2010
in MusicAlbums
22
Artists
21
Milestones
36
Notable Releases
My World 2.0
Justin BieberBieber's debut studio album that topped the US Billboard 200, making him the youngest solo male to do so in 47 years. The album featured the massive hit single 'Baby' featuring Ludacris, which became one of the best-selling singles in the U.S.
Baby
Justin BieberLead single from My World 2.0 featuring Ludacris that became an international hit and one of the best-selling singles in U.S. history, charting at number five on the Billboard Hot 100.
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye WestFifth studio album featuring "All of the Lights," "Power," and "Runaway," widely considered his masterpiece and critical comeback.
Rolling in the Deep
AdeleLead single from album 21; became one of Adele's signature songs and topped charts worldwide.
Teenage Dream
Katy PerryDisco-influenced pop album that became the first album by a female artist to spawn five U.S. number-one singles, selling over 12 million copies worldwide and becoming her highest-selling album to date.
Firework
Katy PerryThird consecutive number-one single from Teenage Dream that became one of Perry's most iconic songs and received a Diamond certification from the RIAA.
New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)
Erykah BaduFifth studio album debuting at number four on the Billboard 200 and featuring the controversial single "Window Seat" with its provocative music video.
Loud
RihannaDance-pop album featuring three number-one hits that established her as the youngest and fastest solo artist to accumulate ten number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
Pulse
Toni BraxtonSeventh studio album that debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200 and topped the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, becoming her fifth US top-ten album.
Doo-Wops & Hooligans
Bruno MarsBruno Mars's debut studio album that established him as a major pop artist, debuting at number three on the Billboard 200 and spawning hit singles including 'Just the Way You Are' and 'Grenade'. The album has sold 15.5 million copies worldwide.
Just the Way You Are
Bruno MarsLead single from Doo-Wops & Hooligans that topped charts globally and spent 20 weeks on the Adult Contemporary chart, Mars's longest debut chart run. It became one of the best-selling digital singles with 12.5 million sales by 2012.
Significant Milestones
My World 2.0 Debut at Number One
DebutMy World 2.0 debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, making Bieber the youngest solo male to top the chart since Stevie Wonder in 1963. This breakthrough achievement launched him to mainstream fame.
Haiti Earthquake Charity Single
Cultural MomentFranklin organized and released 'Are You Listening' with an ensemble of 20+ gospel artists following Haiti's devastating earthquake, demonstrating his influence in mobilizing the gospel community.
Publication of The Blueprint
AchievementFranklin published his autobiography 'The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life's Storms,' recounting childhood difficulties and overcoming addiction.
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
ComebackReleased critically acclaimed fifth album to widespread praise, widely considered his masterpiece and major comeback work.
Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
AchievementBocelli received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard for his contribution to live theater.
Hollywood Walk of Fame Star and Burlesque
AchievementReceived her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and starred in the film Burlesque, earning a Golden Globe nomination for her role.
Teenage Dream Record-Breaking Success
AchievementReleased Teenage Dream, which became the only album by a female artist to spawn five U.S. number-one singles ('California Gurls,' 'Teenage Dream,' 'Firework,' 'E.T.,' and 'Last Friday Night'). The album sold over 12 million copies worldwide and became her highest-selling album to date.
One Direction Formation
RetirementAuditioned as solo contestant on The X Factor, was eliminated, then grouped with four other contestants to form One Direction. The band was mentored by Simon Cowell and competed in the Groups category, eventually becoming finalists.
Victorious Breakthrough
BreakthroughGrande was cast as Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon series Victorious, which premiered to 5.7 million viewers. This role helped propel her to teen idol status and launched her path to mainstream success.
The X Factor Audition
AchievementAt age 16, Horan auditioned for the seventh series of The X Factor. After initially failing to qualify, he was placed in a group with four other contestants by judge Nicole Scherzinger, forming One Direction.
Wins ACM Entertainer of the Year
DebutUnderwood wins Entertainer of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, making her the first woman to win this award twice in the show's history. She also receives the ACM Triple Crown Award.
Window Seat Controversy
ControversyMusic video for "Window Seat" filmed nude at Dealey Plaza sparked national conversation about artistic freedom, resulting in disorderly conduct charge resolved with $500 fine.
New Amerykah Part Two Release
DebutFifth studio album released March 30, debuting at number four on Billboard 200 and receiving general critical acclaim.
