Billboard has officially declared Beyoncé the “Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century,” and the decision has sparked some serious online chatter. The ranking, which aims to celebrate the artists shaping pop culture over the past 25 years, places the former Destiny’s Child star above Taylor Swift, leaving many Swifties feeling puzzled—and a little salty.
Taylor Swift, the best-selling pop star of the 21st century and the mastermind behind the record-breaking Eras Tour, landed in second place. For many fans, this feels like a snub considering her recent cultural domination.
taylor swift has released or re-recorded 9 albums in the past 5 years.
the eras tour has been the highest-grossing tour of all time.
she has cleared the billboard multiple times and shattered records.
she has made a huge economic impact.
you’re telling me that isn’t #1 worthy?— delanaisdelicate GOT YOYOK (@idioticxfool13) November 26, 2024
Why Beyoncé Took the Crown
“Beyoncé might have caught a lot of the industry with its pants down at the end of 2013,” Billboard writes, “but by the end of 2014, everyone was permanently on alert to expect the unexpected from pop’s biggest stars.”
While Billboard acknowledges Taylor’s extraordinary achievements, it notes that her initial career as a country artist meant she wasn’t always firmly planted in the pop world. Beyoncé, on the other hand, made her solo debut in 2003 and “has been shaping pop culture ever since.” …But why are there rappers on the list though?
Fans Aren’t Convinced
Swifties aren’t exactly buying this reasoning. Many have pointed out that Taylor’s transition from country to pop only made her accomplishments more impressive. Others are questioning the credibility of the list, even floating conspiracy theories about industry connections (cough, cough, Diddy) influencing the outcome.
sorry but this makes no sense. how do you take up every spot on the billboard top 10 TWICE, have the biggest tour of the century, and have four AOTYs and only get second place? who would be ahead of her? https://t.co/OwmUNruwPf
— poppy 🦋 (@imnotpopbase) November 26, 2024
Despite the all-female top three—Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Rihanna—the rest of the list skews heavily male. Out of 25 spots, 14 went to male artists or bands, while only 11 female artists made the cut.
Notable inclusions:
- BTS and One Direction were the only groups to make the list, coming in at #19 and #22, respectively.
- Justin Bieber ranked #8, though his wife Hailey Bieber wasn’t thrilled, calling Billboard a “f***ing joke” in an Instagram comment.
- Other big names, including Christina Aguilera, Dua Lipa, and Jennifer Lopez, didn’t make the top 25 and had to settle for honorable mentions.
- Rihanna rounded out the top three, with Billboard praising her as one of pop’s “most consistent hitmakers,” despite her extended hiatus from music.
So, Who’s Right?
It’s hard to deny the influence of both Beyoncé and Taylor Swift on pop culture, but this debate shows just how passionate fans are about their favorites. Love it or hate it, Billboard’s ranking has everyone talking—and that might be the whole point.
Check out the full list and decide for yourself: Who’s truly the greatest pop star of the 21st century?
Billboard’s greatest pop stars of the 21st century
- 25. Katy Perry
- 24. Ed Sheeran
- 23. Bad Bunny
- 22. One Direction
- 21. Lil Wayne
- 20. Bruno Mars
- 19. BTS
- 18. The Weeknd
- 17. Shakira
- 16. Jay-Z
- 15. Miley Cyrus
- 14. Justin Timberlake
- 13. Nicki Minaj
- 12. Eminem
- 11. Usher
- 10. Adele
- 9. Ariana Grande
- 8. Justin Bieber
- 7. Kanye West
- 6. Britney Spears
- 5. Lady Gaga
- 4. Drake
- 3. Rihanna
- 2. Taylor Swift
- 1. Beyoncé
