In this Sept. 21, 2013 file photo, Bruno Mars performs at IHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas. Billboard announced Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, that the pop crooner is the year’s top overall artist. Mars’ year included a No. 1 hit with “When I Was Your Man” and a top 5 hit with “Treasure.” AP
NEW YORK — Miley Cyrus twerked her way to the top of the charts and Justin Timberlake returned to music after a seven-year hiatus, but another artist owned music in 2013: Bruno Mars.
Billboard announced Friday that the pop crooner is the year’s top overall artist.
“It’s flattering. It’s just an honor,” Mars said in an interview this week. “I’m proud to be a part of this whole team that I have.”
The singer’s year included a No. 1 hit with “When I Was Your Man” and a top 5 hit with “Treasure.” His sophomore album, “Unorthodox Jukebox,” was released late last year and has sold more than 1.8 million units. It’s the second best-selling album of the year behind Timberlake’s “The 20/20 Experience.”
Mars added that listeners have resonated with his music because it’s “relatable.”
“You know when you eat that food and it’s filling that void you were missing,” he said, describing his music.
Taylor Swift is the year’s top female artist for Billboard, while Mars is the leading male. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis is the top group and new act.
Timberlake ruled the R&B charts, while groups Florida George Line and Imagine Dragons topped the country and rock charts, respectively.
Mars’ impressive year also includes four Grammy nominations. His No. 1 hit, “Locked Out of Heaven,” is up for two of the top awards, song and record of the year. He’ll launch the second North American leg of his “Moonshine Jungle World Tour” this summer.