Billboard Crowns Beyoncé as Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century

Beyoncé has officially claimed the title of the Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century, according to Billboard. The music giant’s announcement left no room for doubt, highlighting Queen Bey’s 25 years of influence, evolution, and impact in music and pop culture.

While numbers might favor Taylor Swift, who was named the second-greatest pop star, Billboard defended Beyoncé’s top spot. They credited her legacy not just to chart-topping hits like “Countdown” and “Love on Top,” but also to her ability to redefine the pop star mold. The magazine stated that Beyoncé’s “25 years of influence, evolution, and impact” make her deserving of the honor.

Billboard pointed to key moments in Beyoncé’s career that solidified her spot at the top, including her unforgettable 2013 Super Bowl halftime show, which they say “re-confirmed her peerlessness as a performer and the unassailability of her catalog.” Fast-forward to 2024, and Beyoncé was back in the Super Bowl spotlight, announcing new music in a commercial for her latest album, Cowboy Carter.

While Taylor Swift’s massive numbers and fanbase secured her the second slot, Billboard made it clear: “When you’re talking about greatness — it’s Bey all the way.”