Woman of the Year: Beyonce

How fierce: Beyoncé has been named Billboard's Woman of the Year. The magazine singled her out as the most inspirational female recording artist of the last 12 months. The honor comes on the heels of a world tour to promote I Am...Sasha Fierce that saw the singer's philanthropic alter ego emerge as well: Beyoncé donated 2,500 tickets to families battered by Detroit's auto crisis and helped Feeding America deliver 3.5 million meals to food banks.

"She has not only influenced pop culture with her hit songs and signature dance moves, but has inspired women everywhere with her unique style, business savvy, and dedication to charitable causes," says Billboard's editorial director.

(More Beyonce stories.)