Billboard names Beyoncé the greatest pop star of the 21st century
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Beyonce
Billboard has named Beyoncé the greatest pop star of the 21st century, a title that reflects her significant influence and enduring impact on the music industry. The announcement was made on Tuesday as part of an ongoing series that ranks the top pop artists of the past 25 years.
Beyoncé’s ascent to the top of Billboard’s list was based on her 25-year career marked by innovation, excellence, and constant evolution. Andrew Unterberger, a staff writer for Billboard, emphasized that Beyoncé has set the standard by which all other pop stars are measured, crediting her for being a performer and creator whose contributions have reshaped the music landscape. Her continuous dedication to pushing boundaries in music, performance, and cultural influence has solidified her place as a pop icon.
A major factor in Beyoncé’s recognition is her unparalleled success at the Grammy Awards. She holds the record for the most Grammy wins of any artist, with 32 trophies to her name. With the release of her 2024 album, Cowboy Carter, which earned 11 more Grammy nominations, she is expected to add even more accolades to her already impressive collection. This remarkable achievement underscores her sustained relevance and mastery of the music industry over decades.
Beyond her Grammy wins, Beyoncé has a deep connection to Billboard’s charts, with an extensive history of hits and albums. She has nine No. 1 songs on the Hot 100 and 24 songs that have reached the top 10. Her album Dangerously In Love, released in 2003, marked the beginning of her solo career and went straight to No. 1 on the Billboard 200, a feat she has repeated with eight of her albums. Beyoncé’s solo career follows her success with the legendary girl group Destiny’s Child, and 11 of her solo albums have charted in Billboard’s top 10, further cementing her legacy as a dominant force in pop music.
This ranking is part of Billboard’s ongoing series where they have been evaluating the top 25 pop artists of the past 25 years, a period that covers the turn of the millennium. The series celebrates those artists who have shaped modern pop stardom and exemplified pop greatness during this era. Following Beyoncé at the top, Taylor Swift ranked second, with Rihanna securing the third spot. Other prominent figures in the top 10 include Adele, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Drake.
Billboard’s list highlights the breadth and diversity of the artists who have defined pop music in the 21st century. At No. 25, Katy Perry made the list, while artists such as Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, One Direction, Miley Cyrus, Eminem, and Usher also ranked in the series.
Beyoncé’s position at the pinnacle of this list reflects not only her chart success but also her impact as a cultural and artistic trailblazer. Her career has been a testament to the power of reinvention, and she continues to set the bar for future generations of pop stars. Through her groundbreaking music, powerful performances, and unmatched influence, Beyoncé has rightfully earned her title as the greatest pop star of the 21st century.
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