Pop singer Miley Cyrus named MTV's best artist of 2013

[December 11, 2013]  NEW YORK (Reuters)  — Miley Cyrus, the pop star who caused a sensation with her raunchy performance at this year's MTV Video Music Awards, was named best artist of 2013 by the cable TV network on Tuesday.

MTV said the singer dominated the music charts and the headlines with the release of her album "Bangerz," her jaw-dropping performances at awards shows and her hosting stint on the television sketch show "Saturday Night Live."

"She is the third artist to receive the distinction of being named MTV's Best Artist of the Year with past honorees including Katy Perry (2012) and One Direction (2011)," MTV said in a statement announcing the results.

Cyrus, 21, was also ranked MTV.com top artist, based on fan visits to the site, and had the most watched video of 2013 with her live performance with singer Robin Thicke at the VMAs.

In an MTV documentary released in October, the "We Can't Stop" singer admitted that she was out to shock and to push the boundaries. She said she was unapologetic for her provocative performance with Thicke.

Cyrus, the former Disney Channel star who shot to fame in the show "Hannah Montana," has made a concerted effort to shed her good-girl teen image with her suggestive performances and revealing outfits.

Hip-hop artists Macklemore and Ryan Lewis came in second on the MTV list of best artists for 2013, with Justin Timberlake, rapper Kanye West and British boy band One Direction rounding out the top five.

Katy Perry was No. 6, followed by rapper Drake, R&B singer Bruno Mars, 17-year-old New Zealand-born singer/songwriter Lorde and Lady Gaga.

(Reporting by Patricia Reaney; editing by Marguerita Choy)

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