Beyoncé crowned as ultimate pop icon of the 21st century

Billboard, the renowned music charting platform, has officially crowned Beyoncé as the greatest pop icon of the 21st century. This announcement was made on Tuesday as part of the publication's ongoing editorial series.

 

"After 25 years of undeniable influence, transformative impact, and continuous evolution, Beyoncé has earned the top spot on our staff-selected list," stated Andrew Unterberger from Billboard.

In their evaluation, Billboard highlighted that Beyoncé's dominance at the pinnacle of their list is a testament to her record-breaking achievements and unmatched artistry. Over the past 25 years, the Grammy-winning powerhouse has redefined innovation, embraced constant reinvention, and upheld a standard of excellence, establishing herself as the benchmark against which all pop stars of this century are compared.

Beyoncé holds the title of the most decorated artiste in Grammy history, boasting an unparalleled 32 awards. With 11 additional nominations for her 2024 album Cowboy Carter, she is widely anticipated to add even more accolades to her collection at the upcoming ceremony in January.

The singer behind the hit "Texas Hold 'Em" has left an indelible mark on Billboard's charts. Beyoncé has achieved nine No. 1 singles and 24 top 10 hits on the Hot 100. On the Billboard 200 albums chart, eight of her records have reached the coveted No. 1 position, beginning with her 2003 solo debut, "Dangerously in Love." Building on her success as a member of Destiny's Child, 11 of her solo albums have secured spots in the Billboard top 10, solidifying her legacy as a chart-topping artiste.

Since August, Billboard has been unveiling its staff-curated list of the top 25 pop artistes who have shaped the music scene over the past 25 years. The rankings highlight performers who, according to the publication, have most significantly influenced modern pop culture and set the gold standard for pop artistry since the year 2000.

In last week's reveal, Taylor Swift claimed the No. 2 position on the list, with Rihanna following closely in third place.

The top 10 also features an impressive lineup of pop powerhouses, including Adele, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Drake, each cementing their influence on the music industry.

Closing out the list at No. 25 is Katy Perry, while other notable names like Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, One Direction, Miley Cyrus, Eminem, Usher, and several others fill the ranks in between, showcasing a diverse array of talent that has influenced the pop music landscape.