Christian recording artists made a strong showing on Billboard magazine’s listings reflecting on the year in music for 2011.

Casting Crowns landed on the Billboard 200 Artists list at No. 55, while gospel artist Kirk Franklin came in at No. 63 and rockers Skillet at No. 98.

Skillet also saw its Awake release on the Billboard 200 Albums list at No. 121, while Casting Crowns made two appearances there, at No. 137 with Until the Whole World Hears and at No. 190 with Come to the Well.

Two-time GRAMMY-nominated band Skillet was among the highest-ranking artists featured in Billboard’s annual “The Year In Music” issue, with the band’s RIAA Gold-certified album Awake included among the year’s Top 20 Rock Albums, Top 15 Alternative Albums and placing on the Top Billboard 200. Among other accolades for the band, the album’s single “Awake and Alive” came in at No. 3 on the Active Rock Songs tally, with Skillet also named among the Top 10 Active Rock Artists.

Tenth Avenue North’s “You Are More” was named the No. 1 Christian Song of the Year, and Casting Crowns placed at the top of the Christian Albums Artists chart.

Chris Tomlin topped the list of Christian Songs Artists, and And If Our God Is for Us… ranked first on the Christian Albums list.

Hello Fear, Franklin’s Verity Records debut, was the No. 1 Gospel Album, with the artist topping the Gospel Albums Artists list as well.

Click here for the online list of the Billboard Best of 2011.