Beyoncé has officially claimed her throne as the greatest pop star of the century, according to Billboard. With nine solo Hot 100 No. 1 hits, three additional chart-toppers with Destiny’s Child, 27 Billboard Music Awards, and the most Grammy Awards of any artist in history, the Queen Bey has reached the pinnacle of Billboard’s countdown of the greatest pop stars since Y2K.
A recent video from Billboard explains why Beyoncé epitomizes pop success, but her legacy speaks for itself. From her early days topping the charts with Destiny’s Child hits like “Say My Name” and “Bootylicious” to her groundbreaking solo career, Beyoncé has continuously shaped the music and pop culture landscape.
Her solo debut album, Dangerously in Love (2003), set the tone for a career that would redefine superstardom. Every album she has released since has soared to the top of the Billboard 200, showcasing her consistency and influence in the industry. Her first solo No. 1 single, “Crazy in Love,” featuring her now-husband Jay-Z, cemented her place as a solo force to be reckoned with.
With a career spanning over two decades, Beyoncé has amassed accolades that few can rival. She holds 99 Grammy nominations—the most of any artist in history—and has consistently reinvented herself, whether through surprise album drops, high-profile collaborations, or world tours. Her ability to stay relevant while pushing creative boundaries has made her one of the few ’90s stars to maintain an enduring presence in the modern music industry.
What’s next for Queen Bey? She recently announced a highly anticipated performance at the NFL Halftime Show on Christmas Day, during the Texans vs. Ravens game, which will be streamed live on Netflix.
Billboard’s “Top 25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century” countdown revealed Taylor Swift in the No. 2 spot, with Rihanna, Drake, and Lady Gaga rounding out the top five. Other notable names on the list include Britney Spears, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, and Ariana Grande.
Billboard’s Top 25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century:
- Beyoncé
- Taylor Swift
- Rihanna
- Drake
- Lady Gaga
- Britney Spears
- Kanye West
- Justin Bieber
- Ariana Grande
- Adele
- Usher
- Eminem
- Nicki Minaj
- Justin Timberlake
- Miley Cyrus
- Jay-Z
- Shakira
- The Weeknd
- BTS
- Bruno Mars
- Lil Wayne
- One Direction
- Bad Bunny
- Ed Sheeran
- Katy Perry
As Beyoncé continues to dominate the music industry and inspire fans worldwide, her legacy as the ultimate pop icon of the 21st century remains unchallenged.