10 Memorable Viral Videos of 2010 [MASHABLE AWARDS]

As part of the upcoming Mashable Awards, we're taking a closer look at each of the nomination categories. This is "Best Web Video." Be sure to nominate your favorites and join us for the Gala in Las Vegas! Sponsorships are available. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Ah, viral videos -- you post them to your Facebook wall, watch them during sad, lonely lunch breaks, spam your friends with them to the point where they no longer take your calls ("One more cat video and it's over, buddy..."). This has been quite the year so far when it comes to viral vids -- from off-the-wall jams, to adorable children, to grown men weeping over rainbows -- and we at Mashable have been here through it all, watching the tiny comedies and tragedies play out on our computer screens. Below we have collected 10 of the most popular, most bizarre and most astounding vids of the year thus far. Check out our selections and let us know in the comments: What's your web video pick for 2010?

1. Double Rainbow

This little vid burst onto the scene back in July, when it won the hearts and minds of rainbow lovers the world over.

2. Insane Clown Posse, "Miracles"

"Magnets, how do they work?" became an instant catchphrase after this bizarre music vid landed on the interwebs.

3. Merton

Chatroulette + Improvised Music - Genitalia = Viral Gold. Thanks for keepin' it clean, Merton.

4. Ben Folds's "Ode to Merton"

Due to his striking resemblance to Merton, Ben Folds performed a few odes to the hooded one.

5. PS22 Chorus "LISZTOMANIA," Phoenix

These Webby-winning kids can sing -- and better than Phoenix, no less.

6. OK Go, "This Too Shall Pass"

It's been a big year for OK Go. They split from their label, won a Webby, and struck out on their own. And still had time to make a bunch of rad videos like our pick above.

7. Old Spice Guy Marriage Proposal

The ad campaign heard 'round the world, the Old Spice Guy's personalized video responses were a stroke of genius.

8. The Fully Sick Rapper, "Life in Quarantine"

Although Christiaan Van Vuuren is finally out of quarantine, this former TB patient's rhymes will always be "fully sick."

9. Auto-Tune the News, "BED INTRUDER SONG!!!"

The Gregory Brothers made it to the Billboard Hot 100 for this jam. And you thought the news was boring.

10. American Idol, "Pants On The Ground"

Everyone loves a good underdog story. Unfortunately, this wasn't one of those moments.

The Mashable Awards Gala at Cirque du Soleil Zumanity (Vegas)

In partnership with Cirque du Soleil, The Mashable Awards Gala event will bring together the winners and nominees, the Mashable community, partners, media, the marketing community, consumer electronics and technology brands and attendees from the 2011 International CES Convention to Las Vegas on Thursday, January 6, 2011. Together, we will celebrate the winners and the community of the Mashable Awards at the Cirque du Soleil Zumanity stage in the beautiful New York New York Hotel. The event will include acts and performances from our partner Cirque du Soleil Zumanity. In addition, there will be special guest presenters and appearances. Date: Thursday, January 6th, 2011 (during International CES Convention week) Time: 7:00 – 10:00 pm PT Location: Cirque du Soleil Zumanity, New York New York Hotel, Las Vegas Agenda: Networking, Open Bars, Acts, Surprises and the Mashable Awards Gala presentations Socialize: Facebook, Foursquare, Meetup, Plancast, Twitter (Hashtag: #MashableAwards)

Register for Mashable Awards Gala at Cirque du Soleil Zumanity stage (Las Vegas - 2011 International CES convention) [Ticketed Event] in Las Vegas, NV on Eventbrite

Thanks to our sponsors:

Mashable Awards Gala Partner:

From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is now a global entertainment organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has over 5,000 employees, including more than 1,200 artists from close to 50 different countries. Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to nearly 100 million spectators in 300 cities on five continents. In 2010 Cirque du Soleil, will present 21 shows simultaneously throughout the world, including seven in Las Vegas. For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com

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Mashable Awards Partner:

Join us at the 2011 International CES®, the global platform for inspired ideas and innovation. With 2,500 exhibitors, CES continues to be the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow and always reflects the dynamic consumer electronics industry. The International CES is not open to the general public and all attendees must be in the CE industry to be eligible to attend the show. Register FREE for the 2011 CES with priority code MSHB, an exclusive promotion for Mashable Readers.

Mashable Awards Gala VIP Lounge sponsor:

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Sponsorships are available. Please contact [email protected] for more information. Image Courtesy of iStockphoto, timeflight