Bruno Mars tops in 2013, says Billboard magazine

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This article was published 14/12/2013 (4663 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

NEW YORK — Miley Cyrus twerked her way to the top of the charts and Justin Timberlake returned to music after a seven-year hiatus, but another artist owned music in 2013: Bruno Mars.

Billboard announced Friday the pop crooner is the year’s top overall artist.

“It’s flattering. It’s just an honour,” Mars said in an interview this week. “I’m proud to be a part of this whole team that I have.”

The singer’s year included a No. 1 hit with When I Was Your Man and a top 5 hit with Treasure. His sophomore album, Unorthodox Jukebox, was released late last year and has sold more than 1.8 million units. It’s the second bestselling album of the year behind Timberlake’s The 20/20 Experience.

Mars added that listeners have resonated with his music because it’s “relatable.”

“You know when you eat that food and it’s filling that void you were missing,” he said, describing his music.

Taylor Swift is the year’s top female artist for Billboard, while Mars is the leading male. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis is the top group and new act.

Timberlake ruled the R&B charts, while groups Flordia George Line and Imagine Dragons topped the country and rock charts, respectively.

Mars’ impressive year also includes four Grammy Awards. His No. 1 hit, Locked Out of Heaven, is up for two of the top awards, song and record of the year. He’ll launch the second North American leg of his Moonshine Jungle World Tour this summer.

— The Associated Press