Move over, Gaga! Take a break, Beyonce! The youthful pop-country starlet Taylor Swift has just been crowned “Woman of the Year” by Billboard Magazine, besting the best of music’s strong women. In a year dominated by female success stories, including Nicki Minaj and Adele, the six-time CMA nominated Swift earns top honors from the music industry’s most respected source.
Billboard has made their love of the Pennsylvania native no secret — the youngest artist to ever receive the “Woman of the Year” honors has already had several 2011 Billboard Music Awards bestowed upon her, including Top Country Album of the Year, for five-time platinum “Speak Now.” As the voice of a young female generation, Taylor wrote all 14 tracks off her super successful third album.
Swift lays claim to a lot more than just Billboard Awards, as she also holds many Billboard sales and chart records. Her self-titled debut album holds the honor of longest-running album in the Billboard 200 since 2000. Her follow-up album, “Fearless,” is the longest running #1 album in Billboard history, and the most awarded album in country music history. Her current album has charted a whopping 11 out of 14 songs on the Billboard Hot 100.
Mainstream music fans have debated over who is top dog in a year full of female chart toppers. Katy Perry bested Michael Jackson’s record of most #1 singles on the Billboard charts. Adele has spent months on the Billboard charts with her single “Rolling in the Deep,” and re-claimed the #1 spot recently with her second single “Someone Like You.” Lady Gaga and Nicky Minaj have taken home awards for their songs this year, and continue to dominate radio airplay and amass major album sales. Despite all the girl power in the music industry, the guitar playing girl who writes and sings from the heart manages to stay on top, without any gimmicks or tricks up her sleeve. Her simple melodies and honest messages continue to sell albums and pack concert stadiums around the world.
When it comes to music in 2011, Beyonce was right when she said that “girls run the world.” Despite her young age and quiet demeanor, Billboard Magazine – and fans all over the world – have crowned Taylor Swift as the queen bee. Amongst a long roster of successful and talented women in music, the country-pop superstar Taylor Swift has clearly risen to the top. With a truly loyal fan base rooted in country music and the ability to write from the heart and connect to millions of fans, Swift may very well be at the top of the list for years to come.