Beyonce named 'woman of the year'

Beyonce's most recent hit album was I Am... Sasha Fierce

R&B star Beyonce has been announced as US music magazine Billboard's woman of the year for "inspiring the music business with her success".

The singer, whose latest album was a US number one and spawned a string of hit singles, is also being honoured for her influence on pop culture.

Previous recipients of the award have included R&B singer Ciara and country music star Reba McEntire.

Beyonce will collect her award at a gala in New York on 2 October.

'Unique style'

Bill Werde, Billboard's editorial director, said: "Beyonce is a multi-platinum artist and a multi-talented woman who clearly embodies the qualities of excellence and achievement the award was created to honour.

"She has inspired women everywhere with her unique style and business savvy," he added.

The star is also being singled out for her charitable work, including helping to deliver meals to food banks in the US during her world tour.

She also gave away 2,500 concert tickets to Detroit families affected by the crisis in the US car industry.

The singer, who is married to rapper Jay-Z, is to headline the first Formula One gig in Singapore next month.

She is also nominated for nine MTV Music Video Awards, which take place on 13 September.

Her world tour is scheduled to arrive in the UK in November.

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