"Whoa. Don’t know about you guys," MTV writes on its website, "but we’re a little bit out of breath. In 2012, it seemed nothing could slow down music (except maybe a cool, soulful Frank Ocean jam), and as this year draws to a close, we’re reminded of a reckless, wild, turbo-speed 2K12 that had us partying, dancing and solidifying the fact that, yes, ‘We Are Young.’ "

Thus read the introduction of MTV’s pick for 2012 Artist of the Year.

Here’s MTV’s list, in reverse order, from #10 to #1.

10. Flo Rida

9. Psy

8. Nicki Minaj

7. Carly Rae Jepsen

6. Frank Ocean

5. 2 Chainz

4. Rihanna

3. Fun.

2. Taylor Swift

1. One Direction