Last week, it was reported in the press that Aretha Franklin was to undergo a mysterious surgery. Her released statement on the matter was upbeat yet vague, leaving fans and admirers guessing as to the seriousness of the situation.

Well apparently the situation is indeed quite serious. Sources are telling the media that the Queen of Soul underwent surgery last week to combat pancreatic cancer.

According to Rollingstone.com, Franklin’s surgery went extremely well. Family members have told the press that Franklin is in great spirits and is expected to leave the hospital sometime this weekend, and that doctors will be closely monitoring the legendary singer’s health in the coming months.

Here’s to wishing the Queen health, perseverance, and a speedy recovery!

Lady Gaga still reigns supreme on the Billboard charts.

Lady Gaga was named Billboard’s Artist of the Year today, due in large part to the continued success of not one but two albums, The Fame and The Fame Monster. These albums have remained in the upper echelon of the charts for months now, ranking at number 4 and 13 on the magazine’s year-end albums chart. And that’s not even counting the insanely successful singles she’s released this past year, including the Beyonce-assisted “Telephone” and the equally-ubiquitous radio smash “Alejandro.”

Following closely behind Gaga on Billboard’s list is Taylor Swift, Eminem and Lady Antebellum respectively.

Gaga is only the third act in Billboard history to be named Artist of the Year after being named Top New Artist the year prior. Add to the list the 6 Grammy nominations she received last week, and the simultaneous release of a half dozen Lady Gaga wax figures at different Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museums around the world this past week, and I think it’s pretty safe to say that Gaga is unstoppable at this point.

Keep in mind that Gaga hasn’t even taken a break yet. Her feverishly-anticipated new album Born This Way is set for release early next year, with the album’s first single rumored to be seeing a release sometime in February.

And on a side note:

I’m sure you’ve noticed that all the major music publications and websites are releasing their rankings of the best albums of 2010.

Yeah I know; those lists suck.

Well never fear friends; next week I’ll unveil my list of the top ten albums of 2010. This is the definitive list of the most badass records of the year; these are the albums that will define this spectacularly strange and absurd year, so don’t miss out.

Check in next week and find out if your favorite album made the cut!