'American Idol'

Some may have been troubled to see video of new judge Nicki Minaj cursing out her fellow American Idol newbie, Mariah Carey, on the Idol judging panel, but it instantly made me want to watch a show I haven't paid much attention to in years. And if new interviews with the two are any indication, they're still not exactly BFFs. The Voice might be growing in popularity, and Britney Spears may have brought the star power to The X Factor, but only one show is offering us a real-life version of the popular YouTube series Got 2B Real in January, and that's AI.

Beyoncé's Return

As great an album as Beyoncé's 4 was, the world didn't embrace the release as much as it did the three that came beforehand. Now she must avenge that wrong. Already my lord and gyrator has planned a halftime performance at the Super Bowl, an HBO documentary, plus an "unprecedented" $50 million endorsement deal with Pepsi. Now I just need the new single, album and a world tour so I can completely tan out.

Immigration Reform

A report from the Los Angeles Times claims that President Obama is ready to campaign for a comprehensive immigration bill that could include a path to citizenship for the 11 million people living illegally in the U.S. Better late than never.

Azealia Banks' Debut Album

The rising rapper has earned numerous headlines this year, but the ones that matter most relate to her superb 1991 EP and her very solid Fantasea mixtape. Her house-meets-Harlem style of music has made her a darling within the fashion community, but I'm hoping that her debut album, Broke With Expensive Taste, which she plans to drop in early 2013, will broaden her appeal. She's a skillful rapper with a unique sound and fresh visual. Nicki Minaj could use the company in the female-rapper corner.

The Supreme Court on Same-Sex Marriage

While there is reason to be fearful about the Supreme Court's review of cases related to both the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8, I'm optimistic that I'll soon have my legal right to walk down the aisle to "Get Me Bodied." DOMA is likely to be struck down, and no matter how many times Justice Antonin Scalia compares homosexuality to murder, I don't think that Chief Justice John Roberts will want to stand on the wrong side of history. Regardless of the court's pending rulings, history is on the side of marriage equality. After that, I'm sure celebrities will soon start selling me books about why I don't have a husband. That is progress, y'all

The Return of 'Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta'

If this Southern Negro telenovela isn't your thing, feel free to watch whatever better serves your palate. Meanwhile, the rest of us can't wait for another season of the hysterically dramatic reality series. I miss Joseline Hernandez, K. Michelle and Dorinda from Truck Turner 2.0, Momma Dee.

D'Angelo's Comeback Album

Look, I know you're going to say it's a pipe dream. But he did start performing at award shows and musical festivals again. He even went on tour with Mary J. Blige! That has to mean something, right? No? Fine, but a man can dream, can't he?

Gun Control

This is more of a yearning, with no real belief that anything new may actually happen. But it needs to. The mass shootings are increasing, and finally people of power are taking notice and saying they'll make changes. But will they? On the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., President Obama said, "We're going to have to come together to take meaningful action ... regardless of the politics." This time, mean it.

'Braxton Family Values'

These days, if you want to watch funny black family sitcoms, you have to turn to reality TV for it -- and there's no show better than the popular WeTV series starring Toni Braxton and her four sisters. Hopefully we'll get another season.

Tamar Braxton's Sophomore Album

Speaking of the Braxton sisters, the thousands of us who heard Tamar Braxton's 2000 album have long known that behind all that big personality is an even bigger talent. With her new single "Love & War" out and a newly announced album release date of Feb. 12, 2013, hopefully Tamar's gorgeous voice will find a larger audience.

'The Best Man 2'

I usually think it's best to leave well enough alone when it comes to black film favorites, but since there's such a dearth of high-quality black films, you can't help wanting the best for the upcoming sequel to 1999's The Best Man. There's no word on how the movie, set for release on Nov. 15, 2013, will turn out, given that it's been 14 years since the original. I'm willing to bet that it won't include a story about a stuck-up educated black professional woman needing to look to Jesus and a bus driver for love and fulfillment. That alone is enough to get me to buy a ticket.

More of Trinidad James

OK, so Trinidad James has been rapping for only a solid nine months or so, isn't especially great and looks like Jerome from Martin. That said, even if he does appear to be a bit of a parody, I can't help singing "All Gold Everything." Even better, he gives me hope that if I decide just to randomly start rapping, snatch free beats from the Web and drop a song online, then I, too, can score a $2 million record deal. Don't believe me? Just watch.

No More Fiscal Cliff

I don't care if it's not really a "fiscal cliff" and more of a speed bump; it's annoying all the same. Republicans need to stop acting like petulant children and negotiate like reasonable adults who realize that the last election didn't go so well for them. Besides, there are so many other important issues of the day to whine about. The best part of 2013 might be not having to hear about the fiscal cliff.

Michael Arceneaux is a Houston-bred, Howard-educated writer and blogger. And a millennial. You can read more of his work on his site, the Cynical Ones. Follow him on Twitter.

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