Kim Kardashian holds the title of tabloid queen for 2011.
The reality TV regular, 31, ranks No. 1 on USA TODAY's Celebrity Heat Index, which measures exposure in celebrity news magazines and on websites.
The entertainment media relentlessly chronicled her engagement, marriage and divorce. E!'s two-part special Kim's Fairytale Wedding: A Kardashian Event drew more than 8 million viewers.
"After years of providing the American masses with doses after doses of celebrities and reality TV shows, television has managed to plant the seeds of addiction to celebrities and reality TV stars into the American psyche and culture," says Samir Husni, director of the Magazine Innovation Center at the University of Mississippi School of Journalism.
But have no fear: Though Kardashian is No. 1, Hollywood A-listers still make up the majority of the rest of the top 10. "The A-listers still provide a degree of self-respect to the public, which can justify watching and reading all the stuff about them," Husni says.
And for the first time, British royals make the cut, thanks in large part to Prince William's wedding in the spring. Says Husni: "Magazine readers are living in a soap opera. Add to that a royal appearance, and the soap opera story becomes hotter than hot."
Top 10 stars for 2011 and their scores:
1. Kim Kardashian 5,342
The reality TV star filed for divorce a mere 72 days after marrying NBA player Kris Humphries. She ended the year just as she started: single.
2. Jennifer Aniston 3,504
The actress enjoyed success professionally (her film Horrible Bosses) and personally (her relationship with actor Justin Theroux).
3. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge 3,386
Commoner Kate Middleton became Duchess of Cambridge in April and was the focus of a royal-sized baby-bump watch.
4. Angelina Jolie 3,252
The actress spent the majority of 2011 off-screen, and the tabloids wanted to document every minute of it.
5. Brad Pitt 2,307
The actor spent 2011 traveling the world with partner Jolie and family.
6. Jennifer Lopez 1,892
The new American Idol judge ended her seven-year marriage to Marc Anthony and wrapped up the year with boyfriend Casper Smart.
7. Sandra Bullock 1,756
Just who is America's sweetheart dating? Tabloids spent the year trying to find out.
8. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge 1,747
The Prince became Kate Middleton's real-life Prince Charming.
9. Kris Humphries 1,658
Outlets spent the year fascinated with the new member of the Kardashian clan.
10. Kourtney Kardashian 1,369
Kourtney maintained the Kardashian media presence when she announced she was pregnant with her second child.
