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Any song lyrics get you going through the year? How 'bout inspiring quotes that are perf to share with your friends on your FB wall? Heard any statements that made you want to get up and cheer? In 2012, it was probably one of our 10 most kick-ass, change-making quotes of the year that got you screaming, "Preach!" Here's our list!
"Focus on the positive stuff. Short, long, curly, bald, blonde -- it's really no different. You're beautiful inside and out, just like the Selena Gomez song, 'Who Says?'"
- Gabby Douglas, Olympic gold medalist reacting to comments on her hair
16-year-old Gabby Douglas was one of the stars on Team USA for the 2012 London Olympics, taking home two gold medals. Annnnd for some reason people kept commenting on her hair instead. WTF? The amazing gymnast brushed off the criticism, giving us a great pro-acceptance quote and a great memo for the kind of strength and motivation it takes to be an Olympian.
"Thank you so much for the outpouring of love and support. I thank the people that supported me without distinguishing religion and color. People have actually supported a cause, not an individual. Let's work together to educate girls around the world."
- Malala Yousufzai, standing up for girls' education
Malala Yousufzai recently gave this quote to be read by Anderson Cooper at the CNN Heroes ceremony. It was a response to the worldwide outpouring of support she's received. Malala, a teenager from Pakistan, has been a vocal supporter of girls' education, leading the Taliban to make an assassination attempt on her. Malala is alive and well in England, and not only is she bravely continuing her crusade for female empowerment, she's got the world behind her.
"It is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married."
- President Barack Obama, coming out in support of marriage equality
President Barack Obama is the first sitting president to support same-sex marriage after he let his feelings be known last May. Before that Obama had done other things in support of LGBT people, including ending Don't Ask, Don't Tell. But when he threw his political weight behind marriage equality, it was a big deal for supporters of LGBT rights. In November, he became the first president to get elected after supporting marriage equality.
"Bulimia and anorexia since I was 15... But today I join the BODY REVOLUTION."
- Lady Gaga, on starting the Body Revolution
After Lady Gaga was criticized by the media for her weight, she responded in typical Gaga-style, calling out for a pro-acceptance revolution. She called it the Body Revolution 2013. Tweeting pictures of herself in her underwear, Lady Gaga hoped to share her experience and empower young women to love their body.
"I know exactly what you've gone through, and I've made it through, and I know you can, too. You are so strong. That was amazing."
- Demi Lovato, to "X Factor" contestant who was bullied
Tell ya the truth: it's hard to pick a single great 2012 quote from Demi Lovato about self-acceptance. Having battled with demons of insecurity in her past, Demi's back on top and showing people the way forward isn't with hating yourself. This particular quote was said on "The X Factor," when Demi was talking to bullied singer Jillian Jensen.
"4 summers ago, I met somebody. I was 19. He was too...It was my first love. It changed my life."
- Frank Ocean, in coming out letter right before releasing debut album
We're all thinkin' 'bout you, Frank, and your heartfelt songs! Frank also got heartfelt when he spoke about his first love, and revealed that it was another man. This revelation could have been a big risk factor in Frank's career. Instead, he gets major kudos for coming out, and showing LGBT youth everywhere that it does get better.
"There's no reason you should ever have your head down."
- Gym Class Heroes, in "The Fighter"
We've found heroes in Gym Class Heroes! Not only did the guys come up with a great song with "The Fighter," but we were so impressed that it was nominated for the Best Video With A Message Award at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards. While the actual award went to Demi Lovato, it doesn't mean we love Gym Class Heroes any less. In fact, they became our heroes again when they performed live at "Restore the Shore" to help MTV fundraise for Sandy relief in New Jersey.
JWOWW: "It's important that we use our power for the 2012 election."
The Situation: "It's true with 45 million young people eligible to vote in November, we can decide this election."
- "Jersey Shore" cast, in Power of 12 + Funny Or Die video
Who remembers watching the cast of "Jersey Shore" doing their Funny or Die video about politics and the upcoming election? It turns out these guys were pretty passionate about the political process, and they wanted to make sure that young people across the country made a point to get out and vote. MTV launched Power of 12 specifically to get us all engaged in the 2012 election, by informing us about the candidates, helping us get registered to vote and talking about the issues that matter to young people.
"You'll continue to harness your own originality and what makes you unique 'cause I know that when you're a teenager -- sometimes when you're an adult -- what sets you apart can sometimes feel like a burden and it's not. And a lot of the time, it's what makes you great."
- Emma Stone, receiving the Trailblazer Award at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards
Last June, Emma Stone won the very first MTV Trailblazer Award at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards. And the speech she gave was, like, mega inspiring. She listed off some of her heroes, but she also wants you to be your own hero. And she totally commiserates on how freaking hard it can be to be a teenager. But in the end, Emma knows that originality and uniqueness are awesome traits. Give this lady some mad applause!
"I want to say I lived each day, until I died / And know that I meant something in, somebody's life / The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave / That I made a difference, and this world will see."
- Beyonce, in "I Was Here"
That's the kind of song that gives you chills. Beyoncé filmed her "I Was Here" music video at the United Nations General Assembly. It was the anthem for "World Humanitarian Day," which is a day to put the limelight on global humanitarian work. Queen B was super involved with the day, and some of the MTV staff got to actually watch the video get filmed. How would YOU like to help make a difference?
"The Big & Best of 2012: A Year End Celebration Presented by T-Mobile" goes LIVE at 12 p.m. ET on 12/12/12. Watch at BigAndBestOf2012.com for eight hours of live performances from stars like Bruno Mars and Miguel, special editions of "RapFix Live" with Ma$e and A$AP Rocky, "Big Morning Buzz Live," "MTV After Hours" with Norman Reedus, "You Oughta Know," surprise guest appearances, prize giveaways and much much more!
Stick with MTV as we count down the Best of 2012, including the Best Songs of 2012, Live Performances, Movies and EDM Videos of the year.
