Taylor Swift has officially been crowned Billboard’s Top Artist of the 21st Century, and it’s hard to think of anyone more deserving. For nearly two decades, Swift has been the voice of a generation, crafting songs that capture everything from first loves to hard-won independence. With over 200 million records sold globally, four Album of the Year Grammy wins (a record for a female artist), and an ever-growing legacy of reinvention, Taylor’s career is more than just impressive—it’s historic.
The Top 10 Artists of the 21st Century
While Taylor Swift claims the top spot, the rest of Billboard’s Top 100 is filled with musical powerhouses who have defined the sound of the 21st century. From hip-hop to R&B to pop, these artists have created the anthems we’ve danced to, cried over, and grown up with.
2. Drake
Drake is the undisputed king of modern hip-hop, blending rap and R&B into a sound uniquely his own. With record-breaking streams and chart-topping hits like Hotline Bling and God’s Plan, he’s become one of the most consistent hitmakers of the century.
3. Rihanna
Whether it’s the sultry sounds of Work, the anthemic We Found Love, or her billion-dollar Fenty empire, Rihanna has left an indelible mark on both music and culture.
4. Post Malone
Post Malone’s genre-defying hits, like Sunflower and Circles, have made him a favorite for fans of rap, pop, and everything in between.
5. Eminem
A pioneer in hip-hop, Eminem’s razor-sharp lyrics and cultural impact remain unmatched. From Lose Yourself to Rap God, his influence continues to resonate.
6. The Weeknd
The Weeknd’s sleek mix of R&B and pop has brought us hits like Blinding Lights and The Hills, earning him a spot as one of the most innovative artists of the century.
7. Beyoncé
Beyoncé isn’t just a musician—she’s a movement. With albums like Lemonade and Renaissance, she’s pushed boundaries and set new standards for artistry, empowerment, and performance.
8. Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber’s transformation from teen sensation to global superstar has been nothing short of incredible. Songs like Love Yourself and Peaches showcase his ability to evolve and stay relevant.
9. Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars has brought back the joy of feel-good music with hits like Uptown Funk and 24K Magic. His fusion of funk, soul, and pop is pure gold.
10. Usher
The OG of modern R&B, Usher’s smooth vocals and timeless tracks like Yeah! and Confessions paved the way for many of today’s stars.
The Rest of Top 100 Artists
While the Top 10 grabs the spotlight, Billboard’s list of the Top 100 Artists of the 21st Century includes many other stars who have defined music over the past two decades. Here are the Top 11 to 100 artists that made it into the 21st century chart.
11 Maroon 5
12 Adele
13 Morgan Wallen
14 Ed Sheeran
15 Katy Perry
16 Lady Gaga
17 P!nk
18 Chris Brown
19 Ariana Grande
20 Ye (Kanye West)
21 Miley Cyrus
22 Alicia Keys
23 The Black Eyed Peas
24 Justin Timberlake
25 Nelly
26 Nickelback
27 Kelly Clarkson
28 Mariah Carey
29 Jay-Z
30 Lil Wayne
31 50 Cent
32 Kendrick Lamar
33 Carrie Underwood
34 Britney Spears
35 Billie Eilish
36 Nicki Minaj
37 Linkin Park
38 Imagine Dragons
39 Ludacris
40 Luke Combs
41 Destiny’s Child
42 Kenny Chesney
43 Future
44 Juice WRLD
45 T.I.
46 SZA
47 Avril Lavigne
48 Rascal Flatts
49 Christina Aguilera
50 Olivia Rodrigo
51 Travis Scott
52 Lil Baby
53 Coldplay
54 Jennifer Lopez
55 Bad Bunny
56 Flo Rida
57 Luke Bryan
58 Toby Keith
59 Akon
60 Tim McGraw
61 Jason Aldean
62 Mary J. Blige
63 Harry Styles
64 Lady A
65 Doja Cat
66 Creed
67 Michael Buble
68 Dua Lipa
69 Sam Smith
70 Ne-Yo
71 OutKast
72 Kesha
73 Cardi B
74 R. Kelly
75 Fergie
76 3 Doors Down
77 One Direction
78 Ashanti
79 Selena Gomez
80 Blake Shelton
81 Ja Rule
82 Pitbull
83 Kid Rock
84 Twenty One Pilots
85 J. Cole
86 Florida Georgia Line
87 Khalid
88 Sean Paul
89 Daughtry
90 *NSYNC
91 Shawn Mendes
92 Keith Urban
93 Jason Derulo
94 Norah Jones
95 T-Pain
96 Josh Groban
97 Gwen Stefani
98 Santana
99 Alan Jackson
100 Fall Out Boy
As the 21st century continues to evolve, a new generation of trailblazing artists is already rising, ready to define the future of music. This list stands as a testament to the legends who have shaped the sound of our time, creating songs and moments that resonate across the globe and remain etched in our collective memory.
Did your favorite artist make the list? And if not, who do you think deserves a spot? Let us know in the comments!
