Usher is most sold out artist in US

Usher's Confessions has been declared as the most sold out album of 2004. George Strait has been ranked second to Usher.

To his eight Grammy nominations and slew of No 1 singles, R&B singer Usher has added the honor of most-shipped US album of 2004 for Confessions, according to year-end certifications from the Recording Industry Assn of America.

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With 8 million units shipped to retailers (but not necessarily sold through to consumers), the set is the highest-certified album in the star's catalog. His previous best was 1997's My Way, which is six times platinum.

Usher also picked up three honors under the RIAA's new digital awards program. Yeah! featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris, which spent 12 weeks atop the Hot 100 singles chart, was certified digital platinum for more than 200,000 downloads. The No 1 singles Burn and My Boo with Alicia Keys went digital gold for more than 100,000 downloads.

Usher is the top grosser of 2004

George Strait earned this year's second-highest certified album, and top country album, for

50 Number Ones

, which was certified five times platinum. Strait's career has yielded more than 60 million total US shipments.

Norah Jones was the top female in 2004, with her sophomore effort, Feels Like Home, shipping 4 million units. Her 2002 debut Come Away With Me is nine times platinum. Jones' Sunrise earned a digital gold award.

Top debut by a female artist went to Gretchen Wilson's Here for the Party and Ashlee Simpson's Autobiography, both with 3 million shipments.

Kanye West was the year's leading male newcomer, with double-platinum honors for The College Dropout.