R&B Artist of the Year – The Boombox Fan Choice Awards
It’s time to honor the singers who topped the charts and crafted the soundtrack to many of your celebratory moments last year. The competition for R&B Artist of the Year in The Boombox Fan Choice Awards is steep as each artist made a strong impact in 2013 with their respective music and movements.
It goes without saying that 2013 was the Year of Beyonce. Queen Bey broke music industry rules by releasing her visual album via iTunes without advance fanfare or promotion. Within a week, the R&B queen sold a million copies. And despite a few stores refusing to stock her album, the singer’s sales continued to grow. In 2014, the 'Grown Woman' songstress is embarking on a European tour and is releasing another fragrance.
Fellow singer Tamar Braxton made a successful comeback last year with her beautiful R&B album, 'Love and War.' The collection garnered a trio of hit singles: 'Love & War,' 'The One' and 'All the Way Home.' The R&B mom’s hard work paid off as she was nominated for three Grammys including Best Urban Contemporary Album.
Meanwhile, K. Michelle also had a big year. The 'Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta' star’s 'Rebellious Soul' was one of the Best R&B Albums of 2013. Songs like ‘V.S.O.P’ and ‘Can’t Raise a Man’ garnered major airplay on the radio.
Justin Timberlake's comeback was stellar with his 'The 20/20 Experience.' The collection boasts the sartorial hit 'Suit & Tie' (featuring Jay Z) and the Grammy-nominated single, 'Pusher Love Girl.' Then JT hop on Hov’s anthemic single 'Holy Grail' from his album, 'Magna Carta Holy Grail.'
Piano man John Legend had an eventful 2013. He released his fourth album 'Love in the Future.’ The 35-year-old singer also married his longtime love Chrissy Teigen in an intimate ceremony in Italy.
Robin Thicke also saw success with his chart-topping hit single, 'Blurred Lines.' The ubiquitous song was the top-selling single of 2013. His new song, the tender ballad 'The Rest of My Life,' is already No. 1 on the Adult R&B Song Chart. In 2014, Thicke is set to headline his U.S. tour in February.
Rounding out the list are singers R. Kelly, the Weeknd, Bilal and Fantasia who all had a stellar year with their respective projects.
Who do you think should be crowned R&B Artist of the Year? Vote for the singer you believe should take home The Boombox Fan Choice Award below! Remember you can vote once per hour until the poll closes on Feb. 11, at 10AM EST.