A Year In Review: 2013 People Of The Year

My, what a year it has been! Filled with ups and downs, I am happy to report 2013 was filled with more of the former than of the latter. At the beginning of the year, I transitioned from being a full-time student to a full-time worker (real life, huh?) as I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in Communication, and again transitioned in October when I accepted a new position at my place of employment. Throughout the year, I attended many excellent conventions where I met some of my all-time favorite entertainers. I cannot wait to resume my journey in March 2014, so stay tuned. On tap for next year: more from The Walking Dead (Sarah Wayne Callies, finally?) and Star Trek, but also my first Supernatural convention towards the end of the year! Get ready, Jensen and Jared!

Because Barbara Walters has been such an influential person in my life, I started the tradition of selecting my own person of the year back in 2008 (modeled after her annual 10 Most Fascinating People special). This year, however, has proved difficult to select just one person, so I have decided on two females and two males who (I think) all had an extraordinary 2013. To recap, my selections in years past: Madonna, Jim Parsons, Alan Rickman and Adam Levine. And now, without further adieu...

Jessica Lange was my initial choice for 2012, but I switched to Adam Levine at the last minute. No regrets, as Maroon 5's latest album, Overexposed, was HUGE last year. While 2012 was, most definitely, a great year for Jessica, there's no denying 2013 was just as good...if not better. American Horror Story: Asylum continued to be insanely popular during the first half of the year, and its third installment, Coven, proves the show only gets better with each passing season. Plus, you know it has to be good with names like Lange, Sarah Paulson, Angela Bassett and Kathy Bates. This is, without a doubt, one of the best ensemble casts I've ever seen.

I was mesmerized by Lange's performance as the sinister (at first) Sister Jude in Asylum, but each episode brought different twists and turns, and by the end of the season, I was left with an incredibly heavy heart. I guess that's what electroshock therapy will do to you. This season, however, Lange's performance as Fiona Goode - The Supreme, if you will - is, well, I am at a loss for words. How about badass? There are only a handful of episodes left before Coven wraps for the season (it returns January 8), so be sure to tune in to see what happens.

I also chose Lange this year because I was successful in adding her signature to my constantly growing collection (an accomplishment of which I am incredibly proud, as not many people can say the same). She released her latest book, It's About a Little Bird, in October and did a handful of signings throughout the United States. They were quite limited, and I was turned down multiple times until a Barnes & Noble in Tribeca, New York came through for me! Personalizations were not allowed due to time constraints, but I am still overjoyed to have secured her signature. The book is awesome too, by the way. The photos and artwork within are beautiful. Highly recommended!

Sir Patrick Stewart & Sir Ian McKellen both had an awesome year. Continuing to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation during the first half of 2013, Sir Patrick made a rare convention appearance in Chicago and reunited with the entire principal cast. It was a once-in-a-lifetime weekend, and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to take part in the celebration and meet one of my all-time favorite actors. Oh, and let's not forget he tied the knot over the summer, with Sir Ian officiating the ceremony. As mentioned below, Sir Ian has yet another Lord of the Rings-based film underneath his belt - trust me, you have got to see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. It was epic!

Both are currently on Broadway starring in No Man's Land and Waiting for Godot. They have been more than generous with regards to fan mail, as I received my photos back signed from both in just a couple weeks' time. Two of the finest gentlemen in the business, and their close friendship off-screen makes me admire them even more.

 

Finally, what can I say about Kelly Clarkson? She's flawless, plain and simple. I saw her (for the second time) with Maroon 5 in St. Louis back in August, and I think it was the best concert I've ever attended. STL in the summer, outdoor venue, family, Kelly and Adam Levine?! How could you go wrong? I'll tell you! With a group of screaming fangirls in the row directly in front of us constantly wailing their arms - I'm a tall guy, but c'mon, even the slower songs don't warrant "hands in the air like you just don't care"-type activity. But, I digress... Her greatest hits album was the soundtrack to my summer (be sure to check out "Catch My Breath" and "People Like Us"), and her holiday album, Wrapped In Red, is a Christmas classic. Check out "Underneath the Tree" below.

 

 

And there you have it, my friends, my 2013 People of the Year. Here's to an excellent 2014.

Cheers!