Beyoncé has officially claimed the top spot as the greatest pop star of the 21st century, according to Billboard. The prestigious music magazine announced the accolade on Tuesday, capping months of buildup as it unveiled its rankings of the 25 most influential pop artists of the past 25 years.
Explaining their choice, Billboard highlighted Beyoncé’s unmatched legacy:
“The reasons why Beyoncé captured the top spot on our list were beyond numerous — 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 wrote. “But perhaps 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 quintessentially Beyoncé.”
This recognition follows earlier honors from Billboard, which previously named her the greatest pop star of the year in 2003 and 2014.
Beyoncé surpassed some of the biggest names in music, including Taylor Swift (No. 2), Rihanna (No. 3), Drake (No. 4), Lady Gaga (No. 5), and Britney Spears (No. 6). Her husband, Jay-Z, ranked at No. 16.
READ ALSO: Beyoncé: The Iconic Journey, Achievements, and Legacy of a Global Superstar
Already the most-decorated Grammy winner in history with 32 awards, Beyoncé recently became the most Grammy-nominated artist ever after earning 11 nominations this year for her groundbreaking album, Cowboy Carter. Her total career nominations now stand at 99, surpassing Jay-Z, who has 88.
Beyoncé’s journey to superstardom began in the late 1990s as a member of Destiny’s Child, one of the best-selling girl groups in history. Her 2003 debut solo album, Dangerously in Love, marked the beginning of her reign, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Seven subsequent albums have also reached No. 1, solidifying her position as a cultural icon.
From being named Artist of the Decade in the 2000s and 2010s by multiple outlets to being the Recording Industry Association of America’s top-certified artist of the 2010s, Beyoncé’s influence transcends music, extending into fashion, culture, and beyond.
This year, she continued her groundbreaking career with the release of her eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter. Announced during a surprise Super Bowl commercial, singles like “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em” immediately went viral, with the album fueling a renewed focus on Black country artists and the genre’s roots.
Beyoncé’s legacy is cemented, and Billboard’s recognition is just the latest milestone in a career defined by excellence, innovation and cultural impact.
Full List: Billboard’s 25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century
- Katy Perry
- Ed Sheeran
- Bad Bunny
- One Direction
- Lil Wayne
- Bruno Mars
- BTS
- The Weeknd
- Shakira
- Jay-Z
- Miley Cyrus
- Justin Timberlake
- Nicki Minaj
- Eminem
- Usher
- Adele
- Ariana Grande
- Justin Bieber
- Kanye West
- Britney Spears
- Lady Gaga
- Drake
- Rihanna
- Taylor Swift
- Beyoncé
