Billboard has begun to reveal its list of the 25 best pop stars of “the last 25 years”, that is, so far in the 21st century. A list prepared by the editorial staff of Billboard, one of the most important music media, which will again be “extremely subjective” and will serve to generate debate and conversation on networks and – perhaps – outside of them.
The list opens with Katy Perry at number 25, a position that is not known if it is flattering or quite the opposite… especially since one place above appears Ed Sheeran, an artist allergic to serving and with fewer number 1 singles in the United States. United, 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 in the past.
The top 13 positions are known at the moment, which leaves other surprises, above all, the “contempt” 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, and The Weeknd does so at 18th despite having signed many of the most successful songs in history. Afterwards, it is true that all those chosen are men: Bad Bunny salutes at 23, One Direction at 22, Lil Wayne at 21 and BTS at 19.
Although there are many artists left to appear on the list, including Usher, Timberlake and Bieber, it is evident that women will dominate the classification and even more evident that number 1 will be raffled off by Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Rihanna, Adele, Gaga, Spears, etc. will be left along the way. At the moment, Miley Cyrus and Nicki Minaj already appear on the list.
12.-Eminem
13.-Nicki Minaj
14.-Justin Timberlake
15.-Miley Cyrus
16.-Jay-Z
17.-Shakira
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: what Lil Wayne takes. The excluded list is brought up by citing 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 is also among the honorable mentions despite being considered the voice of a generation. Billie Eilish, Alicia Keys and Lorde also appear on the parallel list.
A big question raised by the Billboard list was what space it would give to artists recognized in the 20th century who have also left their mark in the early years of the current century, a doubt dispelled – for the better – by the inclusion of Shakira at number 17 An artist who, after all, became known on a global scale in 2001 with her album ‘Laundry Service’. Looking forward to seeing what surprises and disappointments await.
