Taylor Swift tops Billboard’s 21st-century artists list

Billboard has crowned Taylor Swift the biggest artist of the 21st century, placing her at the top of their prestigious “Top Artists of the 21st Century” list.

The ranking is based on her performance on the Billboard 200 Albums chart and the Billboard Hot 100 Songs chart from January 1, 2000, to December 28, 2024.

This analysis excludes titles released before mid-1999, though any entries from that period that appeared on the Billboard 200 or Hot 100 contribute to the overall ranking.

Swift, who first entered the Billboard charts in 2006 with her debut single “Tim McGraw,” has since cemented her place in music history.

She has achieved 14 No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, the most by any woman. She also boasts 12 No. 1 singles on the Hot 100.

These remarkable feats make her one of the most successful artists of her generation. In addition to her chart-topping hits, Swift holds the record for the most top 10 entries on the Hot 100 among women, with an impressive 59.

Other significant names in the ranking include Drake, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Eminem, and The Weeknd.

These artists, alongside Swift, have shaped the global music scene over the past 25 years. Each of them has contributed to the evolution of popular music in unique ways, securing their spots among the most influential figures in the industry.

The list not only celebrates individual accomplishments but also highlights the changing landscape of music.

From groundbreaking albums to record-breaking singles, these artists have redefined what it means to be successful in the modern music world.

As Taylor Swift leads the charge, the influence of her peers cannot be overlooked, as they continue to shape the future of music and entertainment.