Rolling Stone has just begun a new tradition. This year, they crowned the first ever Queen of Pop. There were several people in the running, but the winner was none other than the superstar Lady Gaga. This is hardly surprising considering she was also the winner of Forbes’ “Best Paid Celebrities Under 30.” Where did all her money come from? Selling very successful albums, of course.
There were a total of 16 female artists who, in competition with Gaga, fought for the title: Adele, Beyoncé Knowles, Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Ke$ha, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Pink, Rihanna, Robyn, Shakira, and Taylor Swift. Only artists who released solo albums in 2009-2011 were eligible, which is why singers like Gwen Stefani weren’t applicable.
There were eight categories, and each contestant was given points for their ranking in it. These categories were album and digital song sales, Billboard Hot 100 rankings, radio airplay, views on YouTube, social media, revenue from live shows, award wins and reviews from critics. Gaga topped the Billboard Hot 100, had the most digital tracks and airplay, and was the leader in the social networking category. Taylor Swift had the most album sales, awards, and had the best overall album reviews. Pink won the touring venue, and Rihanna took the victory in hits on YouTube.
In the end, the top five were, in order, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Britney Spears, and Beyonce Knowles. Lady Gaga outstripped them all by a heavy margin. She had 1,205 points, whereas second place Taylor Swift had 881. Rihanna was a close third with 833 points, while Britney Spears held 674 and Beyoncé Knowles had 668.
Rolling Stone comments on the competition, “No matter how we cut the numbers, GaGa was bound to crush the competition. Our goal here was to crown the current tiara-wearer. The hard-working, culture-dominating Gaga more than earned the title. Maybe a year from now, after Beyoncé’s new album 4 has spun off a year of radio, digital and video hits, Lady G and Honey B will be more evenly matched, tugging on either end of the Queen of Pop sceptre like the demigods they are.”
There were a total of 16 female artists who, in competition with Gaga, fought for the title: Adele, Beyoncé Knowles, Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Ke$ha, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Pink, Rihanna, Robyn, Shakira, and Taylor Swift. Only artists who released solo albums in 2009-2011 were eligible, which is why singers like Gwen Stefani weren’t applicable.
In the end, the top five were, in order, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Britney Spears, and Beyonce Knowles. Lady Gaga outstripped them all by a heavy margin. She had 1,205 points, whereas second place Taylor Swift had 881. Rihanna was a close third with 833 points, while Britney Spears held 674 and Beyoncé Knowles had 668.
Rolling Stone comments on the competition, “No matter how we cut the numbers, GaGa was bound to crush the competition. Our goal here was to crown the current tiara-wearer. The hard-working, culture-dominating Gaga more than earned the title. Maybe a year from now, after Beyoncé’s new album 4 has spun off a year of radio, digital and video hits, Lady G and Honey B will be more evenly matched, tugging on either end of the Queen of Pop sceptre like the demigods they are.”
