Adele Named Billboard Top Artist Of 2011

After enduring throat surgery and an attack by loyal Lady Gaga fans in the last couple of months, singer Adele is finishing this year out right as Billboard’s Top Artist of the Year, per SFLuxe.  Adele's success is due to her top album, 21, and her top single 'Rolling in the Deep'.  The twenty-three year old joins past winners Lady Gaga, who dominated 2010, as well as singer Taylor Swift, who was a huge success in 2009.

Speaking about her accomplishment, Adele issued a statement to Billboard. “I think one of the things that sets me apart from other artists who have had the same kind of the success is that my life isn't speculated about. I'm incredibly private, but I'm also incredibly honest and I think that creates a kind of ‘meet in the middle’ respectable ground.”

Meanwhile, Billboard’s editor Tye Comer shared his thoughts on Adele with Reuters.  “Her success is really inspiring because it shows that there is still room in the music industry for an artist to make it with true, raw talent.”

“It’s not necessarily always about the outrageous outfits or flashy videos, but an amazing voice coupled with the right song still has the ability to turn the ears of millions of people and keep them interested."

Joining Adele on the prestigious list and claiming the number two spot is the 'Only Girl in the World' star Rihanna, followed by Katy Perry, Marry the Night's Lady Gaga, and rapper Nicki Minaj.

Taylor Swift came in at number six on the list, with Justin Bieber in the seventh spot.  Landing in the remaining spots to make it to No.10 is rapper Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, and Bruno Mars.