Adele Conquers America With New No1 Crown

Adele is continuing her sweep of success across the Atlantic by being crowned Billboard magazine's number one artist of 2011.

The London-born soul singer made Billboard history when she became the first female singer to be named top artist, have the top album and score the top single, all in one year.

The 23-year-old - who earned six Grammy nominations last week - was followed in the top artist group by Rihanna, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Bruno Mars.

"I think one of the things that sets me apart from other artists who have had the same kind of success is that my life isn't speculated about" by the media, Adele said in an
interview with Billboard.

Her smash hit album 21 was the best-selling of the year with 4.8 million copies sold.

It was written in the aftermath of the singer's failed relationship and it features underlying themes of love, heartache and moving forward.

"I'm incredibly private but I'm also incredibly honest, and I think that creates a kind of 'meet in the middle' respectable ground," said the singer.

Adele's soul and blues-fused single Rolling In The Deep beat LMFAO's Party Rock Anthem, Katy Perry's Firework and E.T. featuring Kanye West.

While Adele was named top female artist, rapper Lil Wayne was awarded top male artist and Wiz Khalifa became best new artist.