NEW YORK (AP) -- Some Halloween fans are getting their ideas for costumes from television and the news.

Costume suppliers say their hottest items this year include Michael Jackson, British singer Amy Winehouse, reality star Kate Gosselin, convicted swindler Bernie Madoff and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

The National Retail Federation picks princesses, witches and Spider-Man as popular costumes for children. Party supply chain iParty's list of children's favorites includes Power Rangers, "Star Wars" characters and Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz."