SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images, Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella
Billboard plans to reveal the top 25 pop stars of the past 25 years in their List of Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century. These artists are evaluated and ranked based on their achievements, music videos, social media impact, live shows, and overall influence in the music industry.
Over the coming months starting in August, Billboard will gradually reveal the top 25 pop stars, with the names of one or two artists each week. The launch will be accompanied by detailed essays that celebrate and delve into the career paths and chart successes of these artists.
Additionally, there will be engaging podcasts and video chats dedicated to exploring the profound impact and legacy these artists have created in the world of music.
With only two positions left to be revealed, fans are confident that either Beyoncé or Taylor Swift will take on one of them.
However, the burning question remains: who will ultimately win the coveted number one spot?
As of writing, Billboard’s list of the Top 23 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century is as follows:
3: Rihanna
4: Drake
5: Lady Gaga
6: Britney Spears
7: Kanye West
8: Justin Bieber
9: Ariana Grande
10: Adele
11: Opener
12: Eminem
13: Nicki Minaj
14: Justin Timberlake
15: Miley Cyrus
16: Jay-Z
17: Shakira
18: Weekend
19: BTS
20: Bruno Mars
21: Lil Wayne
22: One Direction
23: Bad rabbit
24: Ed Sheeran
25: Katy Perry
Fans are currently buzzing about X, debating who will come out on top.
Many believe that Beyoncé should be ranked higher, despite Swift having more chart contributions and achieving greater results in tour revenue.
If the list were based solely on graphs and math, we might choose Taylor. But if we consider cultural impact, artistic influence, legacy, longevity, vocals, live performances, greatest of all time lists, peer appreciation, aspect That’s important… pic.twitter.com/1SlB5aaCr4
— Haroldo com H (@japaroldo) November 19, 2024
“Beyoncé doesn’t have good songs”
“Beyoncé doesn’t have any memorable songs”
“All Beyonce’s songs are the same”
“Beyoncé is overrated”
By the way, it’s the theme of musical terrorism that’s why the thing on the right is nominated for AOTY
BEYONCÉ taylor pic.twitter.com/aKPPLOl1iC
— 𝐍𝐲𝐥𝐚 ✮⋆˙ (@LusiaaCarter) November 19, 2024
in fact it has to be Beyoncé, she really influenced taylor
— 𝓐𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓵 ♡ (@thankUbardi) November 19, 2024
Meanwhile, others believe it must be Swift.
let’s be serious, taylor deserved to win 1st place easily after the era tour like it wasn’t even over 😭
– mo (@everlikeme) November 19, 2024
TAYLOR HAS HAD THE GREATEST CAREER OF THE 21st CENTURY
– grant (@dreserts) November 19, 2024
Money baby, Taylor made a lot more money for a lot of people with that tour and sold a lot of product without competition
– Dina Gordon (@DinaGordon_) November 20, 2024
Other fans said both artists deserved to be at the top.
Two undeniable icons that defined an era! Taylor’s storytelling and Beyoncé’s groundbreaking artistry have elevated what it means to be a pop star in the 21st century. So deserving of recognition for both!
– Mr. RICH (@ShamiKhan000) November 19, 2024
This is like choosing between air and water—both are necessary👑✨
– Scope360 (@Scope360Journal) November 19, 2024
Both Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are icons in their own right, redefining music, culture, and art in the 21st century. Honestly, no matter who takes the No. 1 spot, the real winner is All fans get to witness their awesomeness!
— Kiran Singh (@imkiransingh_1) November 20, 2024
When people talk about Taylor’s legacy, they talk about numbers and success. When people talk about Beyonce’s legacy, they talk about talent and influence https://t.co/nZ3RN1sRl9
– jack (@ClTXVl) November 19, 2024
While others believe that neither Swift nor Beyonce should be considered because they have other candidates.
Both are in the middle. Kendrick Lamar should be #1.
– mike jones (@RealMikeJomes) November 19, 2024
since Olivia Rodrigo is also on the “honorable mention” list, let me say that her GUTS World Tour that ended a month ago grossed $200 million, more than her recent tour Lamar’s best 😂
In less than 4 years of her career, even Olivia has done more than a mediocre person in the music industry 🤭
— ᴀɴᴅʀᴇ (@westonroad_) November 19, 2024
Keywords Taylor Swift, Beyonce