[January-May] | [June-December]

From Beyonce and Jay-Z’s new baby to the passing of Whitney Houston, the entertainment world saw some high highs and low lows in 2012.

Combining national media attention and local entertainment stories, here are your top headlines in the pop culture world from 2012:

Top 2012 Headlines: January to May

Jan. 7: Beyonce, Jay-Z Welcome Baby Girl

Sources say Jay-Z paid $1.3 million to rent out the entire fourth floor of the hospital.

(credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Feb. 11: Whitney Houston Found Dead In Hotel

Whitney Houston, who ruled as pop music’s queen until her majestic voice was ravaged by drug use and her regal image was ruined by erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, died Saturday. She was 48.

Feb. 26: ‘The Artist’ Wins Big At The Oscars

‘The Artist’ becomes the first silent-film to win Best Picture at the Oscars since 1927′s ‘Wings.’

March 9: ‘The Hunger Games’ Mania Takes Over

‘The Hunger Games‘ cast stopped by Mall of America on March 9 to a huge, screaming crowd before raking in $155 million in its first weekend a few weeks later.

(credit: Kevin Winter/ImageDirect)

April 18: Dick Clark Dies At 82

Dick Clark, the American Bandstand and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve host, died at age 82. Clark suffered a massive heart attack following a procedure in Los Angeles.

May 17: Donna Summer Dies

The iconic singer passed away at age 63 after a battle with lung cancer.

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