The Top 10 Everything of 2009

TIME charts the highs and lows of the past year in 50 wide-ranging lists

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6. Ryan Seacrest's Regrettable High Five

Host Ryan Seacrest walks onstage during the American Idol Season 8 Grand Finale held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 20, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.

Kevin Winter / American Idol 2009 / Getty Images for FOX

Scott MacIntyre is a classically trained pianist whose mellifluous voice wowed judges and inspired audiences during the eighth season of American Idol. He's also blind — a fact that Idol host Ryan Seacrest appeared to forget when MacIntyre emerged from the audition that won him a ticket to Hollywood. After being mobbed by family and friends, a jubilant MacIntyre joined Seacrest for the obligatory exit interview. Then the host offered a high five. When MacIntyre left him hanging, it took a second for Seacrest to grasp the situation. "Well, I'm giving you a high five," he said, grabbing the beaming musician's hand, which remained at his side.

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