Celebrity | Beyonce Woman of the Year: Beyonce By Kate Seamons Posted Aug 26, 2009 12:10 PM CDT Copied Beyonce performs during the Essence Music Festival at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, La., Friday, July 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) How fierce: Beyoncé has been named Billboard's Woman of the Year. The magazine singled her out as the most inspirational female recording artist of the last 12 months. The honor comes on the heels of a world tour to promote I Am...Sasha Fierce that saw the singer's philanthropic alter ego emerge as well: Beyoncé donated 2,500 tickets to families battered by Detroit's auto crisis and helped Feeding America deliver 3.5 million meals to food banks. "She has not only influenced pop culture with her hit songs and signature dance moves, but has inspired women everywhere with her unique style, business savvy, and dedication to charitable causes," says Billboard's editorial director. Read These Next Trumps ends trade talks with Canada. Gavin Newsom has filed a massive lawsuit against Fox News. New York Times ranks the best movies of the 21st century. A man has been deported for kicking an airport customs beagle. Report an error