Last week, we detailed Rihanna's rather, uh, eventful year when we named her our [article id="1628415"]#3 Woman of 2009[/article]. It started in February with her assault at the hands of then-boyfriend Chris Brown, and culminated in the release of her most adventurous album yet, the dark and artful Rated R. Along the way, she overcame adversity and reclaimed her title as one of the biggest acts in the world and, perhaps most notable of all, she inspired millions with her strength and spirit.

But what inspired her? When we caught up with Rihanna on the set of her just-released [article id="1628511"]"Hard" video[/article], we decided to find out. She let us in her world, revealing the song that served as the soundtrack for her year, and the artist who she idolized the most in '09.

Song of the Year

" 'Empire State of Mind' was definitely one of my favorite records of 2009 ... one of the biggest records of 2009, also. It's timeless. It's epic, and it makes me want to be from New York every time I hear it. I'm like, 'Wow, I wish I was in New York, or I wish I was from New York.' It's just that great feeling when you hear it."

Artist of the Year

"[Lady Gaga]. She has a very bold, fearless image and, I have to say, I have so much respect for original artists ... who aren't afraid to do what they do. That's what I respect the most. She's awesome."