Though Adele didn't have a new album or a worldwide tour in 2012, she's still hot. After a year of Grammy glory and James Bond soundtracking, Adele has been voted the Associated Press entertainer of the year.

In 132 ballots submitted by members and subscribers of the AP, Adele easily outpaced Taylor Swift, "Fifty Shades of Grey" author E.L. James, the South Korean viral video star PSY and the cast of "Twilight." Editors and broadcasters were asked to cast their ballot for the person who had the most influence on entertainment and culture in 2012.

Adele's year began in triumph at the Grammys, took a turn through recording the theme to the 007 film "Skyfall" and ended with the birth of her son in October. The ubiquitous Adele was that rare thing in pop culture: an unqualified sensation, a megastar in a universe of niche hits.

By the end of the year, her second album, "21," had passed 10 million copies sold in the United States, only the 21st album in the Nielsen SoundScan era (begun in 1991) to achieve diamond status. Associated Press