Beyoncé has reached yet another milestone in her legendary career, being named the greatest pop star of the 21st century by Billboard. The magazine, which has been gradually unveiling its rankings over recent months, announced on Tuesday that the iconic performer, known as Queen Bey, topped its list of the 25 greatest pop stars.
“Since late August, we’ve been rolling out our picks for the artists who have most defined pop stardom for the last 25 years,” the magazine explained. Highlighting Beyoncé’s unparalleled contributions to the music industry, Billboard stated, “The reasons why Beyoncé captured the top spot on our list were beyond numerous — ranging from her 25 years of timeless albums and singles, to her incalculable industry impact and influence on other artists, to her peerless raw talents as a singer and performer.”
The publication further emphasized her unique ability to create cultural moments that resonate globally. “Perhaps the most important of all was her singular ability to create moments: indelible pieces of pop culture history that she has generated over the course of her quarter century of superstardom, which are first and foremost all quintessentially Beyoncé,” it added.
Beyoncé’s remarkable journey in music began in the late 1990s as part of Destiny’s Child, one of the most successful girl groups in history. The group’s hits set the stage for Beyoncé’s solo career, which launched in 2003 with the release of her debut album, Dangerously in Love. This album marked the beginning of her reign as a solo artist, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 200 albums chart. Over the years, she has continued to dominate the charts with seven more albums achieving the same feat.
Her influence extends beyond music. Beyoncé has become a cultural icon, shaping trends in fashion, art, and social activism. In the 2000s and 2010s, she was named Artist of the Decade by multiple outlets and was recognized as the Recording Industry Association of America’s top-certified artist of the 2010s.
This latest accolade is not the first time Beyoncé has been celebrated by Billboard. She was previously named the greatest pop star of the year in both 2003 and 2014. However, securing the top spot on the 25-year ranking solidifies her legacy in the music industry.
Beyoncé surpassed other global superstars on the list, including Taylor Swift at No. 2, Rihanna at No. 3, Drake at No. 4, Lady Gaga at No. 5, and Britney Spears at No. 6. Her husband, Jay-Z, also made the list, ranking at No. 16. Other notable names in the rankings include Adele, BTS, Kanye West, and Ariana Grande.
Beyoncé’s achievements are unparalleled in the industry. She holds the record as the most-decorated Grammy artist in history, with a total of 32 wins. Earlier this year, she added another accomplishment to her name, becoming the most Grammy-nominated artist of all time. With 11 nominations for her latest album, Cowboy Carter, she now boasts an astounding 99 Grammy nods, surpassing the previous record she shared with Jay-Z at 88 nominations.
Released earlier this year, Cowboy Carter has been a groundbreaking success. Announced during a surprise Super Bowl commercial in February, the album included hit singles such as “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em,” which immediately went viral. The album not only broke records but also highlighted the contributions of Black artists to the country music genre. Beyoncé’s exploration of country music with Cowboy Carter has been hailed as a catalyst for renewed interest in the genre’s roots and has brought greater visibility to Black country artists.
Her enduring popularity and influence are evident in every facet of her career. Beyoncé’s ability to evolve and create art that resonates with audiences across generations has cemented her as one of the best-selling musicians of all time. Her talent and creativity have not only set her apart from her peers but have also redefined what it means to be a global pop star.
The complete list of Billboard’s greatest pop stars of the 21st century reflects the diverse and evolving landscape of the music industry. Artists who made the list include Katy Perry (No. 25), Ed Sheeran (No. 24), Bad Bunny (No. 23), One Direction (No. 22), and Bruno Mars (No. 20). Other notable entries include Nicki Minaj (No. 13), Justin Bieber (No. 8), and Adele (No. 10).
As Billboard noted, Beyoncé’s impact is “incalculable,” and her influence on the music industry, as well as on her peers, is undeniable. From her powerful voice to her visionary artistry, Beyoncé continues to set the standard for excellence in music and beyond. Her ability to consistently create cultural milestones over her 25-year career is a testament to her unparalleled talent and work ethic.
With a legacy that transcends music, Beyoncé remains a global icon and a source of inspiration for artists and fans alike. Her journey from Destiny’s Child to becoming the greatest pop star of the 21st century is a story of resilience, talent, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. As Billboard aptly put it, Beyoncé’s career is “quintessentially Beyoncé,” and her reign is far from over.
