Avril Lavigne’s “Don’t Tell Me” (BMG Funhouse) was today (Dec. 13) chosen as best record of the year at the annual Japan Radio Popular Discs Awards ceremony in Tokyo.
The ceremony was sponsored by the Japan Radio Hit Research Committee, which represents 34 private AM radio stations nationwide. Members of the committee voted for winners in various categories comprising chart hits by non-Japanese acts during the period from Nov. 1, 2003, to Oct. 31, 2004.
Usher and the late Ray Charles were jointly named best male vocalist for their songs “Yeah!” (BMG Funhouse) and “Here We Go Again” (Victor Entertainment), respectively. Norah Jones won best female vocalist honors for “Sunrise” (Toshiba-EMI).
Green Day won the best vocal duo or group prize for “American Idiot” (Warner Music Japan). Ashlee Simpson and Hilary Duff shared brightest hope of the year honors for their songs “Pieces of Me” (Universal Music K.K.) and “So Yesterday” (Avex), respectively. Ana Johnson’s “We Are” (Sony Music International) was chosen as the best screen theme music due to its inclusion in the “Spiderman 2” soundtrack.
Universal Music K.K. was awarded the best promotion prize for its promotional campaigns on behalf of foreign music during the year.
