This might be Michael Jackson's last year in the Halloween spotlight. The singer's obsession with plastic surgery and proclivity for the odd fashion accessory (the single glove, the face mask) made him a frequent Halloween costume choice for the uncreative. But after the singer's death in June, being the King of Pop might be considered a bit gauche this year (and downright tacky by 2010). Still, with questions about Jackson's death still in the headlines and a new album on the way, expect MJ to get one big Halloween sendoff.
Top 10 Celeb-Inspired Halloween Costumes
In the fame game, you're nobody till somebody makes a Halloween costume in your image. TIME takes a look at some of 2009's best straight-from-the headlines outfits