Billboard's controversial list of the 25 best pop stars of the 21st century

Creating a public and influential ranking inevitably sparks debate, especially when it involves artists with millions of loyal fans ready to defend their favorites at all costs.

This time, Billboard took on the challenge, compiling a list of the 25 best pop artists of the 21st century. Their pick for the number one spot? Beyoncé.

According to the publication, the list highlights artists who have "most defined pop stardom over the past 25 years."

Image: Billboard

While many agree that Queen B deserves her throne, the placements of other artists — or their complete absence — have set social media ablaze with controversy.

According to Billboard, Taylor Swift, who came in number two was the "lone artist who really challenged Beyoncé for the top spot on these rankings." And even though Swift is beating Bey on many statistics, Billboard argues that Taylor "simply hasn’t been around for long enough to be able to match the expansiveness of her [Beyonce's] quarter-century of dominance." Swifties did not agree.

Next is Rihanna at number three and Drake at number four. Billboard argues that despite Drake's downturn in 2024 "his singular legacy is written in stone at this point, never to be erased." In the fifth spot was Lady Gaga.

The next five positions include Britney Spears (6), Kanye West (7), Justin Bieber (8), Ariana Grande (9), and Adele (10). This portion of the list, at least, seems to align with what most would expect... though Kayne and Britney have had their fair share of problems in recent years as well.

Usher (11), Eminem (12), Nicki Minaj (13), Justin Timberlake (14), and Miley Cyrus (15) round out the middle tier. Billboard praised Miley Cyrus for her ability to delight, shock, and evolve over two decades.

Jay-Z (16), Shakira (17), The Weeknd (18), BTS (19), and Bruno Mars (20) make up this segment. Many fans expressed shock that certain beloved artists were left out entirely, while others argued over the rankings within this group.

The final five spots go to Lil Wayne (21), One Direction (22), Bad Bunny (23), Ed Sheeran (24), and Katy Perry (25). These choices, while somewhat expected, haven’t escaped criticism. Fans of older groups like Coldplay, Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC feel their favorites were unfairly excluded. Bad Bunny’s inclusion, in particular, has sparked heated debates online.

Some critics have argued that it’s premature to label this list as definitive for the century, given that we’re only a quarter of the way through. It’s like judging the 20th century in 1925.

Fans of Madonna are outraged over her exclusion. With seven albums and countless global tours since 2000, they argue she has more than earned her spot among the best pop artists of this century.

Sia, Billie Eilish, Celine Dion, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey are some of the most glaring omissions. Fans claim these artists have had undeniable impacts on 21st-century pop and should have made the cut.

Amy Winehouse’s absence has also drawn widespread criticism. Many fans argue that Winehouse, whose album 'Back to Black' came out in 2006 should not only appear but rank highly for her lasting influence and genre-defining talent.

Coldplay, Backstreet Boys and NSYNC are some of the boy bands that have been left out, much to their fans' chagrin. Among these detractors, most slam Bad Bunny's inclusion the hardest..

Ultimately, a list of only 25 artists is bound to stir strong opinions. Who do you think deserves a spot, and who should be left out? Let the debates continue!

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