by Beyoncé has officially been named the greatest pop star of the 21st century, according to Billboard. The announcement, part of the publication’s ongoing series ranking the top 25 pop artists of the past 25 years, highlights her extraordinary influence, artistry, and achievements.
In their analysis, Billboard staff emphasized Beyoncé’s unparalleled impact over the last quarter-century, noting that her “commitment to innovation, evolution, and all-around excellence” has set the standard for pop stardom. “Beyoncé tops our staff-chosen editorial list based on her full 25 years of influence, impact, evolution,” wrote Andrew Unterberger, an editor at Billboard.
Beyoncé’s Record-Breaking Career
The recognition adds to Beyoncé’s already monumental legacy. With 32 Grammy wins, she is the most-awarded artist in Grammy history. Following 11 nominations for her 2024 album Cowboy Carter, the star is expected to add even more accolades to her collection at the upcoming Grammy Awards in January.
Her success on the Billboard charts is equally impressive. Beyoncé has achieved nine No. 1 singles and 24 Top 10 hits on the Hot 100 chart. Additionally, eight of her albums have reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, starting with her debut solo album, Dangerously In Love, in 2003. Before her solo career, she dominated the charts as part of Destiny’s Child, and 11 of her solo albums have landed in the Top 10.
Billboard’s Rankings: Pop Icons of the Century
Billboard began releasing its top 25 pop stars of the past 25 years in August, spotlighting artists who have shaped modern pop music and exemplified “pop greatness” since the start of the millennium.
Taylor Swift secured the No. 2 spot on the list, with Rihanna ranking third. Other artists in the top 10 include Adele, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Drake.
Katy Perry, ranked at No. 25, joins other notable figures like Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, One Direction, Miley Cyrus, Eminem, and Usher in the mix of influential pop stars.
In selecting Beyoncé as the No. 1 pop star of the century, Billboard praised her as a performer and creator who has consistently set new benchmarks for excellence. Her influence has made her “the bar against which all other pop stars this century have long been measured,” the publication noted.
With her groundbreaking career and enduring impact, Beyoncé continues to define and shape what it means to be a global music icon. This latest honor from Billboard only cements her place as a legend in the world of pop.
How did the Swifties react?
However, not everyone is on board with the decision, especially Taylor Swift fans, who believe their favorite artist deserved the top spot. Swift, known for her record-breaking achievements and global influence, landed in second place, sparking debates across social media.
Many fans took to Instagram to voice their disagreement. One commented, “I disagree with her being Number 2 and Beyoncé Number 1. Sorry Billboard, but this is not the real case, and we all know it.” Another expressed frustration, stating, “As talented as Beyoncé is, Taylor outdid her on every level. She deserves the number one spot.”
As the discussion continues, it’s clear that rankings like these will always spark passionate responses, particularly when they involve two of the biggest stars in the world. For now, Swifties are standing firm in their belief that Taylor Swift should reign supreme.
Billboard seemed to acknowledge the reaction many Swift fans are having on their website, where they wrote: “While Taylor Swift is the century’s biggest pop star by the numbers – from album sales to streams to touring dominance – our editorial staff chose Beyoncé as our Greatest Pop Star of the Century, based on her full 25 years of influence, evolution and impact.”
