Maybe here's the reason why about the top three:
- AKB48 and Arashi are the two hottest artists of 2010
- AKB48 took top honors because of the record-breaking single "Beginner"
- Ayu's "constrained" schedule might have impacted the rankings for her
- The Tohoshinki controversy between themselves, SM Entertainment and Avex Trax keeps them in the top three