Lady Gaga egg-xuberant as Entertainer of Year award

NEW YORK – You might say that Lady Gaga’s year really began in an egg.

That’s how she arrived at the Grammys in February, encased in a large, translucent pod carried by scantily clad dancers. When she “hatched” onstage, she effectively gave birth to “Born This Way,” performing the eponymous lead single of her second studio album and anthem to self-acceptance. In 2011, the album would carry her around the world.

After a year of extravagant globe-trotting and relentless advocacy of tolerance, Lady Gaga has been voted Entertainer of the Year by members of the Associated Press.

There were 135 ballots submitted by U.S. news organizations that make up the membership. Editors and broadcasters were asked to cast their ballots for who had the most influence on entertainment and culture in 2011.

“My deepest gratitude to the broadcasters and journalists who’ve supported me over the years, and in turn, are now supporting the loves of my life: my fans,” Lady Gaga said in a statement Monday signed “Mother Monster.”  “Thank you for believing in ‘Born This Way.’ May you continue to brave the dreams of Showbiz.”

Lady Gaga narrowly edged out the late Apple founder Steve Jobs by three votes. Many others received numerous votes, including Taylor Swift, Charlie Sheen, Adele and the cast of “Harry Potter.” Previous winners of the AP Entertainer of the Year include Betty White, Swift, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.