The recent announcement by Billboard that Beyoncé is the greatest pop star of the 21st century caused quite a stir in the media, but most have discussed her coming first over Taylor Swift, who is behind her in second place. This ranking was according to a rank included in Billboard’s series assessing artists that have defined pop stardom over the last 25 years.
What gives Beyoncé the edge over Taylor Swift? While Billboard did an amazing breakdown of what went into the decision, there is so much more to tell about this story. Let’s talk achievements, artistry, and the two fan bases that keep their respective queens at the top.
“While Taylor Swift is the century’s biggest pop star by the numbers — from album sales to streams to touring dominance — our editorial staff has chosen Beyoncé as our No. 1 Greatest Pop Star of the Century, based on her full 25 years of influence, evolution and impact.” As Billboard said, this cements her as a true visionary.
Beyoncé’s road to the top at Billboard is built on artistic brilliance and cultural significance cultivated over time. With 32 Grammy wins-the most for any artist- and 9 Billboard Hot 100 number-one hits, she is not a stranger to breaking records.
But it’s not just about the numbers. Beyoncé has constantly flexed creative muscles, birthing albums like Lemonade and Renaissance into cultural events in their own right. She’s represented culture and touched on social subjects with such vigor that her voice has reached beyond the charts.
Another hallmark of her greatness is in her live performances. Tours like The Formation World Tour and Renaissance World Tour have left audiences in awe, blending music, dance, and storytelling into unforgettable experiences.
Taylor Swift, who has just been crowned the richest female musician in 2023, has been a chart-topping phenomenon. Her 10 Billboard Hot 100 number-one songs and record-breaking Eras Tour, which grossed over $1 billion, showed her unmatched commercial success.
What really sets her apart, though, is her storytelling. From country to pop and beyond, Swift’s lyrics have captured emotions and experiences that resonate with millions. Albums like 1989, Folklore, and her re-recorded Taylor’s Version projects are odes to both artistry and her fans.
Her success largely comprises Swifties, the fiercely loyal fan base of hers. Taylor’s direct interaction with her audience has been hard to match from the Easter eggs hidden in the songs to surprise album drops.
The debate over these rankings speaks in some ways to the overarching discussions about what should classify an artist as “great” in pop. Of course, Beyoncé makes artistic innovations and cultural moments-which is not to say that Swift does not-but she also represents commercial successes coupled with fan engagement.
Other notables in the top five of Billboard include:
- Beyoncé 1st
- Taylor Swift-2nd
- Rihanna, 3rd
- Drake 4th
- Lady Gaga (5th)
The rankings also sparked discussions about artists like Eminem and BTS not making it into the top ten, indicating varied opinions on what constitutes pop stardom today.
The Billboard rankings did raise one overarching question: How do we define “greatness” in pop? To Beyoncé, that is artistic innovation, cultural moments, and live performances. That is unparalleled commercial success, lyrical relatability, and deep fan engagement for Taylor.
Swifties-one of the most devoted fan bases-feel she should have topped because her recent successes, at least with the Eras Tour and her billionaire status in full bloom, placed her above the rest. Many noted how she transitioned from country to pop-a cultural shift that has made her a trendsetter of modern music.
Meanwhile, Beyhive, or the more ardent fans of Beyoncé, celebrated her victory, underlining the unprecedented artsiness and influence this performer has. They find her to be an example of excellence that has captured decades in unmatched creativity.
Social media has been full of memes, debates, and heartfelt tributes to both artists. Some fans question the decision-making of Billboard, while others are grateful for the reminder of just how monumental both stars are.
Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are making a very different kind of bet on the future of pop music. Beyoncé expands the idea of what pop can be, while the way Taylor connects with the audience provides a new model in this digital age. The debate over Billboard’s rankings only proves a more profound point: greatness in pop isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Whether you’re singing along to Taylor’s heart-wrenching lyrics or dancing to Beyoncé’s powerhouse anthems, it’s impossible to deny these women’s impact on our lives. For one, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift aren’t just artists; they are forces of nature, continuing to inspire millions. Whether one is Team Bey or Team Taylor, we can agree on one thing: we are incredibly fortunate to witness the building of their incredible legacies firsthand.
