Billboard has officially named Taylor Swift the biggest artist of the 21st century.
Known for breaking records, reshaping the music industry, and consistently defying expectations, Swift has now added another historic achievement to her ever-growing list of accolades.
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As part of Billboard’s 25-year celebration of music in the new millennium, the publication released a definitive ranking of the top 100 female artists since 2000.
While the list features some of the most influential women in music including Rihanna, Beyoncé, Adele, and Lady Gaga, there was little doubt about who would claim the top spot. Swift’s dominance extends beyond cultural influence; her unparalleled chart success solidifies her place at the top.
Billboard’s Top Female Artists of the 21st Century
- Taylor Swift
- Rihanna
- Beyoncé
- Adele
- Katy Perry
- Lady Gaga
- P!nk
- Ariana Grande
- Miley Cyrus
- Alicia Keys
A Record-Breaking Career
From her early days in country music to her dominance in pop and her recent foray into indie-folk, Swift has continuously redefined what an artist can achieve.
She holds 14 No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, tying with Jay-Z and Drake for the most by a solo artist, surpassed only by The Beatles.
On the Billboard Hot 100, she has 264 charting hits, making her the most successful female artist in the history of the singles chart and second only to Drake overall.
Yet, her success isn’t just about the numbers. Swift is setting new industry standards that may never be surpassed. She has revolutionized artist rights through her re-recordings of her masters, turned her career into a stadium-selling cultural movement, and proven time and again that she plays by her own rules.