Billboard recently released its ranking of the 25 greatest pop stars of the 21st century, honoring artists who have had significant influence on global music. The list includes familiar names such as Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Adele, showcasing how they have shaped the global pop music scene over the years.
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Justin Bieber: From Teen Sensation to Global Icon
Ranked 8th on the list, Justin Bieber has been recognized by Billboard as a true pop icon of the 21st century. Starting as a teen sensation with his smash hit Baby in the early 2010s, Justin Bieber quickly built an illustrious career. At 30, he has amassed 23 Grammy nominations (winning 2), 8 No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, 8 No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, along with numerous other accolades such as 33 Guinness World Records, 26 Billboard Music Awards, and 4 diamond-certified singles from RIAA. Overall, Justin Bieber has sold an estimated 150 million records worldwide, solidifying his place as one of the biggest music stars in history.
Beyond his musical success, Justin Bieber is also highly regarded by Billboard for his pioneering use of social media to grow his career. He did not rely on traditional support from radio or MTV, but instead used platforms like YouTube and Twitter to connect with fans across the globe. This strategy set a new standard for future generations of artists and reinforced the role of digital media in shaping the modern music industry.
Ariana Grande: From Child Star to “Queen of Streaming”
Right behind Justin Bieber is Ariana Grande, who started her career as a child actress before successfully transitioning into one of the most outstanding pop stars. Over the past decade, Ariana has proven herself with numerous hit songs, such as The Way, Side to Side, No Tears Left to Cry, Thank U, Next, 7 Rings, and Rain On Me.
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With her modern musical style, Ariana created a new wave, particularly in the digital music era. Billboard praises her as a testament to unwavering effort and immense talent, helping her secure a dominant position in the international music scene. She has become not only a pop icon but also a role model for young artists transitioning from acting to music.
Adele: The “British Nightingale” with Enormous Commercial Appeal
Ranked 10th on the list is Adele, one of the most influential singers of the 2010s. Adele began her music career in 2007, but just three years later, she became a global sensation with the hit Rolling in the Deep. The success of this song earned her multiple prestigious awards, including Grammy wins.
Adele stands out not only for her powerful voice but also for her ability to compose deeply emotional ballads that resonate with listeners. To date, she has achieved 5 No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and 3 No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200. Additionally, Adele has won 16 Grammy Awards, 18 Billboard Music Awards, and 3 MTV Video Music Awards.
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Usher and Eminem: Legends of the Century
Ranked 11th is Usher, one of the most successful pop and R&B artists of the 21st century. Usher experienced a dazzling career peak in the 2000s and has continued to maintain his influence. With 8 Grammy Awards and numerous music milestones, Usher remains a beloved figure, especially after performing at the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in 2024.
Eminem follows Usher at 12th place. Dubbed the Rap God, Eminem has become an irreplaceable icon in the world of rap. Billboard states that his career is a phenomenon, as he transitioned from an underground rapper to a global superstar, reaching commercial heights that no other rapper has since matched.
Nicki Minaj: The Queen of Rap
Nicki Minaj ranks 13th on the list and is considered one of the most influential hip-hop artists of the 21st century. Known as the Queen of Rap, Nicki Minaj has achieved massive success with numerous prestigious awards, including 6 American Music Awards, 12 BET Awards, and 10 Grammy nominations. With over 100 million singles sold globally, Nicki Minaj has become one of the best-selling music artists in the world, solidifying her position as one of the greatest stars in modern music.
Stars like Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Adele, Usher, Eminem, and Nicki Minaj have been instrumental in shaping the music landscape of the 21st century. They are not only extraordinarily talented artists but also cultural icons, each leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide.
