#4 Triple threat Beyonce Knowles was an unstoppable force in ‘09. Her alter ego “Sasha Fierce” introduced the world to the phenomena that was “Single Ladies”(The Dream) in 2008. But the hardworking entertainer continued her music reign in 2009 with hits “Diva” and “Halo”. A special moment would arrive for Beyonce when she was selected to perform for President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the Inaugural Ball. In March, Beyonce began her lengthy “I Am..Tour”. April would see Knowles on the big screen starring in the thriller “Obsessed” alongside veterans Idris Elba and Ali Later . Later in 2009, Knowles was honored as Billboard’s “Entertainer of the Year”.

#3 Way before the VMA mishap came into the equation, Taylor Swift was already a rising star in music. The cutesy ballad “Love Story” had given Swift immediate crossover success. And it was because of “Love Story” that her sophomore album Fearless would debut at #1 the Billboard Hot 200 with high sales. The unforgettable night in September will forever be a talked about moment in TV. Thanks to West blatant outburst, Taylor Swift catapulted into even bigger fame. The American country starlet landed a gig on SNL, received her first film role(Valentine’s Day), advertised for big name companies(Guitar Hero) and swept awards up left and right. If that wasn’t already enough as it is-The 2009 “Billboard Artist of the Year” is nominated for 8 Grammys. Not bad for the Pennsylvania native.

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