Beyonce claimed Billboard magazine's prestigious Woman of The Year Award at a gala brunch in New York on Friday.

The annual event recognises the year's top 30 women in the music business, and publication editorial director Bill Werde insists picking Beyonce this year was an easy choice.

He says, "Beyonce is a 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 honour.

"She has not only influenced pop culture with her hit songs and her signature dance moves, but has inspired women everywhere with her unique style, business savvy and dedication to charitable causes.

"It is theoretically possible someone on some other planet had a better year than Beyonce, but I'm not buying it."

Staten Island school group the P.S. 22 Chorus then paid tribute to the hitmaker with renditions of her hits Halo and Single Ladies (Put A Ring on It).

Lady Gaga was also among the 2009 honorees - she took home the Rising Star Award.

The thrilled Paparazzi singer said, "Twelve months ago I never would have imagined being here and receiving this award."

See more photos of Beyonce here!

Image © Sylvain Gaboury / PR Photos

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)