CHRIS BROWN - R 'N' B STAR CHRIS BROWN NAMED ARTIST OF THE YEAR

R 'N' B STAR CHRIS BROWN NAMED ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Chris Brown has been named Billboard magazine's artist of the year for the second time.

The 19-year-old - who also claimed the accolade in 2006 - has a hugely successful year, scoring chart hits with the likes of Forever and With You, as well as No Air, his duet with American Idol winner Jordin Sparks.

Billboard determines its artist rankings on the basis of album sales, digital downloads, radio airplay and internet streams, with Brown's chart-friendly fare helping him to top the list ahead of Grammy nominee Lil Wayne.

The honour marks a successful conclusion to the year for Brown, who won three trophies at last month's American Music Awards (AMAs), including artist of the year.

"It's bigger than what I can ever imagine. It's unexpected totally, so it's a surprise," Brown said after the Billboard announcement.

"I've had a good year but I still feel like a little insecure in those parts. I'm like, 'There's little ol' me getting an award' - that's incredible."

Lil Wayne was named in second on the list, followed by Brown's girlfriend Rihanna.

And Alicia Keys and Taylor Swift rounded out the top five.

Billboard also named its top songs of the year, with club hit Low by Flo Rida heading the list.

Leona Lewis' Bleeding Love placed second, followed by Keys' No One, Lil Wayne's Lollipop and OneRepublic's Apologize, a collaboration with Timbaland.