Billboard's Top Artists of the 21st Century

Billboard’s Top Artists of the 21st Century: Taylor Swift Leads the Pack

2025 is a year of celebration for Taylor Swift, who has claimed the top spot on Billboard‘s highly anticipated list of the Top Artists of the 21st Century. But this isn’t just about Taylor—this list represents the biggest names in music from the start of the 2000s through 2024. With the first 25 years of the 21st century behind us, it’s incredible to see how far these artists have come. From country stars like Taylor to icons in pop, hip-hop, and R&B, Billboard’s retrospective offers a snapshot of the artists who have truly shaped the modern music landscape. As we head into 2025, Billboard has just released its list of the top artists of the 21st century, looking back at the music scene from 2000 to 2024. This list isn’t just about who sold the most albums or had the most number-one hits.

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It’s about the artists who have made the biggest impact on the music world, shaping trends, influencing culture, and connecting with fans across the globe. Over the last 25 years, the music industry has changed a lot, and these artists have managed to stay at the forefront, constantly evolving to keep up with the times. From the rise of streaming to the explosion of social media, the way people listen to music has shifted dramatically, but these musicians have found a way to stay relevant. They’ve adapted to new platforms, tackled new challenges, and often pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a successful artist. This list is a snapshot of who has dominated the charts, not just in terms of numbers, but in shaping the sound and vibe of different eras. The artists on this list are the ones who have stuck with us through the years—whether it’s through catchy singles, albums that defined our moments, or performances that left us speechless. It’s a mix of familiar faces, some who’ve been at the top for a long time, and others who’ve risen to the top more recently. But no matter how they got there, all of them have left a lasting mark on the music industry. RELATED: Béyonce, Blue Ivy And Mama Tina Dazzle In White At Cécred Launch Party

1. Taylor Swift

How Taylor Swift Reigned Over the 21st Century

Taylor Swift’s rise to dominance is nothing short of remarkable. What began as a 16-year-old country singer writing songs about her high school crushes blossomed into one of the most diverse and influential careers of the modern era. Despite only making her first Billboard appearance in 2006, Swift has now accumulated a staggering 14 No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, the most by any woman in history, and 12 No. 1 hits on the Hot 100.

Her growth from country music to pop and indie has kept her relevant for nearly two decades, and the numbers don’t lie. Taylor also became the first artist to dominate the entire Hot 100 chart, claiming every single spot in the top 10 in 2022. Then, she took it even further in 2024 by filling the top 14 spots with tracks from her album The Tortured Poets Department.

Even more impressive? Taylor led Billboard’s year-end Top Artists charts in 2009, 2015, 2023, and 2024. This made her the first artist to ever win four annual titles—a testament to her massive influence over music culture.

The Powerhouses Right Behind Her

While Taylor reigns supreme, she’s not alone at the top. The Billboard list spans multiple genres, reflecting how diverse and wide-ranging the music scene has been in the 21st century. Here are the top 10 artists who made their mark in the past 25 years:

 

2. Drake

Drake has solidified his spot as one of the defining voices of hip-hop and pop. Since 2009, he’s amassed a jaw-dropping 13 No. 1 albums and 13 No. 1 singles on the Hot 100, as well as a record-breaking 78 top 10 hits. Whether rapping or singing, Drake has redefined what it means to be a chart-topping artist in the 21st century.

3. Rihanna

Rihanna revolutionized pop, R&B, and dancehall, becoming a cultural icon in the process. With two Billboard 200 No. 1 albums and 14 Hot 100 No. 1 hits, she’s also the artist with the most No. 1 songs in the history of the Hot 100 chart. Her journey from “Pon de Replay” to becoming a global fashion mogul and businesswoman is a testament to her unmatched influence.

4. Post Malone

Post Malone’s journey from hip-hop newcomer to genre-bending superstar has been impressive. Blending pop, rock, and rap, he’s scored three No. 1 albums and six No. 1 songs. His 2024 release, F-1 Trillion, topped the charts and showed his versatility, even crossing over into country music with “I Had Some Help.”

5. Eminem

Eminem has dominated rap since the late ’90s. His breakthrough in 2000 took the world by storm, and by 2024, he had racked up 11 Billboard 200 No. 1 albums and five Hot 100 No. 1 songs. Known for his lyrical genius and boundary-pushing style, Eminem’s influence is undeniable.

6. The Weeknd

The Weeknd has truly transformed the sound of pop and R&B, scoring four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and seven Hot 100 No. 1 hits. His 2021 hit “Blinding Lights” made history as one of the longest-charting songs in Billboard history, further cementing his place in the top 10.

7. Beyoncé

Beyoncé has always been more than just a member of Destiny’s Child. Since going solo in 2002, she’s crafted one of the most impressive careers in music history. With eight Billboard 200 No. 1 albums and nine Hot 100 No. 1 singles, Beyoncé is not just a performer—she’s a cultural force.

8. Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber started as a teen sensation, but since his 2009 debut, he’s become a global pop icon. He’s had multiple No. 1 albums and songs, including major hits like “Sorry” and “Love Yourself,” proving that his influence goes far beyond his early “baby-faced” days.

9. Bruno Mars

• Bruno Mars burst onto the scene in 2010 with his undeniable charisma and talent. A hitmaker who blends pop, R&B, and funk, he’s earned a Billboard 200 No. 1 album and a string of chart-topping hits, including his Silk Sonic collab with Anderson .Paak, which delivered the massive 2021 hit “Leave the Door Open.”

10. Usher

Usher’s career stretches all the way back to 1993, and he remains a dominant force in pop and R&B. His Confessions album in 2004 had four No. 1 hits on the Hot 100, and he’s logged four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200. Usher’s influence on both R&B and pop continues to be felt to this day.