Billboard has begun to reveal its list of the 25 best pop stars of “the last 25 years”, that is, of the 21st century so far. A list compiled by the editorial staff of Billboard, one of the most important music media outlets, which will once again be “extremely subjective” and will serve to generate debate and conversation on social media and -perhaps- outside of them.
The list opens with Katy Perry at number 25, a position that is not clear whether it is flattering or the opposite… especially since one place above her is Ed Sheeran, an artist allergic to serving and with fewer number 1 singles in the United States, although it is true that he surpasses Perry in global album and ticket sales. Not to mention that Perry’s popularity in 2024 is far from what it was before.
Only the first 18 positions are known so far, which leaves other surprises, above all, the “disdain” of male pop talent, as strange as this phrase may sound. But Bruno Mars, probably the best singer and dancer of the moment, appears as early as 20th place, and The Weeknd does so at 18th despite having signed many of the most successful songs in history. Afterwards, it is true that all the chosen ones are men: Bad Bunny greets at 23rd, One Direction at 22nd, Lil Wayne at 21st and BTS at 19th.
Although there are still many artists to make the list, including Usher, Timberlake and Bieber, it is clear that women will dominate the ranking and even more evident that the number 1 spot will be fought over by Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Along the way, there will be Rihanna, Adele, Gaga, Spears, Miley, etc.
18.-The Weeknd
19.-BTS
20.-Bruno Mars
21.-Lil Wayne
22.-One Direction
23.-Bad Bunny
24.-Ed Sheeran
25.-Katy Perry
On the other hand, Billboard has seen the need to publish a parallel list of “honorable mentions” that includes, among others, Kendrick Lamar: that’s what Lil Wayne takes home. The list of those excluded is quite a challenge, as it mentions Lana Del Rey, an artist who has influenced even Taylor Swift, or P!nk, of her generation, one of the few best-selling artists left. On the other hand, Christina Aguilera continues to be disliked because she also appears among the honorable mentions despite being considered the voice of a generation. Billie Eilish, Alicia Keys and Lorde also appear on the parallel list.
Another big question raised by Billboard’s list is how much space will be given to artists who were well-known in the 20th century and who also made their mark in the early years of the current century: we are talking about Madonna, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson and Shakira, for example. None of them even figure among the honorable mentions. We look forward to seeing what surprises and disappointments await us.
