Top 10 Best British Female Singers

When it comes to British female singers, the UK has given the world an incredible range of talent, covering nearly every genre and generation of music. From pop to soul, rock to jazz, these artists have shaped the sound of global music in their own unique ways.

Some of them have achieved massive international success, while others are cherished for their distinctive voices and creative contributions to the British music scene. Each singer on this list has brought something special to the table, showcasing vocal ability, emotional depth, and artistry that sets them apart.

The Top Ten

Leona Lewis

Leona Louise Lewis is a British singer, songwriter, and animal welfare campaigner. She was born and raised in the London Borough of Islington, London, England, where she attended the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology. She rose to fame after winning the third series of The X Factor in 2006... read more

Leona's voice is so expansive and flexible that she can change her tone and timbre to suit a very wide variety of songs in a compelling way. Her sheer vocal prowess is easily the best the UK currently has to offer, even against the likes of powerhouses like Adele and Jessie J. Leona easily traverses the likes of pop, R&B, soul, reggae, Motown, dance, dubstep, and opera with class and finesse.
Someone as gifted as Leona is definitely a rarity, coming around only once every generation or two. It speaks volumes that she first had commercial success a decade ago, and there has not yet been any sign of anyone quite so talented and versatile on the British scene since.
Adele

Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, born May 5, 1988, is an English singer and songwriter. She graduated from the BRIT School in 2006 and signed with XL Recordings after a demo posted on Myspace gained attention. She's best known for emotional ballads like Rolling in the Deep, Someone Like You, Hello, and Easy... read more

She's the only woman I know to be hot, cute, and silly at the same time! She's a gorgeous human and she has an old soul. She sings with her heart and soul on stage and anywhere. She's such an inspiration to everyone and is so body positive. That's so great for the younger generations!

I think Adele should be the best singer in the world, not just the best female British singer. She is my favorite singer and pretty much the only singer I like. I always have her songs stuck in my head. I want to meet her someday.

Adele is simply the best singer we have produced. She touches people with her heartfelt lyrics. She is a classic artist. We all miss her and hope to hear some new material.
Ellie Goulding

Elena Jane "Ellie" Goulding, born December 30, 1986, in Hereford, England, is an English singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. She's well known in the U.S. for her singles "Lights," "Love Me Like You Do," and "Burn," and has been featured on tracks with artists such as Calvin Harris. She has... read more

Her tone of voice is unique, so high, almost unnaturally so. Yes, she has had hits with Calvin Harris and the No. 1 single "Burn," but her best vocals are in her live performances and acoustic numbers like "Your Song."

Ellie Goulding is amazing. She has an awesome voice. She inspires me. She's got so much talent and she deserves it. I love all of her songs and I have all of them. I have all of her albums too.

I love Ellie Goulding, literally love her. I'm in love with Ellie Goulding. Her beautiful face, voice, and body. I feel in love right now.
Kate Bush

Catherine "Kate" Bush is an English singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. She gained prominence in 1978 with her debut single "Wuthering Heights," which topped the UK Singles Chart. Bush is known for her eclectic musical style and has received critical acclaim and numerous awards throughout... read more

I'm sorry, but Kate should be in the top 5 at least. Anyone with any ounce of musicality in their bones must be able to acknowledge what an utter genius this woman is. Unless they have never listened to more than 30 seconds of her work, which sadly is most likely the reason why she is positioned outside the top 10.
Kate, after all, is completely unique and out on her own. There have been many great talented female singer/songwriters through the generations, and we all have our favorites, of course. Kate is not everyone's cup of tea, I realize, but if this poll is to be taken seriously, then any subjective, appreciative music lover would always vote for Kate before anyone else, in my opinion.
Jessie J

Jessica Ellen Cornish, better known by her stage name Jessie J, is an English singer and songwriter. Born and raised in London, she began her career on stage at age 11 with a role in the West End musical Whistle Down the Wind. Jessie J gained fame with her debut single Do It Like a Dude and went on to... read more

Ask another singer to do one of her songs and hear the difference. They can't do it. Okay, maybe the vocal gymnastics are overdone, but this girl is a major talent. When she hosted the MTV Europe show before she became huge, she sang lots of covers and put every other artist on the bill to shame. Only Leona Lewis shines brighter.

She's a very talented singer, and you can really feel what her song is saying. Every word that comes from her sounds so powerful, and every lyric pronounced is so meaningful that it really puts the listeners inside her song. She's amazing, and it's so great to hear her voice.
Amy Winehouse

Amy Jade Winehouse was an English singer and songwriter known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic blend of soul, rhythm and blues, and jazz. She is a well-known member of the 27 Club, having died from alcohol poisoning at age 27 on July 23, 2011. Her album Back to Black remains... read more

Britain has produced some of the greatest vocal talents the world has ever seen, and Amy is, without a shadow of a doubt, the most gifted female. Her voice was absolutely extraordinary, and she could translate emotion to an audience in a fashion that was practically unparalleled.
Her voice was an instrument that could take you places. Not to mention, she was an incredibly gifted songwriter. The lyrics to Love is a Losing Game and Wake Up Alone are just stunning, and her renditions of classic jazz standards are beautiful.
Moreover, there is something commendable about her devotion to being herself in an industry that endeavors for individuals to conform. She truly epitomizes the word genius, and she made an everlasting impact on my life.
Annie Lennox

Ann "Annie" Lennox is a Scottish singer, songwriter, political activist, and philanthropist. She rose to fame in the 1980s as the lead singer of the Eurythmics, known for hits like "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)."

There aren't words expressive enough for this woman's internal archives of creativity and talent. From her experimental and shocking debut throughout her constant chameleon-like, daring career, her amazing ability to entertain and amuse as well as eloquently make a poignant statement just enhances and embraces the flawless jewel that is her voice.

'80s fashion icon. Feminist. Philanthropist and freedom fighter. In fact, she is the British Madonna. Piercing and powerful voice, yet gentle and elegant like crystal. She stirs emotions like few others. Talented singer/songwriter. Massively important for music.
Florence Welch

Florence Leontine Mary Welch is an English musician, singer, and songwriter. She is best known as the lead vocalist of the indie rock band Florence + the Machine. The band's debut album, Lungs, released in 2009, topped the UK Albums Chart.

Florence Welch... She sings so well live (despite some SNL and Letterman performances), but her voice is beautiful. Her songwriting talent and the instrumentals are nothing short of genius.

Listen to Calvin Harris' version of Spectrum and then tell me Florence Welch isn't the best on this list. Adele is a very close second though.

There may be several incredible women on this list, but none can match the artistry that Florence Welch has.
Lily Allen

Lily Rose Beatrice Allen, known professionally as Lily Allen, is an English singer, songwriter, actress, and television presenter. She rose to fame with her debut album Alright, Still in 2006. Allen is also known for her outspokenness and involvement in political and social commentary.

She can't dance well and really isn't a great singer, but her video is one of the most mesmerizing events I watched in a while. She comes across as very genuine through her songs and her performance.

Lily Allen should be up there at the top. Smile? The Fear? Come on, you can't beat those tunes. You actually can't. And three platinum albums? Is everyone forgetting something here?

I like her, but who does a music video in the bathroom for the whole day? Her songs are good though!
Sade

Helen Folasade Adu, known professionally as Sade Adu or simply Sade, is an English singer-songwriter, composer, arranger, and record producer. She gained international fame as the lead vocalist of the band Sade, which became known for its smooth blend of soul, jazz, and soft rock. Some of the group's... read more

Sade is the most amazing singer of anything: Blues, Jazz, Rock, Ballads, and Modern. I listen to her music every day and have done this for over two years. Sade is also a fine dancer and entertainer, displaying both beauty and deep-felt sexuality. I feel like the luckiest man alive for finally discovering the magical experience of Sade and her great band.

Another legend! I spent many high school days listening to her songs over and over again. There was no party or social gathering where her music wasn't played. Sensual, elaborate, romantic, emotional - all mixed into one pot of incredible vocal feast.

The Newcomers

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Jess Harwood
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Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa (born August 22, 1995) is an English singer and songwriter who has achieved international success. She was born in Westminster, London, to Albanian parents originally from Kosovo. Her debut self‑titled album was released in 2017 and earned her multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best New... read more

The Contenders

Emeli Sandé

Adele Emily Sandé, better known as Emeli Sandé, is a Scottish recording artist and songwriter. She gained prominence with her debut album Our Version of Events in 2012, which became the best-selling album in the UK that year. Sandé has won several awards, including Brit Awards for Best British Female... read more

She's a great singer, and she also writes her own songs. I feel like she deserves to be in the top 5, if not top 3.

I saw her live at a Princes' Trust awards. She was amazing and inspirational.

She can write any song and evoke emotion, and can sing any song and spark waterfalls. Incredible.
Alison Moyet

Geneviève Alison Jane Moyet, born June 18, 1961, is an English singer, songwriter, and performer. She is known for her powerful contralto voice and her work in the synth-pop duo Yazoo alongside Vince Clarke. Moyet has also enjoyed a successful solo career with hits such as All Cried Out and Love Resurrection... read more

Unparalleled depth, she is the juxtaposition of voice. Moyet stirs emotion as simultaneously modern and timeless. Like few can in any era, she sings along the knife's edge to be as polished as it is raw. Consider listening to any of her songs, notably with Yazoo (Yaz), and hear the texture that fills the room.

Along with Cyndi Lauper and Madonna, Alison Moyet was one of my favorite singers in the '80s. I remember her being number 1 on Top of the Pops. She is one of the most talented and complete singers I ever knew.
Probably not too many young people know her, and that's why she is only No. 41.
Cher Lloyd

Cher Lloyd is an English singer, songwriter, rapper, and model. She rose to fame in 2010 after finishing fourth in the seventh series of The X Factor. Following the show, she released her debut single Swagger Jagger, which topped the UK Singles Chart.

I love Cher Lloyd. My favorite female singers are, in no order, Cher Lloyd, Nicki Minaj, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, and Miley Cyrus. I love this woman, and I can not believe she's number 9. People are crazy.

Cher Lloyd started off on The X Factor UK when she was 16, auditioning by singing "Turn My Swag On." After finishing in fourth place, she was signed. Cher came out with her songs "Want U Back," "Oath," "With Ur Love," and more. Cher Lloyd is a great inspiration to me and others. Cher is definitely qualified to be on this website. Cher Lloyd is the best!
Marina

Marina Lambrini Diamandis, better known by her former stage name "Marina and The Diamonds" and now simply as Marina, is a Welsh singer-songwriter. Born in Brynmawr and raised in nearby Pandy, she moved to London as a teenager to pursue a music career. She is known for her unique songwriting style and... read more

Her voice is unique, and her lyrics aren't just meaningful but actually woke and entertaining at the same time. This combination makes her remarkable. Plus, Marina is undoubtedly the most blessed in terms of her physique out of all the British female artists. Her tight waist and abs are very reminiscent of what legendary artist Cher had back in her heyday. I was astonished when I first noticed her.

This should be number 1. Marina has an amazing voice and meaningful lyrics. She has a message and she's delivering it successfully so far. Listen to her and you won't regret it.
Alison Goldfrapp

"Breathy," "sultry," "ethereal," "startling" - all have been said about her voice. Listen to "Pilots" and decide for yourself. By the way, the opening tune to the song is also her voice.

She's just amazing and so versatile! She takes you to other worlds with her voice.
Kim Wilde

Kim Wilde, born Kim Smith, is an English pop singer, author, DJ, and television presenter. She made her debut in 1981 with the single "Kids in America," which reached number two on the UK Singles Chart. Wilde found success internationally and became one of the most recognizable faces of 1980s pop music.... read more

Songwriter of extraordinary depth and surprisingly hard-hitting and realistically emotive. She has quite simply the best pop voice for variety, excelling in pop, rock, ballad, dance, jazz, and more. So many singers are great with a particular type of song, but this lady manages them all convincingly.
It's ridiculous she is this low in the poll. "Cambodia," her bestseller, remains my favorite of all time. It is genuinely innovative, haunting, and melodic, with strong vocals that mix Eastern-style percussion with a disco beat and a gigantic chorus. Mesmerizing!

The best-selling British female of the 80s with a continuous string of classic pop/rock records, this versatile and hugely adorable, beautiful lady is still pulling in the crowds on her regular tours. Her voice can be powerful, seductive, feminine, and edgy, and it's on album tracks where she regularly shows how good her voice is.
Songs like Thought It Was Goodbye, Solstice, and Stay Awhile are breathtakingly beautiful. A true legend.
Shirley Bassey

Dame Shirley Veronica Bassey is a Welsh singer whose career began in the mid-1950s. She is best known for her powerful voice and for recording the theme songs to the James Bond films Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, and Moonraker. Bassey was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in... read more

Her ability to connect with a song and an audience across such a wide range of material is peerless. The power and drama of her voice are well recognized, but spend some time listening across her broad catalog.
Love, loss, heartache, warmth, lust, tenderness, anger, fun, funny, galvanizing, self-deprecating, intimate, teasing, triumphant, gloriously exuberant, classical, easy, standards, rock, country, jazz, pop, disco, dance, consummate phrasing, range, astounding breath control, captivating, charismatic, regal, down-to-earth, beautiful, and beyond compare.

I had the privilege of seeing the Grand Dame approximately a decade ago. It was her return to Las Vegas, where she hadn't performed for, I believe, 25 years prior. Instead of performing in an arena for one or two nights, which would have sold out, she chose to do a smaller nightclub-type venue over a week's period. The small Hollywood Theatre at the MGM, with her orchestra on levels of "stairs" on each side of the stage and the magnificence herself in the most opulent of gowns, made this one of the best concerts I have ever seen.
I was quite worried because some singers do not know when to bow out gracefully (Mr. Sinatra, Ms. Ross), and they choose to give these illusion performances when their voice goes, and sometimes it's sad. I so didn't want that to be the case, and let me tell you, age has graced this woman in every way possible. She is still gorgeous and elegant, with a quick wit when talking with the audience, and a sultry, richer, deeper, flawless tone, sounding more polished and professional than she ever has previously. With every effortless belt, I was more and more amazed and astounded.
After she did her final encore with her familiar and gifted orchestra, and the audience began leaving, I remained in my seat, freezing with goosebumps, in total awe at the amazing artist I had just been lucky enough to experience while the janitorial staff began to work around me. When security came in to close the lights, I realized I had to go.
This is from someone who appreciates all kinds of music, from Leontyne Price and Maria Callas to Dinah Washington and Patsy Cline, to Donna Summer and KC and the Sunshine Band, to the B-52s and Nina Hagen, to Missy Elliott, Daft Punk, and even Die Antwoord. This amazing Dame Shirley Bassey is truly a voice and style like no other, and this is a better world for having her beautiful music to last us for centuries to come. Everyone should give her a listen and judge for yourself. Thank you, Dame Shirley Bassey... read more
Birdy

Birdy really gets to your heart. I love her, and I don't ordinarily love female singers. I hope I get to listen to her touching and gorgeous vocals forever.

She is so talented, and her voice is so flawless at such a young age. Truly inspiring!

The best because she has a sensitivity and feeling that are rare in pop music.
Alexandra Burke

Alex is the best British singer I have ever heard, bar none, and she can hit high notes. She does hit high notes. More important, her personality is so sweet and humble. No offense to all the other ladies, but Alex's voice and performances really move me. What a lovely, talented, and gracious performer. This list needs revising!

Alexandra Burke is the best UK female singer of recent times. Although Leona can sing higher notes, Alexandra has the richer voice and is better than Leona. Singing high notes does not make you a better singer.
Paloma Faith

Paloma Faith Blomfield, known professionally as Paloma Faith, is an English singer, songwriter, and actress. She is known for her retro musical style and eccentric fashion sense.
Faith met her managers Jamie Binns and Christian Wåhlberg in 2007. Her debut album, Do You Want the Truth or Something... read more

I love Paloma Faith because she dares to be different, and when she wants, she is unique. She writes her own material and should eventually make it big in America. I love her honesty as a person and as an artist.

Simply the queen! With such a diverse spectrum of beautiful music, Paloma leaves everyone else behind. She has class while also managing to be different. She is an inspiration. Great live as well!

She's the greatest! Full of soul! Her performances command your attention. She's awesome! We need more of her in America!
Natasha Bedingfield

Natasha Anne Bedingfield is an English singer and songwriter. She released her debut album Unwritten in 2004, which featured up-tempo pop songs influenced by R&B. The title track became a major hit and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

In my opinion, she is the best female singer in the world! Natasha has an incredible voice. She is very talented as a singer and songwriter. Her songs are the best psychologists for me. When I'm sad, they give me power and lots of positive emotions! I love her so much!
Pixie Lott

Victoria Louise "Pixie" Lott is an English singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to fame with her debut single "Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)" in 2009, which topped the UK Singles Chart. In addition to her music career, Lott has appeared in theater productions and on television.

Pixie is one of the most talented and by far the most beautiful UK female songstresses of all time. She's down to earth and has a heart of gold. She is quite famous all over the world, and she has a small fan base in most countries, including the U.S.

She's really cute, has good dancing skills, and has some catchy songs.

Gotta listen to "Mama Do." It's awesome!
Cheryl

Cheryl Ann Tweedy (formerly Cheryl Cole and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini), known mononymously as Cheryl, is an English singer, dancer, and television personality.
She rose to fame in late 2002 as a member of the girl group Girls Aloud, formed on ITV's Popstars: The Rivals, and remained with the group... read more

I'm waiting for Cheryl to get a comment. What on earth is she on here for, her looks only? Her duet with Gary Barlow is legendary for being awful. Lady Antebellum butchered it badly. She got through Popstars: The Rivals only because, in the words of the other girls, we liked her as a person. Toneless and awful.

Cheryl is a phenomenal talent in singing, songwriting, and dancing. She has so much experience, with a decade in the music industry. She is a true artist.

She should be number 1 because she is the only female singer ever to have 5 UK number 1s, and she has some of the catchiest songs I've ever heard. She is a household name in the UK and Ireland, but it's a shame she never released her music in the US.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Sophie Michelle Ellis-Bextor is an English singer, songwriter, and occasional model. She first gained attention as the lead vocalist on Spiller's 2000 hit Groovejet (If This Ain't Love) and achieved solo success with her 2001 debut album Read My Lips. Ellis-Bextor has continued to release music and perform... read more

Just by exploring all the kinds of music she sings, from trance to pop music and even the indie genre, her personality and style of voice are so unique. Her roles as a mother, wife, and artist make her an admirable person. She's never in the eye of scandal and show. Nothing vulgar. All a lady.
Most of her lyrics do not contain vulgarity, unlike those of some of the most popular singers. It's a pity that she is not recognized as she should be in her own country and is more acclaimed in Russia and Latin America. Mexico loves her!

Kylie may be the "British Princess of Pop" (despite being Aussie, really), but Sophie is the drama peak-inducing, high-energy, new Electro Dance Pop Diva par excellence. Perhaps the most important dance-pop sensation of the new millennium for Britain. Addictive.
Rita Ora

Rita Sahatçiu Ora is a British singer and actress recognized for her fashion-forward image and pop music success. Her debut studio album, Ora (2012), debuted at number one in the United Kingdom. She has also made headlines for her personal life, including a high-profile relationship with Rob Kardashian... read more

She is an inspiration and such a genuine person. Rita is talented and always has good spirits. Most importantly, she never forgets where she came from. Love you, Rita.

She is really talented. She is also a really good model.

Rita Ora is an amazing singer. I could listen to her all day. I love you, Rita.