Billboard has unveiled its list of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century, sparking widespread discussion among music fans and critics alike. The ranking celebrates the artists who have defined and reshaped modern pop music over the past two decades.

Billboard’s “Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century” list has created a stir. Here’s some of the lineup:

• 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

Adele claims the 10th spot on Billboard’s “Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century” list, standing out for her unique impact on the pop landscape. Billboard noted that while the early 2010s were dominated by high-energy, dance-pop hits promoting a party-fueled lifestyle, Adele’s soulful, retro-inspired sound brought a refreshing change to the charts. Her heartfelt ballads and powerhouse vocals cut through the trend-driven pop of the era, redefining mainstream music with depth and emotion.

Following Adele on the list, Ariana Grande ranks at 9, with Justin Bieber at 8, and Kanye West in 7th place, each recognized for their distinctive contributions to modern pop culture.

Britney Spears has secured the 6th spot on Billboard’s list of the “Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century,” a testament to her lasting impact on music and pop culture. Known as the “Princess of Pop,” Britney dominated the 2000s, setting a high bar with her catchy hits, magnetic performances, and undeniable influence on future generations of pop stars. Billboard noted that while record labels have often tried to replicate her success, they haven’t quite captured her unique charm.

Britney Spears fans were vocal in their disappointment over her 6th place ranking on Billboard’s “Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century” list, with many arguing she deserved a spot in the top 3.

One fan criticized the ranking, saying, “What kind of bad joke is this? There was not, nor will there be, a pop star who caused the same impact that she had and has on popular culture. Practically pop as we know it today was thanks to her.”

Fans emphasized that Britney’s influence transcends her active career, with one remarking, “Even in her ‘retirement,’ Britney Spears remains an influential blueprint for today’s pop stars.” Many feel she’s the closest the world has come to a pop icon since Michael Jackson or Madonna, reinforcing her place as a defining force in modern pop music.

Lady Gaga takes the 5th spot on Billboard’s list, and her inclusion has sparked plenty of discussion. Billboard notes that when considering the entirety of pop star greatness over the last 25 years, it’s hard to think of a more iconic sound than the “Rahhh, rahhh, ah-ah-ahhh!” from her 2009 hit “Bad Romance.”

The song and its groundbreaking presentation made an unforgettable impact on the pop world, cementing Gaga’s place as a cultural force. As Billboard put it, “Every millimeter of Lady Gaga’s 2009 single, and how it was presented to the world, stood out as special—burned into the memory of any pop fan paying the slightest bit of attention 15 years ago, and largely remaining so today.”

Billboard highlights Drake’s unmatched ability to blend rap, R&B, and pop into a genre-defying sound that has dominated charts for over a decade. From Hotline Bling to One Dance, his songs have become cultural touchstones, cementing his place as one of modern music’s most influential figures.

With hits like Umbrella, We Found Love, and Diamonds, Rihanna has consistently redefined pop music’s sound and style. Billboard notes that her ability to effortlessly shift between pop, R&B, and dance genres — all while launching a billion-dollar beauty empire — makes her one of the most iconic figures in modern entertainment.

From country prodigy to global pop sensation, Swift’s storytelling, emotional depth, and unmatched ability to reinvent her sound have made her a generation-defining artist. With landmark albums like 1989, Reputation, and Midnights, Billboard praises Swift as a pop powerhouse whose influence is impossible to ignore.

Beyoncé takes the top spot on Billboard’s list of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century, a title befitting her legendary career. Billboard emphasizes her mastery of music, performance, and cultural influence, noting that no other artist has commanded the world’s attention quite like Queen Bey. From Crazy in Love to Renaissance, Beyoncé’s discography is a testament to her constant evolution as an artist and visionary, solidifying her status as the ultimate modern pop icon.

Rihanna, who has recently stepped back from the music industry to focus on her business ventures and family, continues to spark rumors about a possible third pregnancy.