Glee

. This U.S. TV series about a high school chorus hit a milestone in October, when it broke The Beatles' record for most appearances by a non-solo act on the Hot 100 singles chart.

Web surge

While the Web buzzed with activity, traditional music outlets weakened. Compact disc sales continued their decade-long nosedive, while U.S. downloads turned flat, after exploding in the previous few years. Concert attendance was also low and some tours were cancelled in 2010, but the urge to physically connect with their musical idols proved irresistible to millions of fans.

Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi, an old-fashioned rock band with a 25-year track record of hits, emerged the year's most successful touring act. The New Jersey band drew 1.5 million fans while grossing $146 million in 2010. Following it were U2 and AC/DC, proving classic rock can still pull its weight in the new age of viral music.

Among the musical stars who left us in 2010 was iconic singer-actress Lena Horne, who passed away in May at age 92. Fans also said farewell to Rhythm and Blues star Teddy Pendergrass; rapper Keith "Guru" Elam; rock singer Ronnie James Dio; soul singer Solomon Burke; and reggae star Gregory Isaacs. December 8 also marked the 30th anniversary of the shooting death of John Lennon. Fans around the world observed the solemn occasion.