked into "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" which had the stadium screaming at one of the band's biggest performances, if not the biggest of their lives. They followed it up with a slick version of The Beatles' "Come Together" which later entered the charts, showing the popularity of the cover.
5 Mo Farah
He had a great 2012. Off the back of a World Championship 5000m title and a 2nd place in the 10000m, Farah had a lot of expectations to live up to and started the year by retaining his European 5000m title. Now there was immense pressure on him for the Olympics, as he became the first British man to win both 5000m and 10000m titles at the Olympics, both in thrilling fashion.
4 Bradley Wiggins
Wiggo was more than a cyclist in 2012. He became an icon. He sported the Mod look, he was smart, witty and cheeky. Not only was he a great personality, he was a great sportsman. After winning the Tour De France, he managed to then go on and win Olympic Gold in the Time Trial. Ain't too bad, is it Bradley?
3 Team GB
No matter who they were and what they competed in, every athlete inspired a generation and the majority of the athletes worked their arse off when competing. They brought together a nation full of problems and hate, even if it was only for a month. So for this, we salute you athletes.
2 Pussy Riot
They caused political outrage when they were jailed for protesting against President Vladimir Putin in a church in Moscow, which led to two of them being jailed for two years, with the other being released due to no participation in the "punk prayer". They spoke out which is good enough, but they have started many protests against governments as people power is becoming more common globally.
1 Jake Bugg
"I'm keeping that X Factor shit off the top spot" was the words of teenage guitarist Jake Bugg prior to his debut album being released in the same week as former X Factor contestant Leona Lewis. He had a point, and he proved it. But surely he isn't just top because of his war against the X Factor? No. It is also the fact that a teenager within a year is now touring with Noel Gallagher, has sold out shows, is supporting The Stone Roses next year and has become a legend on the likes of Twitter, all because of an honest album which mainly featured stories of living in Clifton, Nottingham, one of the worst schemes in the UK. Inspiring stuff and well deserved first place.
Who was your hero of 2012? Have I missed anyone out who you think should be on it or anyone who you feel should not be on it? Express your opinions by commenting below.
Follow me on Twitter: @RealMickHouston
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