Kate Perry has been named Billboard's Woman of the Year according to MTV, and what a year it's been - overcoming breakups and toppings charts.

The 27-year-old pop star and actress endured a high profile divorce from British funny man Russell Brand, before turning the ordeal into a hit single and film. The track, Part Of Me, featured a 3D behind-the-scenes movie entitled Katy Perry: Part Of Me that documented the highs and lows of personal and professional life. Bill Werde, editorial director for Billboard, said in a statement that Perry was chosen for her impressive achievements in the past 12 months, calling her "one of the most exciting and inspiring artists in the industry," before adding: "Katy Perry broke into the industry not even five years ago, and has already accomplished more than most artists can hope for in an entire career."

Perry can now officially be branded a powerhouse franchise; she has sold 48 million tracks in the US alone including the hits Firework, California Gurls, ET and Hot N Cold, as well as lending her name to her own perfume, nail polish and false eyelash lines. Forbes placed Perry at No. 3 on their highest-earning female musicians list in December 2011, estimating her pre-tax earnings at $US44 million. She will receive the award at the 2012 Billboard Women in Music event in New York on November 30. Previous winners include Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie.