Taylor Swift

It's been Taylor Swift's year. This young country crossover star overshadowed the late Michael Jackson at the American Music Awards, winning five prizes including artist of the year.

 She sold more albums than any artist not named Michael Jackson in 2009.

 Her first headlining tour, Fearless 2009, sold out for every show within minutes. She became the youngest woman to win the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year award. But most important, she proved herself a graceful celebrity, handling hosting duties on Saturday Night Live and a rampaging Kanye West at the MTV Video Music Awards with equal aplomb.