AKON - AKON NAMED ARTIST OF THE YEAR

AKON NAMED ARTIST OF THE YEAR

R+B star AKON has been named America's top artist of the year (07) by trade magazine Billboard, based on his radio airplay and chart successes. The accolade ends a troubled year for the Smack That hitmaker, who was accused of dirty dancing with a 14-year-old during a concert in Trindad in April (07). Akon was also charged with allegedly throwing a teenage fan into the audience at a New York concert in June (07). He pleaded not guilty to charges he endangered the welfare of a minor last month (Nov07). Meanwhile, rockers Daughtry have ended the year with the most successful album and Beyonce Knowles scores 2007's biggest hit with Irreplaceable.