MICHAEL JACKSON - MICHAEL JACKSON NAMED TOP NEWSMAKER

MICHAEL JACKSON has been named the top newsmaker for 2005 by US TV show ACCESS HOLLYWOOD.

The 47-year-old BAD singer dominated the news during the first half of the year as he battled his way through a child molestation trial, from which he emerged victorious.

And despite moving to Bahrain, the pop icon still attracts news coverage in the US, even beating out BRAD PITT, JENNIFER ANISTON and ANGELINA JOLIE.

The top 10 is as follows:

1. MICHAEL JACKSON

2. EVA LONGORIA

3. BRITNEY SPEARS

4. TOM CRUISE

5. JESSICA SIMPSON

6. DONALD TRUMP

7. MARTHA STEWART

8. JENNIFER LOPEZ

9. JENNIFER ANISTON and OPRAH WINFREY

10. ANGELINA JOLIE.