2010 was a year of comebacks and uprisings, but ultimately, it was the year of pop.  From Lady Gaga to Justin Bieber, pop music was the soundtrack of 2010.  The Grammy Awards are just around the corner, and anticipation is mounting.  With so many hits this year, 2010 is particularly competitive.  In an ideal ceremony, these artists would receive the awards.

Song of the Year: “Forget You,” Cee-Lo Green. The rap artist, nominated for two Grammys, made it big this year with his hit “Forget You.”  Glee also featured the song, and it made 2010’s Billboard Top 40.  Green’s ability to perform well live, unlike many new artists, helped him succeed this year.  His lyrics catch younger audiences’ attention, as do his music videos and performances.

Album of the Year: “The Fame Monster,” Lady Gaga. In 2008, Lady Gaga emerged with her hit single “Just Dance,” and has since solidified her position as a pop sensation.  Lady Gaga is nominated for six awards this year and will most likely walk away with the prestigious Album of the Year for “The Fame Monster,” including popular songs “Alejandro,” “Bad Romance” and “Telephone.”  Gaga, possibly one of the biggest artists of the current generation, caught attention early with her shock tactics and extremely unique sense of style.  Her lyrics are one of a kind, and she writes all her own music, giving her fans all the more reason to adore her.

Best New Artist: Justin Bieber. Along with a nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album, Bieber walks the red carpet with two chances at winning, but almost surely will walk away with at least one award.  Bieber struck hard with his breakout song “One Time,” and has only grown more popular since.  His first music video, “Baby,” surpassed Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” video to become the most viewed YouTube video ever.

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: “Teenage Dream,” Katy Perry. “California Gurls” and “Teenage Dream” were two of the top five songs of 2010.  Though Perry has yet to win a Grammy, she’s been nominated for this same award twice before.  What makes this year different is “Teenage Dream” was higher up on the charts than “Hot N Cold” or “I Kissed a Girl,” the two songs nominated in the past.  Not only did Perry have two songs on the Billboard Top 100, but her world tour was one of 2010’s top grossing tours.

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance: “This Is It,” Michael Jackson. Arguably the best entertainer of all time, Michael Jackson posthumously released his twelfth album, “This Is It,” in October 2009.  Jackson will win the award in honor of his death, because, with all due respect, the academy would be heartless to not give the Grammy to his family.