Power Rankings have been rating sports teams throughout their seasons for years based on statistical analysis, momentum and gut feelings. Those folks shouldn't have all the fun.
Using our, er, proprietary technology -- based on sales and airplay charts, magazine covers, twitter trends, and, of course, gut feelings -- we bring you HuffPost's Pop Power Rankings, our weekly roundup of who's on top (and who has fallen off) in the pop game.
1. Rihanna (Last Rank: 3)
With an album about to come out, you might expect Rihanna to, you know, cover the usual bases -- cool tour, awards show performance, a magazine cover. This is all true, but Ri Ri is taking this album SERIOUS. A$AP Rocky, the hippest thing in rap, will open for her on the tour, the award show performance will be with the man who's on probation for beating her (i.e. Chris Brown at this Sunday's American Music Awards), and she's basically <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/12/rihanna-nude-for-gq-singer-nearly-naked-men-of-year-cover_n_2119286.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-music&ir=Canada%20Music">naked on this month's GQ</a> cover. AND, in the GQ article she talks about wanting to get a face tattoo. Oh, and Daniel Craig said she would make a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/12/daniel-craig-rihanna-beyonce-obama-bond_n_2117851.html">good Bond girl</a>. Clearly, Rihanna can do whatever she wants.
2. Justin Bieber ( Last Rank: - )
Ah, there's nothing like a break-up to separate the pop men from the pop boys. Bieber is taking a short break from his world tour, but he's still finding his way to the top of the PPRs. In the face of a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/13/justin-bieber-selena-gomez-break-up-rumors-ridiculous-headlines-jelena-edition_n_2121543.html">public break-up with Selena Gomez</a>, Justin has managed this week to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/11/11/mtv-ema-awards-taylor-swift-justin-bieber-one-directio_n_2115091.html">tie Taylor Swift</a> winning the most MTV EMAs (3), allegedly hook up with <a href="http://www.vh1.com/celebrity/2012-11-13/15-photos-of-victorias-secret-angel-barbara-palvin-justin-biebers-alleged-other-woman/">Victoria's Secret model</a> Barbara Palvin, and sing a winking live cover of Justin Timberlake's fame-break-up kiss-off <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/12/justin-bieber-cry-me-a-river-selena-gomez_n_2116623.html?ir=Entertainment">"Cry Me a River." </a>Sorry, Selena, but point to JB.
3. Taylor Swift (Last Rank: 1)
Europe loves Taylor too, as she just took home three awards -- Best Female, Best Live, and new award Best Look at the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/11/11/mtv-ema-awards-taylor-swift-justin-bieber-one-directio_n_2115091.html">MTV EMAs</a>. And look-wise, she looked stunning in her most glamorous <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/12/emas-2012-photos-red-carpet-mtv-european-music-awards_n_2116112.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-music&ir=Canada+Music">red carpet outfit yet</a>. But that's not what brings the power. We're still under the influence of her album <em>Red</em> making the best sales debut in 10 years, readying ourselves for this Thursday's <em>X Factor</em> performance, and reading think-pieces trying to explain (or dimiss) her success.
4. Adele (Last Rank: -)
It's no surprise her <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/04/adele-skyfall-james-bond-theme_n_1940645.html">James Bond anthem "Skyfall"</a> is number one at iTunes. James Bond and Adele both sell. What's refreshing is that she's still endearingly "normal." After having a baby boy she's refusing to reveal his name to the press, and refusing to get a nanny despite being reportedly one of the highest earning musicians of recent years. If that doesn't make you love her even more, this week <em>Adele: The Biography </em>hits bookstore shelves, and includes quotes like this one on her body image: "I read a comment on YouTube that I thought would upset me 'Test pilot for pies' -- but I've always been a size 14-16 and been fine with it. I would only lose weight if it affected my health or sex life, which it doesn't." A pop star with the power to be herself? That ranks.
5. Trent Reznor ( Last Rank: -)
The Oscar-winning composer, goth king and Nine Inch Nails mastermind recently released a very indie EP from How to Destroy Angels, his band with his wife Mariqueen Maandig. I know, that's not very "Pop." But, this week he also released the theme song to <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops 2</em>, the most anticipated video game release of the year. And while doing press for the theme song, Trent revealed that, indeed, Nine Inch Nails are getting back together. Sorry Trent, you're just too big to stay underground.
Pop Power Fail - Lil Wayne
For years now, Lil' Wayne has transcended hip-hop into the pop world, but lately his health and legal troubles have been stifling his ranking. This week, Wayne lost a lawsuit against producers of the 2009 documentary <em>The Carter</em> over his "scandalous portrayal" (his lawyer's words) in this "awesome and fascinating film" (my words). But when Wayne was scheduled to appear in court for the suit, a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/27/lil-wayne-released-from-the-hospital-migraine-deydration_n_2029716.html">medical emergency</a> kept him away. The result was a countersuit from the producers that awarded them over $2 million of Wayne's dollars. And if his plummeting musical stock still matters to you, Wayne reacted by pushing back the release date of his next album <em>I Am Not a Human Being 2</em> into 2013.
Celebrity PHotos: May 2013
Michael Douglas and Matt Damon attended the "Behind The Candelabra" photo call at the Palais Des Festivals in Cannes, France on May 21.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Anne Hathaway and a friend were spotted out shopping at Haute Hippie in New York City on May 20.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Halle Berry and fiance Olivier Martinez were seen leaving Whole Foods after buying a cart full of groceries in West Hollywood, Calif., on May 20.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Marion Cotillard posed on the red carpet for the screening of the film "Blood Ties" at the 66th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 20.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Jennifer Lopez looked amazing at the Billboard Music Awards held at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on May 19.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Miley Cyrus wowed at the Billboard Music Awards held at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on May 19.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis were spotted holding hands in London on May 19.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Garrett Hedlund, Justin Timberlake and Carey Mulligan attended the "Inside Llewyn Davis" photocall at the 66th Cannes Film Festival, in Cannes, France on May 19.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Camila Alves-McConaughey and Ramshackle Glam's Jordan Reid co-hosted INC's Macy's Fashion Show in Las Vegas, Nev., on May 18.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Keith Urban strolled through LAX Airport with his daughter Sunday Rose in Los Angeles, Calif., on May 17.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Liv Tyler enjoyed some ice cream at the MAGNUM Cannes Lounge in Cannes, France on May 17.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Dianna Agron and a female friend were seen out and about in SoHo, New York City on May 17.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Isla Fisher attended the Opening Ceremony and premiere of "The Great Gatsby" during the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 15 in Cannes, France.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Emma Stone stepped out in New York City on May 15 looking adorable as always.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Baz Luhrmann posed together at "The Great Gatsby" photocall at the 66th Cannes Film Festival on May 15.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
A very pregnant Penelope Cruz and her brother Eduardo visited their sister Monica at the hospital after she gave birth to a baby girl on May 14 in Madrid, Spain.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Zoe Saldana looked incredible at the "Star Trek Into Darkness" premiere held at The Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Calif., on May 14.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Nicole Kidman arrived at the Martinez Hotel in Cannes, France to attend a photocall of the Jury on the eve of the 66th edition of the Cannes Film Festival on May 14.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Katie Holmes was spotted on the set of "Mania Days" in New York City on May 14.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Emma Watson arrived on a flight at the Nice Airport on May 14 to attend the upcoming 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival in France.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Lea Michele attended the FOX 2013 Programming Presentation Post-Party at Wollman Rink Central Park in New York City on May 13.
Celebrity News: May 2013
Angelina Jolie revealed that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/14/angelina-jolie-double-mastectomy_n_3271514.html?utm_hp_ref=celebrity" target="_blank">she had a double mastectomy</a> after discovering she carried a cancer gene on May 14.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Owl City's Adam Young took a snack break while helping launch the new OREO cookie "Wonderfilled" campaign in NYC on May 14.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Alyson Hannigan was spotted leaving the AOL office after visiting The Huffington Post in New York City on May 13.
Celebrity News: May 2013
Angie Everhart <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/13/angie-everhart-cancer-diagnosis_n_3267500.html" target="_blank">confirmed that she's been diagnosed</a> with thyroid cancer.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Selma Blair was seen enjoying her Mother's Day with her son, Arthur Bleick at the beach in Malibu, Calif., on May 12.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux took a stroll after shopping at Barney's and dining at Fred's Restraunt in New York City on May 12.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Sienna Miller attended the Arqiva British Academy Television Awards at the Royal Festival Hall on May 12 in London.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Reese Witherspoon flaunted her legs in short shorts while watching her son's football game in Brentwood, Calif., on May 11.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Selena Gomez was spotted spending some time at the pool in Miami, Fla., on May 11.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Halle Berry flaunted her baby bump at the 20th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Calif., on May 11.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Liv Tyler took a walk with a male friend around West Village in New York City on May 10.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Stephen Amell hosted the F*ck Cancer event on May 9 at Bootsy Bellows in Los Angeles, Calif.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Pregnant actress Jenna Dewan headed out of her home in London on May 9.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Kerry Washington stopped by "Extra" at The Grove in Los Angeles, Calif., on May 8.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Bradley Cooper went incognito as he headed to the set of "American Hustle" on May 8 in Boston.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Ryan Reynolds was spotted walking his dog Baxter while sporting the new Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity Wristband in Bedford, NY on May 7.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Olivia Wilde was spotted rocking Carrera shades at Carrera Ignition Night in New York City on May 7.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart held hands while leaving their hotel in New York City on May 7. Check out J.Lo's tight leather pants!
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Blake Lively rocked thigh-high boots and a little black dress for a photo shoot in New York CIty on May 7.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Jennifer Lawrence and Sarah Jessica Parker share a laugh while attending the "PUNK: Chaos To Couture" Costume Institute Gala at the MET Museum in New York City on May 6.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Beyonce looked amazing at the "PUNK: Chaos To Couture" Costume Institute Gala at the MET Museum in New York City on May 6.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Kristen Stewart wowed in a jumpsuit at the "PUNK: Chaos To Couture" Costume Institute Gala at the MET Museum in New York City on May 6.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Nina Dobrev dazzled at the "PUNK: Chaos To Couture" Costume Institute Gala at the MET Museum in New York City on May 6.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale attended the "PUNK: Chaos To Couture" Costume Institute Gala at the MET Museum in New York City on May 6.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Jessica Biel flashed her bra while she was out with her dogs for a walk on May 6 in New York City.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Brooke Burke-Charvet and her son enjoyed Wendy`s new Frosty Waffle Cones in Los Angeles, Calif., on May 6.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West held hands on May 5 before heading to dinner in New York City.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Joshua Jackson and Diane Kruger were seen walking together in SOHO in New York City on May 5.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
Josh Hartnett was snapped catching a cab in New York City on May 5.
Celebrity Photos: May 2013
The crowd watched as Paris Hilton and her boyfriend River Viiperi shared a sweet kiss at the Pool After Dark at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City on May 4.
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Huffington Post Canada | By Johnny Hockin Posted: 11/15/2012 4:57 pm EST Updated: 11/16/2012 1:52 pm EST