^ There's no freakin' way they wouldn't have made it this year (save for a ginormous scandal *knock on wood*); they're still standing at the top of this year's singles sales and are pretty much equal to Arashi in terms of popularity for this year.
Ought to be interesting to see what songs they'll be bringing out this year. I'd guess some form of Beginner will appear though..
Anyways, congrats to them for making it for their 3rd year!