Beyoncé has been named the greatest pop star of the 21st century by Billboard, the music outlet says it picked the artists who have most defined pop stardom for the last 25 years.
“Beyoncé tops our staff-chosen editorial list based on her full 25 years of influence, impact, evolution,” Billboard’s Andrew Unterberger wrote.
In their analysis, the publication wrote that Beyoncé’s place at the top of their list stems from the record-setting Grammy-winner being a performer and creator “whose commitment to innovation, evolution and all-around excellence has made her the bar against which all other pop stars this century have long been measured” over the past 25 years.
Beyoncé is the most Grammy-winning artist, with a record 32 wins, and – after earning 11 more nods for her 2024 album “Cowboy Carter” – is expected to scoop up more trophies come January.
The “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer has a deep history on Billboard’s charts, as well. She has nine No. 1 songs and 24 top 10 songs on the Hot 100. Eight of her albums have claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 album’s chart, starting with her 2003 debut solo album “Dangerously In Love.” After previously dominating the airwaves as part of girl group Destiny’s Child, 11 of Beyoncé’s solo albums have charted in Billboard’s top 10.
Since August, Billboard has been ranking their staff picks for the top 25 pop artists of the past 25 years. The publication’s picks are artists who they believe have most defined pop stardom and have “exemplified pop greatness” since the turn of the millennium.
Last week, Taylor Swift was announced as Billboard’s No. 2 pick, with Rihanna claiming the third spot.
Adele, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Drake round out the top 10.
At No. 25 is Katy Perry, with other pop artists including Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, One Direction, Miley Cyrus, Eminem, Usher and others ranking in between.