Billboard is revealing 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 team 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.
In second place is Taylor Swift, an artist who has achieved success “like never before seen” by going from country to pop. The first place can only go to Beyoncé.
Rihanna is the 3rd best popstar of the century for Billboard. For the American media, his greatness lies in “his unmistakable vocal tone, his rarely defective ear for hits, an eye for futuristic and daring fashion, and a complete rejection of the archetypal role model to embrace sexual liberation.” At number 4, Drake demonstrates that, without matching the immense presence of artists like Gaga or Kanye West, closer to his sphere, “from a pure numbers perspective, his achievements on the charts simply eclipse any artist of the 21st century.” .
Closing out the top 5 is Lady Gaga, an artist who “with her explosive appearance in the 2010s, raised the standard for all facets of pop stardom, while her continued evolution has made her continue to be a vital artist in the 2020s.”
The top 10 begins with Adele, a name that could not be missing from a list of this type, being the artist with the best-selling album of the 21st century, ’21’. About Adele, Billboard highlights her great voice, her identity, her songs and her sense of humor. Ariana Grande is still at 9. In the words of Billboard, the author of ‘eternal sunshine’ is the “defining pop star of the digital age.”
Justin Bieber salutes from the top 8. The Canadian singer has made a successful transition from “teen-pop phenomenon” – the biggest of the 2010s – to “adult superstar”, in the words of Billboard, and has become one of the greats “hitmakers” of their time. Number 7 goes to Kanye West as “responsible for much of the best music of the century.” Although Billboard does not forget that West has also fallen low, especially in the media aspect. At number 6 is Britney Spears, “the teenage queen who captured the hearts of millions of people with her pop hits” and who, without knowing it, “established a business model that would continue for decades.”
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.
At the bottom of the list, the “contempt” of male pop talent stands out, 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.
2.- Taylor Swift
3.- Rihanna
4.- Drake
5.- Lady Gaga
6.- Britney Spears
7.- Kanye West
8.- Justin Bieber
9.- Ariana Grande
10.- Adele
11.-Usher
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.
