Taylor Swift is no stranger to breaking records and making history, but now, she has been recognized by Billboard as the second greatest pop star of the 21st century. With an extensive catalog of chart-topping albums, an ever-growing global fanbase, and a remarkable cultural influence, Swift has undoubtedly cemented her place in pop history. But as Billboard unveils its rankings, fans and critics alike are wondering: who could possibly be number one?
Taylor Swift: A Defining Force in Modern Pop Music
Taylor Swift’s journey from country music sensation to global pop icon is nothing short of remarkable. Billboard’s ranking of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century places her at No. 2, right behind some of the biggest names in music, including Rihanna, Drake, Lady Gaga, and Britney Spears. Swift’s meteoric rise to fame is a testament to her ability to reinvent herself and her music time and time again, keeping her fans engaged while attracting new ones with each album release.
What sets Swift apart is not only her musical talent but her sheer ability to bend culture to her will. As Billboard’s Hannah Dailey explains, Swift achieved pop stardom through her authenticity and her willingness to embrace her individuality. “By honoring all the traits that made her different,” Dailey writes, “Swift was able to forcefully, gravitationally bend culture to her will.”
Her chart-topping albums, particularly 1989, Reputation, and Midnights, reflect her evolution as an artist. But it’s not just her music that makes her a defining figure in pop culture—her business savvy, activism, and engagement with her fanbase have all contributed to her lasting power.
Why Taylor Swift Deserves Her Spot at No. 2
Taylor Swift’s No. 2 ranking on Billboard’s list isn’t just a nod to her incredible sales and chart performance—it also speaks to her unparalleled influence over the past 25 years. In fact, Swift’s placement comes after years of continued success, both commercially and artistically. In 2023, she was named Time magazine’s Person of the Year, and Forbes estimated her net worth at an eye-popping $1.6 billion, making her the richest female musician in the world.
She also became the first artist in history to win the Grammy for Album of the Year four times, a monumental achievement that underscores her artistry and impact. Beyond her financial success, Taylor Swift has become a cultural phenomenon, with the Eras Tour currently holding the record for the highest-grossing concert tour of all time. These accomplishments alone make her a deserving contender for the No. 2 spot on Billboard’s list.
But despite all of this, many Swifties were left wondering: who could possibly outshine her?
The Internet Backlash and Swifties’ Reactions
As with any major ranking, there were mixed reactions from Taylor Swift’s devoted fans. While some praised her for securing the No. 2 spot, others were disappointed to see her fall just short of the top position. Many fans voiced their displeasure on social media platforms, questioning how someone could be more influential than Swift in the 21st century.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “What a joke, she’s the biggest.” Others were more understanding, acknowledging that while Taylor has dominated recent years, Beyoncé’s long-standing influence could give her the edge when it comes to the top ranking.
Some fans of both Taylor Swift and Beyoncé argued that while Taylor has certainly been a bigger force in recent years, Beyoncé’s influence on pop music since the early 2000s cannot be denied. One Reddit user summed it up well: “Taylor has been bigger in recent years, but Beyoncé has been huge since the very beginning of this century.”
Who Could Be No. 1? The Beyoncé Debate
As Billboard has yet to reveal who holds the No. 1 spot, many fans are speculating that it will be none other than Beyoncé. The Queen Bey has been a dominant force in the music industry for over two decades, shaping pop and R&B with every album she releases. From Destiny’s Child to her iconic solo career, Beyoncé’s contributions to music and culture are unparalleled.
Her impact goes beyond just music—her visual albums, like Lemonade, have transformed the way we think about the relationship between music and storytelling. Additionally, Beyoncé’s cultural influence, political activism, and boundary-pushing artistry have earned her a place among the most important figures in contemporary music.
While many consider Beyoncé the front-runner for No. 1, others argue that Swift’s incredible cultural influence in recent years may have shifted the balance of power in pop music. Still, it’s hard to deny that Beyoncé’s lasting influence over the last two decades gives her a significant edge.
A Look at Billboard’s Top Pop Stars of the 21st Century So Far
To get a clearer picture of where Taylor Swift stands in relation to other iconic pop stars, let’s take a look at the rankings Billboard has released so far:
- 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
- 10. Adele
- 9. Ariana Grande
- 8. Justin Bieber
- 7. Kanye West
- 6. Britney Spears
- 5. Lady Gaga
- 4. Drake
- 3. Rihanna
- 2. Taylor Swift
These rankings highlight some of the most influential and groundbreaking artists of the past quarter-century. While it’s clear that Swift is at the pinnacle of pop stardom, her position at No. 2 sparks a broader conversation about the artists who have defined the pop music landscape over the years.
Conclusion: Taylor Swift’s Legacy and the Uncertainty of No. 1
As we await the final revelation of the greatest pop star of the 21st century, one thing is clear: Taylor Swift has earned her place as one of the most influential and successful artists of her generation. Whether or not she secures the No. 1 spot, her cultural impact, chart success, and dedication to her craft make her a worthy contender. Fans may debate who truly deserves the top rank, but one thing is certain: the 21st century would look vastly different without Taylor Swift’s undeniable influence.
