Taylor Swift Replaces Fergie As 'Woman Of The Year', Taylor Swift, the multi-award winning country star, has been awarded Billboard's 'Woman of the Year' title for 2011. The singer-songwriter, who replaces Black Eyed Peas front-woman Fergie, will receive the coveted prize at the 'Women in Music' event on 2nd December in New York City.

Rising to become one of the biggest female musicians in the world, Swift has picked up four Grammy Awards and three best-selling albums in her relatively short career. The 21-year-old is the youngest ever artist to receive the honour, and joins musical luminaries such as Beyonce and Reba Mcentire. Billboard's Editorial Director Bill Werde explained the decision, saying, "Taylor has shown the power of good songwriting with music that has transcended genres, and we're thrilled to recognize all of her successes over the past year by honoring her with the Billboard Woman of the Year Award". The singer has spent the past year performing on her 'Speak Now World Tour', in support of her third album that sold over one million copies during its first week of release. Although she is yet to comment on her new title, Swift tweeted "This day is so awesome!!" after it was announced she was also nominated for three gongs at the upcoming American Music Awards.

As well as being a record-breaking country artist, Swift is also recognised for being a dedicated philanthropist and personally donated over $1 million to charities in the past year alone.

Source: contactmusic