1.
T.I.’s “Live Your Life” (feat. Rihanna)…
2.
…and Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” both kept fighting it out each week for the No. 1 spot.
Sony Music
3.
The Kings of Leon climbed to the top of the Alternative Songs Chart with “Sex on Fire.”
Sony Music
4.
The month also belonged to iconic albums! Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreak, Beyoncé’s I Am… Sasha Fierce, Britney Spears’ Circus, and Taylor Swift’s Fearless were the No. 1 albums.
Def Jam/ Sony Music/ Sony Music/ Big Machine
6.
Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen denied they were engaged after TMZ reported that Tom had proposed to Gisele on a private plane.
Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images
10.
Paris Hilton was robbed by the then-unknown Bling Ring — they stole $2 million worth of jewelry from her.
Michael Buckner / Getty Images
11.
Then-president-elect Barack Obama went to Hawaii to attend a memorial service for his grandmother (who had died right before his election).
Tim Sloan / AFP / Getty Images
13.
David Beckham was loaned out from the LA Galaxy to AC Milan.
Giuseppe Cacace / AFP / Getty Images
14.
Madonna reached a divorce settlement with Guy Ritchie and it was reported to be around $60 million (although Guy’s team disputed the figure).
Gareth Davies / Getty Images
15.
It was announced that Hugh Jackman would host the 2009 Oscars.
Tiziana Fabi / AFP / Getty Images
16.
Rumors began to circulate that Beyoncé had signed on to star in the remake of A Star Is Born — her rep denied it.
Bryan Bedder / Getty Images
17.
Tina Fey appeared on the cover for Vanity Fair (which, like all us, looked forward to 2009).
Conde Nast
18.
Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke was unexpectedly fired from directing the rest of the franchise.
Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images
19.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Doubt, and Gran Torino were among the prestige movies released that month.
Paramount/ Miramax/ Warner Bros.
20.
And finally, Elmo Live! was among the most popular Christmas gifts that year (proving there was no stopping Elmo!).