the buzz log

Like clockwork, costume searches on Yahoo! are accelerating, as people prep for the biggest holiday masquerade of the year. And this All Soul's Eve, they're paying homage to Michael Jackson.

Year after year, Star Wars and Disney have dominated dress-up themes, but phenomenal lookups for "michael jackson costumes" have bypassed these standbys. Among the late singer's distinctive looks, the most sought-after is the red leather jacket and jeans (designed to make Jackson look more "virile") from his 1999 "Thriller" video.

Other leading Jackson costumes: the "Bad" boy look in buckles and skintight black, the "Smooth Criminal" white zoot suit and fedora, and the sequins and shiny socks of "Billie Jean." Essential ingredient to all looks: sequined white glove.

As for other alternate identities and themes, expect glittery vampires or werewolves à la "Twilight," evildoer Cobra Commander of "G.I. Joe" (this year's Joker), and pirates. Below, expect these characters to come knocking on your door.

Top Halloween Costume Characters on Yahoo!

1. Michael Jackson Costume
2. Tinkerbell Costume
3. Batman Costume
4. Minnie Mouse Costume
5. Wonder Woman Costume
6. Hannah Montana Costume
7. Harry Potter Costumes
8. Snow White Costume
9. Catwoman Costume
10. Yo Gabba Gabba Costume

Filed under: Holidays, Costumes, Halloween, Michael Jackson

Candidate Costumes
Whether you're in a red state or blue state, everyone wants to get into a scary state on Halloween.  Before Election Day is Oct. 31, and decisions must be made. Lookups for "halloween costumes" are buzzing in the top 10 queries, searches on "political masks" have increased 25% over the last 30 days. The horror!

We Know What You Did Last Election
Cast your mind back to 2004, the last time the country had to choose a candidate at the ballot box and a costume at the big-box store. Back then, trick or treaters wanted the craggy visage of a "john kerry mask" or the boyishness of a "george bush mask." And spookiest of all, "dick cheney halloween mask" made an entrance from a non-disclosed location.

And the Winner Is…
While we can't predict the outcome of the election, we can say with confidence that the updo and high heels of a certain V.P. candidate are sure to make an appearance All Hallows Eve.

Votes for top candidate costume searches go to "sarah palin halloween costume" (+107%), which made the top 10 Halloween costume searches in the last 30 days. Those trying to imitate the Alaska governor's look can research "sarah palin hairstyle" and snap up "faux sarah palin glasses."  If that all seems too much, you can also shell out some greenbacks for the Republican's likeness on a mask. Or, dress up a future candidate with a "baby sarah palin costume." If you prefer the other party, we can only wonder what "barack obama halloween costumes" (+25%) would include. A perfectly pressed suit? Searchers for "john mccain masks" can try a pork-free DIY version.

Remember, this Halloween season, every costume counts.

Filed under: Costumes, Halloween, Elections

Who do you want to be when you grow up? Or, if you're already grown up, who would you rather be?

Identity play is one of the many other inhibition-busters that Halloween permits. And before you ask—no, despite being immersed in the election season, there's no strong interest in being the orator, foreign policy elder, warrior, or frontierswoman... just yet.

Popular culture, as usual, spurs the dress-up schemes. Last year, the rage included the rippling man-chests of "300" and the bubble-gum glow of "High School Musical." This year, traditional Disney and Star Wars themes dominate, but the unrelenting success of "Dark Knight" underscores Batman's role in the costume universe. Heath Ledger's mesmerizing take has made the villain the most-searched costume possibility, and may have inspired its female counterpart (number 14).

Literary and historical icons are a strong second tier, but an elusive creature has skulked back into 10th spot. Mull over who you want to be as we review the top 20 character costume searches in the past 30 days. And if you're too cheap to buy a costume, go as Michael Phelps or Misty May-Treanor... just start those ab crunches now.

Filed under: Holidays, Batman, Costumes, Halloween, Disney