Katy Perry named Billboard's woman of the year

Perry, 27, channelled her split with British comedian Russell Brand in late 2011 into the chart-topping hit Part Of Me and a 3D behind-the-scenes film Katy Perry: Part Of Me that documented her personal and professional ups and downs.

The singer has won over a legion of fans, known as 'katycats,' on Twitter and Facebook with her quirky costumes and catchy bubble gum pop songs.Forbes placed Perry at No. 3 on their highest-earning female musicians list in December 2011, estimating her pre-tax earnings at $44 million.