2012
in MusicAlbums
13
Artists
26
Milestones
41
Notable Releases
Girl on Fire
Alicia KeysFifth studio album, first album through RCA Records, peaked at number four on Billboard 200
Believe
Justin BieberBieber's third studio album that marked a musical departure with dance-pop and R&B elements, debuting at number one and making him the first artist to have five US number-one albums by age 18 with its acoustic re-release.
Skyfall
AdeleJames Bond theme song that won Academy Award for Best Original Song and Golden Globe; sold over five million copies worldwide.
Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)
Kelly ClarksonSecond single from Stronger album that topped 16 Billboard charts, reached number one on Hot 100, and remains her best-selling single with 4.9 million copies sold in the US.
Blown Away
Carrie UnderwoodFourth album debuting at number one with darker storyline; second best-selling female album of 2012; certified 3× Platinum
Diamonds
RihannaHer twelfth number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing her vocal maturity and becoming one of her most enduring ballads.
Glassheart
Leona LewisThird album featuring introspective songwriting and expanded musical palette
Unorthodox Jukebox
Bruno MarsMars's second studio album that debuted at number two before topping the Billboard 200, showcasing his musical versatility across disco, funk, and soul. The album has sold over six million copies worldwide.
Significant Milestones
Whitney Houston tribute
AchievementPerformed at Whitney Houston's funeral on February 18, 2012, at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey; also served as godmother to Houston's daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown.
BET's Sunday Best judge
AchievementServed as judge on BET's gospel singing competition Sunday Best from 2012 to 2014 alongside her brother BeBe.
Country Music Hall of Fame Induction
AwardBrooks was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on October 21, 2012, honoring his historic impact on country music.
Highest-paid judge on The X Factor
AchievementJoined The X Factor as a judge with a reported salary of $15 million, becoming the highest-paid judge on any singing competition series at that time.
Skyfall & Academy Award
AwardReleased "Skyfall" theme song for James Bond film, winning Academy Award for Best Original Song and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
Conversion to Rastafari and Snoop Lion Era
AchievementFollowing a trip to Jamaica, Snoop Dogg converted to Rastafari and adopted the alias Snoop Lion. This marked a significant spiritual and artistic transformation, leading to reggae music exploration.
Fortune Album Debuts at Number One
DebutHis fifth studio album topped the Billboard 200, demonstrating his sustained commercial success and appeal despite past controversies.
The Cowboy Rides Away Tour Announcement
TourAnnounced his retirement from touring on September 26, 2012, with The Cowboy Rides Away Tour becoming his final tour. Tickets sold out within hours, demonstrating his enduring popularity.
Breakthrough with Disclosure's 'Latch'
CollaborationSmith rose to prominence by featuring on Disclosure's breakthrough single 'Latch' which peaked at number eleven on the UK Singles Chart. This marked the beginning of Smith's ascent in the music industry.
Brit Awards Recognition
BreakthroughWon two Brit Awards for Best British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act at the 2012 Brit Awards, establishing himself as a major force in British music.
Katy Perry: Part of Me Documentary
Cultural MomentReleased autobiographical documentary through Paramount Pictures on July 5, 2012, which received positive reviews and grossed $32.7 million worldwide at the box office, establishing her as a significant cultural figure.
Billboard Woman of the Year
Cultural MomentBillboard dubbed Perry their 'Woman of the Year' in September 2012, recognizing her significant influence on pop music and commercial success throughout the year.
First Consecutive Number One Albums
DebutOne Direction became the first boy band in US chart history to record two number-one albums in the same calendar year with the release of 'Take Me Home,' reaching number one in over 35 countries.
Super Bowl National Anthem
AchievementPerformed 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at Super Bowl XLVI on February 5, 2012, to widespread critical acclaim.
Blown Away Tour Begins
TourThe first leg of the Blown Away Tour begins at the Royal Albert Hall in London, eventually playing to over one million fans across three continents and six countries, with career tour revenues exceeding $95 million.
First Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Grammy WinRoss received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the recording industry's highest honors.
