2005
in MusicAlbums
21
Artists
22
Milestones
39
Notable Releases
Unplugged
Alicia KeysLive album that debuted at number one, first female artist to have MTV Unplugged debut atop Billboard 200
Hero
Kirk FranklinAlbum achieving platinum certification with hit singles 'Looking for You' and 'Imagine Me,' reaching No. 1 on Billboard Top Christian and Top Gospel albums, winning two Grammy Awards.
Day by Day
Yolanda AdamsAlbum that charted higher than *Mountain High... Valley Low* on Billboard charts, featuring singles "Be Blessed," "Someone Watching Over You," and "Victory."
Late Registration
Kanye WestSecond album incorporating orchestral arrangements and chamber pop influences, selling 2.3 million copies in the US.
Gold Digger
Kanye WestChart-topping single featuring Jamie Foxx, becoming signature West hit.
Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs
Donnie McClurkinGrammy-winning album that showcased his traditional soul gospel artistry and topped Billboard charts.
Chris Brown
Chris BrownHis debut studio album that went triple platinum and launched his career with the hit single 'Run It!', making him the first male artist since 1995 to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Run It!
Chris BrownHis breakthrough debut single that topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, establishing Brown as a major force in pop and R&B music at just 16 years old.
Hollaback Girl
Gwen StefaniChart-topping solo single that became the first US music download to sell over one million copies
Some Hearts
Carrie UnderwoodDebut album that became the best-selling debut album by a solo female country artist, featuring crossover hits "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and "Before He Cheats"; certified 9× Platinum
Be Without You
Mary J BligeRecord-setting R&B hit that spent 15 consecutive weeks at number one on the R&B chart, named the most successful R&B/hip-hop song of all time by Billboard
The Breakthrough
Mary J BligeAlbum with 727,000 first-week sales, the biggest first-week sales for an R&B solo female artist in SoundScan history
One (with U2)
Mary J BligeDuet cover of U2's 1992 hit that peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, becoming her biggest UK hit
Significant Milestones
MTV Unplugged
DebutReleased in October 2005, debuted at number one on Billboard 200, making Keys the first female artist to have an MTV Unplugged project debut atop the chart
Grammy Awards
Grammy WinWon three Grammy Awards including Best New Artist, Best R&B Album, and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at 48th Annual Grammy Awards
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
DebutBono was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of U2 during the group's first year of eligibility, cementing their legacy in rock history.
Time Person of the Year
AchievementBono was named one of Time magazine's Persons of the Year alongside Bill and Melinda Gates for his humanitarian work against poverty and disease in Africa.
Album Hero and Two Grammy Awards
Grammy WinThe album Hero achieved gold and platinum certification, reached No. 1 on Billboard Top Christian and Gospel charts, and won two Grammy Awards at the 2007 Grammy Awards.
Multiple Grammy Awards
Grammy WinWon multiple Grammy Awards and achieved status as one of the 100 most influential people globally according to Time magazine.
Debut Single 'Run It!' Hits Number One
DebutBrown became the first male artist since Montell Jordan in 1995 to have his debut single reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The single remained at the summit for five consecutive weeks.
Hollaback Girl Milestone
Debut"Hollaback Girl" became the first US music download to sell over one million copies, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming her signature song.
Billboard Top Female Artist
AchievementNamed Top Female Artist of the Year by Billboard following the massive success of Breakaway and its singles.
Vice-Governor Appointment
AchievementAppointed Vice-Governor of Kinshasa and provincial minister of culture.
Wins American Idol Season 4
AchievementUnderwood wins the fourth season of American Idol on May 25, 2005, securing a recording contract worth at least a million dollars and becoming the youngest winner to achieve immediate commercial success in country music.
"Inside Your Heaven" Charts History
DebutDebut single "Inside Your Heaven" becomes the first country song ever to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Underwood the first solo country artist to top the chart. The song also becomes the only solo country song to reach number one on the Hot 100 during the entire 2000s decade.
Some Hearts Album Release
DebutHer debut album Some Hearts sells 315,000 copies in its first week, becoming the best-selling debut album by a solo female country artist and eventually earning 9× Platinum certification. The album becomes the best-selling country album of 2006 and 2007.
Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction
AwardInducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to American songwriting.
