Billboard announced today that Grammy Award-winning artist and pop culture icon Beyoncé will accept its coveted Woman Of The Year Award at the 2009 Billboard Women In Music Event, taking place on October 2nd in New York City. This award is given to a trailblazing female recording artist that has inspired the music business with her success, leadership and new ideas. The honor also acknowledges the achievements of the artist over the past 12 months.

Beyoncé established herself as a founding member and frontwoman of Destiny's Child - the top-selling female recording group of all-time - and is now a multi-platinum solo artist who has been recognized with Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, ASCAP Awards, BET Awards and many other honors. She is also the only performer in the 51-year history of the Billboard Hot 100 to top the chart for 10 weeks or more with a group and as a solo artist.

Over the past 12 months, Beyoncé kicked off her world tour “I Am…” in support of her third solo album “I Am…Sasha Fierce,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in November and features the hit singles “If I Were A Boy,” “Single Ladies,” “Halo,” “Ego” and “Sweet Dreams.” The tour also showcases Beyoncé’s philanthropic side as she gave 2500 tickets to families hit hard by the auto industry crisis in Detroit, and joined forces with General Mills Hamburger Helper and Feeding America to deliver 3.5 million meals to local food banks.

In addition to her work as an artist and philanthropist, Beyoncé has also enjoyed tremendous success with her fashion lines House of Deréon and Deréon; through her endorsements deals with L’Oreal Paris, Nintendo DSi, General Mills, Crystal Geyser in Japan and Samantha Thavasa in Japan; and with her acting career. “Obsessed,” her sixth theatrical release, opened at No.1 at the box office in April. Beyoncé was also a producer on the film.

“Beyoncé is multi-platinum artist and a multi-talented woman who clearly embodies the qualities of excellence and achievement that the Billboard Woman Of The Year Award was created to honor,” said Bill Werde, Billboard’s Editorial Director. “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.”

“It is an honor to be named Woman of The Year by Billboard,” said Beyoncé. “I am humbled by this award."

The Billboard Women in Music Event celebrates the most powerful and talented women in the music business. The event is also held in conjunction with the much-anticipated publication of Billboard’s Women In Music Power Players List, which recognizes the top female music executives who are leading the industry with their artistic and business vision.

See more photos of Beyonce Knowles here!

Image © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

Click here to follow @Starpulse on Twitter!