2006: The Top 10 Male Celebrities

As we head toward the new year, we’re counting down the top 10 men who turned heads, caused controversy, and were featured most on Access Hollywood in 2006.

Kicking off the countdown at #10 is Michael Jackson, who made Access news when he invited Billy Bush exclusively to an Irish recording studio to witness his first steps towards returning to recording.

When Billy asked Michael if these studio sessions were kind of an exploratory mission and if he’s deciding to get back into making music, Michael had this to say in response: “I never stopped.”

And Billy was right by Michael’s side at the World Music Awards in London, as the fans went into overdrive. Michael acknowledged his adoring fans, telling Billy “I love them very much.”

Our #9 position belongs to Donald Trump. The man who made the words “you’re fired” famous made our 2006 headlines because he and wife Melania gave birth to a son named Barron William Trump.

Vince Vaughn is #8 thanks to his romance with Jennifer Aniston. They did the comedy “The Break-Up” together, but, sadly, they made news this month when they announced their real-life split. It wasn’t long ago when Vince spoke to Access about Jen’s charms:

“She’s got ‘Elvis dust,’” Vince mused, “Jennifer’s the kind of person you could put in a room and all the kids would come over, not even knowing who she is.” Jennifer later told Access host Nancy O’Dell that Vince has “got the Elvis dust too.”

Keith Urban takes #7. He married Nicole Kidman in June, and just four months later he entered rehab. Our own Shaun Robinson spoke to the country crooner before he started treatment, and he told her about his song “Once In a Lifetime”:

“It’s for couples who found their best friend.”

When Shaun asked Keith if he felt that way about his own relationship, he didn’t miss a beat when he said, “No question.”

In at #6 is Kevin Federline. He released his first album this year, but this wanna-be rapper made headlines for one simple reason: Britney. The couple had their second son, and then two months later Britney filed for divorce, despite Kevin’s claims of being “madly in love” when he was interviewed on Access. Oh, K-Fed…

Sir Paul McCartney is our #5 Top Man of ‘06. His private life made headlines when his marriage to Heather Mills ended, and his divorce took a turn for the ugly, scrutinized by curious people all over the world. “If you’re a public couple like we are,” he conceded to Access, “then you’re on show.”

Our #4 celebrity, Nick Lachey, moved on this year – without Jessica – but with rumors of a new romance. That’s not to say that he doesn’t still hold a candle for his ex, as he confessed to Nancy O’Dell:

“You know, there’s real love there. There always will be.”

“Gentleman” George Clooney charms his way to our #3 spot, having taken home the Oscar this year for his supporting role in “Syriana,” as well as being named People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man of the Year” for the second time!”

After receiving those honors, Billy Bush jokingly asked George, “Is it gonna be impossible to talk to you at this point?”

George responded in true Clooney fashion, “I’m sorry what was your name?”

What good is a list of men without mention of Brad Pitt? Never fear – Brad comes in at #2. He made headlines globetrotting with Angelina and the kids, and in May Angelina gave birth to their youngest daughter, Shiloh-Nouvel, in Namibia.

And at the top of the heap in first place, with over 90 stories on Access HollywoodTom Cruise! Tom opened “Mission Impossible 3” in Manhattan at four theaters in one day, ended a 14-year partnership with Paramount to end up starting his own company, fathered his daughter Suri with fiancee Katie Holmes, and topped it all off with a lavish wedding in an Italian castle. Whew!

So there you have it – the ten men who made Access Hollywood – and the world – take notice in 2006. Here’s to another great “year of men” in ‘07!

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