Hope Solo and Kim Kardashian in the Top 4 Pop Culture News of 2011

The year 2011 is drawing to a close and with it the four most popular sports and pop culture-related news stories. It was the year of Hope Solo, Kim Kardashian, as well as Shakira and Gerard Pique.

Nives Celzijus was also in the center of the news in 2011 as well as Justin Bieber. The decision was made to review all of the pop culture and sports combined stories.

The result was a compilation of the top four news stories which was popular with the people. The invitation is set for the readers of B/R to sit back, relax and enjoy this slideshow.

Hope Solo: Bringing U.S. Soccer to the Mainstream

Hope Solo was in the news for her efforts inside and outside of U.S. Soccer. Hope Solo is a goalkeeper for the U.S. Soccer team who showed stamina in the face of adversity.

Hope Solo underwent shoulder surgery and was able to recover in order to participate with the U.S. Women's Soccer Team in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. During her participation in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, Hope Solo represented the true face of America with her friendly and down-to-earth attitude.

Hope Solo also defended U.S. Soccer during her participation in the George Lopez and David Letterman shows. Hope Solo also participated in the Let's Run For Charity Relay with Bank of America and Dancing With The Stars on ABC network.

While Hope Solo has been criticized for her departure from Dancing With The Stars, I think she was able to build a bridge between soccer and the rest of the country.

I have a response to those who criticize Hope Solo: She will be remembered (along with Mia Hamm) as the pioneers of U.S. Soccer and pop culture in a positive light.

Gerard Pique and Shakira: FC Barcelona Meets the Pop Rock World

The year 2011 started with Gerard Pique and Shakira seeing each other. While denying that they were dating, it became apparent that they were in love.

It was more than a match between a world football star and a singer, it was another example of how sports and pop culture fuse to help others.

The example of such fusion was when Shakira announced in Miami, Florida that her Pies Descalzos Foundation (which helps people obtain an education) will unite with the FC Barcelona organization to promote educational programs in the U.S. Hispanic community.

The idea is a great one, and it is hoped that it will continue long after Gerard Pique and Shakira are in the history books.

Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries: A Brief Wedding

Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian are another example of how sports and pop culture fused but in a negative light. The pair married and were divorced within 72 days with people wondering if the whole thing was staged.

I do not know at the present time if the marriage was real or fake, the only thing for sure is that Kim Kardashian was the most reported person in sports and pop culture for 2011.

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson: Another Example of Pop Culture and Sports

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson were engaged to marry when it was announced that the pop singer was pregnant. Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson announced the pregnancy a month ago and said that the baby is due in the spring of 2012.

Jessica Simpson went on to say that she will marry Eric Johnson when she gives birth. Jessica Simpson has been linked in the past with Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys.

It remains to be seen what will transpire between Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson.

Nives Celzijus: Singing WAG (Honorable Mention)

The decision was made in favor of including Nives Celzijus as an Honorable Mention in the Sports and Pop Culture News of 2011.

I would like to thank fellow B/R reporter Wags Willy for his inspiring article about Nives Celzijus. Nives is famous for being the WAG of Dino Drpek of AEK Athens.

Nives Celzijus currently works as a columnist for Bild Magazine and was once a Playboy model. Nives Celzijus deserves an honorable mention for initiating her career in singing.

Nives Celzijus dedicated a song to Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres. The song, and her style of singing, is unforgettable.

I would like to wish the readers of B/R the best now and always.