This year, AceShowbiz's annual list of Most Shocking Celebrity Stories of the Year is dominated by bad news, including scandal, death, and split. The sudden passings of some famous stars, be it in music or film, manage to secure the most spots in the list.

AceShowbiz's annual list of Most Shocking Celebrity Stories of the Year:

#10 Actor Eric Dane and wife, Rebecca Gayheart's Threesome Tape

#9 Musician, DJ AM Found Dead at His Apartment

#8 Dancing with the Stars' Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff Call Off Engagement

#7 Kanye West Crashed Taylor Swift's Moment at MTV VMAs

#6 Pro golfer, Tiger Woods' Affairs With Numerous Women

#5 Reality stars, Jon and Kate Gosselin's Divorce

#4 Actress Brittany Murphy Died at Age 32

#3 Singer, Adam Lambert's Sexually-Charged AMAs Performance

Billed as the closing performer at the 37th Annual American Music Awards, Adam Lambert delivered a controversial gig at the November 22 gala, simulating oral sex on stage. Singing his single "For Your Entertainment", the openly gay music star engaged in a steamy kiss with his male keyboardist, grabbed a male dancer's head and thrust it into his crotch, and gestured audience with his middle finger. Though receiving media mock and scrutiny, the runner-up of "American Idol" 8th season refused to issue public apology, insisting he didn't mean to upset certain people. His sexually-charged performance at the show cost him his scheduled appearances on "Good Morning America" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" among others.

#2 Singer Chris Brown Assaulting Girlfriend, Rihanna

#1 Superstar Michael Jackson's Sudden Death

Fans and family of the crowned King of Pop were left stunned by his sudden death on June 25, less than a month before his planned live concerts at London's O2 Arena were supposed to be kicked off. And while it was no longer a secret that Michael Jackson passed away after suffering cardiac arrest, his passing was officially ruled as homicide with the Los Angeles County coroner citing a combination of drugs as the cause. His personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, is the main target in the manslaughter investigation into his death.

READ: Top 10 Most Shocking Celebrity Stories of 2009.