What a year it’s been at Top40 here on the charts and pages of New Music Weekly. It was also quite a great time at this year’s New Music Awards. It was great to see all of our radio friends there from all over the Country. A special “shout out” to Russ Davidson at for picking up a Top40 Station of the Year Award for KLQQ & to Beth Valiant and John Mangan (KVTI) for favorite Music and Program Director wins. Nickelback is making it look easy at radio this week as their “Gotta Be Somebody” (Roadrunner) blows past the competition. David Cook continues his major winning ways at the format. His “Light On” (RCA/RLG) has been a real solid hit from the time at arrived at radio. The band Hi Tide is also making some music history of their own. “Open Invitation” (Has) is the track that is taking the format by storm. We’ve also been getting some strong reports on the latest entry from Beyonce. Her “Single Ladies” (Columbia/Sony) has been a big mover and that should be of no surprise to our ever growing panel of stations. She also has “If I Were A Boy” from producer Tricky Stewart. We’re still waiting for him to show up at our New Music Awards.

Hoobastank are back and make no mistake about that. Their latest single “My Turn” (Island/UMG) is getting some great reviews from our music and program directors. Also getting plenty of action again this week is the new one from our favorite group of ladies, Pussycat Dolls. There are back my friends and getting plenty of heat for their “I Hate This Part” (A&M/Interscope). Hey, I hate a few parts too, but “get over it”. American Idol’s David Archuleta continues to impress our panel this week. His new “”Crush” (Jive/Zomba) is picking up speed and blowing past many out there this week. Also make sure to check out the latest offering from Heroes Of The Dance Floor. The single “Same Scandal” is one that needs to be given a fair shot. For those already on it, the phones are blowing off the wall. That could mean a little something is happening here.

Everybody seems to be going “gaga” for the new single from Lady Gaga. It’s called “Just Dance” (Interscope) and it’s another one of those irresistible tracks. Akon is also back again in the mix. His single “Right Now” (SRC/Universal/UMG) has got a very strong buzz going and that should be no surprise as well. The Killers are on fire again this week with a bright and strong new hit single. Human” (IDJMG) is the track that is getting the job done. Coldplay is also strong again this week as their “Lovers In Japan” (Capitol) takes flight. All eyes and ears are on the new one from Guns N’ Roses. Could their new single “Chinese Democracy” (Geffen/Interscope) put them back on top? We’ll just have to see how of this works out in the coming weeks.

NMA nominee Alyson is now a “winner” having picked up a big award during our ceremony in Hollywood. This comes as her “Adios Barcelona” (PM) has made some history. I’m sad to say that Alyson was not able to make the show due to her recent accident, but she’s coming along well and she was thrilled with the outcome. Rihanna is taking it all in stride as her new single “Rehab” (Island Estuary) picks up more spins. Metro Station has also been getting some attention over the past few weeks at the format. The track “Seventeen Forever” (Columbia/Sony) seems to be striking a chord.

The band Fixer continues to rock the music world as their “Mixing In With My Blood” (Riker Hill) moves towards the top of the charts. Greg Haptor also continues strong with his debut single. The track “Everything” (Ue3) is brilliant and appears to be a real hit single. Make sure you send a little time with Jon B. His single “Oh So Sexy” (Vibezelect/Arsenal) is about as good as they get for now. Sixx AM continues moving with “Tomorrow” (Eleven Seven/Atlantic) & you can never discount Britney Spears. She even got some attention at our NMA’s from Idol’s Kady Malloy who performed her “Womanizer” (Jive/Zomba) single that is moving fast and furious. Jazmine Sullivan is also on the move with her “I Need You Bad” (J). Never say no to Ne Yo. That is because the single “Miss Independent” (IDJMG) is the talk of the town. It’s been another great year and I look forward to giving you more good news about Top40 records next year right here. Peace out my friends for now and get through the holidays with love and fun.