Top 10 Best Pop Artists of All Time

Pop music has been shaping the sound of popular culture for decades, and some artists have managed to stand out above the rest, creating unforgettable hits and defining entire eras. From legends who helped build the foundation of pop, to modern superstars who dominate the charts today, there's no shortage of talent to choose from when thinking about the greatest pop artists of all time.

When you think about who deserves to be at the top of this list, consider the impact they've had on music and pop culture, how they've pushed boundaries, and the way they've kept fans hooked year after year. Some might have created the soundtrack to your childhood, while others may be taking over the world today.

The Top Ten

Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, which was ruled a homicide. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures... read more

He is the blueprint, the King of Music. He is your favorite artist's favorite. He saved the music industry, boosted the economy, and gave nearly half of his wealth to charity. He left every place he visited (globally) a little better.
He revolutionized the Super Bowl halftime show and, to this day, still holds the biggest viewership. He transformed group choreography, dance, and the way we consume music. He holds a Guinness World Record as the most successful artist, selling the most records ever worldwide as a solo artist. And he wrote Billie Jean, the greatest pop song ever.

Michael Jackson has amazing talent in singing, dancing, and writing his own material. I think the reason he has surpassed the likes of Madonna is because he does not rely on shock value, like exposing himself or writing sex books, to gain attention. He simply lives to create, sing, and dance to music. That is why he has ended up ahead of artists like Katy Perry and Madonna.
He has sold more than both of them combined, and his talent is far greater than the rest of the artists in this category. He is also the most awarded artist when it comes to the Grammys, and the Grammys are the most important awards in music.
Rock on, KING OF POP!
The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The group comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the most influential band of all time and were integral to the development of the 1960s counterculture and the recognition of popular... read more

They're the Beatles. No one can honestly compare. For decades, they have been the most prominent force in music, representing a level of success and talent that has never been repeated. Songs like "Hey Jude" and "Come Together" showcase the huge range of music they represent and the way they were able to bring all kinds of songs to the popular front.
Additionally, they made important statements about the world through songs like "Blackbird," unlike current artists like Katy Perry, who lack substance in their songs and have yet to find any critical success. In contrast, the Beatles are an untouchable force in history, and their legacy will last forever due to the amazing music they created.
Current pop artists will be forgotten, but the Beatles have lasted for five decades on top, and they will forever continue to do so.
Katy Perry

Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, professionally known as Katy Perry, was born on October 25, 1984, in Santa Barbara, California. She is a singer, songwriter, actress, and has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2013.
She is among the best-selling artists ever, with four Guinness World Records... read more

I absolutely adore Katy Perry! She is my idol! She has an angelic voice, is beautiful, and produces the best songs! I especially love her new album, Prism. It includes some wonderful songs.
However, I'd like to point out something about this list. Taylor Swift should not be on this list! In my opinion, she always sounds terrible. I really dislike her country music and how she's always singing about her love life.
Perhaps if she stopped singing about her love life, she might have more success in it! Anyway, Katy Perry for the win!

Hey everyone, Katy Perry should be number one! Have you people ever seen how many views her Dark Horse, Roar, and Firework videos have? I waited one week to post this comment, and her Dark Horse went up 25 million views! Right now, her Roar has 823,758,985 views, and Firework has 803,696,736 views!
Her Prism album has had billions of sales! Her Prismatic World Tour was the second biggest tour ever on the internet for people to vote for. Plus, she is nice to people who are poor. She is awesome! Katy Perry, I love you! I wish I could see you, Queen of Pop!
Lady Gaga

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, known professionally as Lady Gaga, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress.
Early in her career, she performed at Lollapalooza on August 4, 2007, as part of "Lady Gaga & The Starlight Revue," where she was noticed by Interscope Records executive Vincent... read more

MOTHER MONSTER! Gaga is not only the most talented musician in pop music today, but she is also the most talented in pop music history. She can play the piano, write songs, produce her own music, and she can SING.
Plus, her songs I can relate to, unlike the songs of Nicki Minaj or any other of the pop singers in today's music. Go Gaga!

You know what? Gaga was described as the most talented artist of all time. She can dance while singing, play piano, and write songs in ten minutes. She's never off-key.
See this comment below. It will make you Katy Perry lovers, even Taylor Swift fans, disgusted. Taylor can't sing live and often sings off-key. Watch her YouTube videos, even Katy Perry's. So Katy Perry fans, please keep your off-key opinions to yourselves.
Taylor Swift

Taylor Alison Swift is an American singer-songwriter, born on December 13, 1989, in Reading, Pennsylvania. She developed a strong interest in country music around the age of nine after watching a Faith Hill documentary. Swift moved to Nashville as a teenager and, after signing with RCA Records, began... read more

She deserves the second spot because she and Michael Jackson are the only artists in history to have a BMI award named after them. She is the youngest person to be included in Rolling Stone's list of the 100 greatest songwriters of all time, the first female artist to win Album of the Year at the Grammys twice, and the only act to sell more than 1 million album copies in the first week of release in the US. She holds both the most awarded country album and the most awarded pop album in history.
The list of her achievements goes on, but most significantly, she treats her fans with so much kindness and generosity. Her relationship with fans is what makes her different from other artists.
Lastly, she's a brilliant businesswoman who knows the market scenario very well and always comes up with new strategies, which is why she's so successful.
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

Adele has a unique and mesmerizing singing voice. Her range is incredible, and she can hold notes forever. You feel her voice in your soul, and it shows how much the words mean to her.
You feel like you know her because she writes her own lyrics and creates spectacular melodies that move you. She makes her concerts and songs about the music, without unnecessary fanfare. She also takes the time to tell you about herself in an unfiltered and genuine way.

Adele is an amazing singer-songwriter. She doesn't need all the frills and publicity to be regarded as such either. She represents music in its highest regard, devoid of superficial details, because she doesn't need anything else to garner attention. Her artistry does it on its own, and she is an icon even with a smaller amount of work thus far.
Honestly, this list is insulting to music, as so many artists should be ranked above Katy Perry and P!nk. Yes, they are successful entertainers, but comparing them above the rest of the industry is like saying Nickelback is a better rock band than Queen. Seriously, people, in no way, shape, or form is Katy Perry better than Prince, the Beach Boys, Eminem, Tupac, Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Kendrick Lamar, Lorde, Aerosmith, Queen, Adele, Sam Smith, Taylor Swift, the Beatles, and many more. These singers all represent an unimaginable amount of success and artistry. They are the ones that should be remembered in history for music, not the girl who is famous for her juvenile, racist, homophobic, and frankly, uncomplicated music.
Sorry, Katy Perry, but you're an entertainer more than you are a singer. You deserve all that you've worked for in regards to being a fun, non-complicated model for tweens, but artists like Adele show the world what true MUSIC is.
Elton John

Sir Elton Hercules John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, is an English singer, pianist, and composer. He has collaborated with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967 on more than 30 albums. John has sold over 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.... read more

One of the biggest solo artists of the '70s.

The best pop/rock artist of all time.
Whitney Houston

Whitney Elizabeth Houston was an American singer, actress, producer, and model. She holds the Guinness World Record as the most awarded female artist of all time, with over 400 career awards as of 2006, and was named the most awarded female act in 2009.... read more

Her best moment is when she sang "I Will Always Love You." Her voice was awesome.

Love her voice! She's very successful. Love ya!
Prince

Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 - April 21, 2016) was an American musician, widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential artists of the 1980s. He was known for his eclectic musical style, flamboyant stage presence, and mastery of multiple instruments. Some of his most iconic songs include... read more

The Artist, with Purple Rain, Sign 'O' The Times, 1999, and The Gold Experience, sits at only 62? Come on, people! Especially you bubblegum-loving teenyboppers. He was amazing at guitar, had among the widest vocal ranges for popular singers (even wider than Freddie Mercury, whom people seem to be crazy about for no reason), pioneered a sound (specifically the Minneapolis Sound), referred to himself as a symbol for some time (you know, the Love Symbol), was the first artist to sell music on the Internet, wrote his first song at age 8, and had the best Super Bowl halftime show ever (in 2007). He finished the performance with 'Purple Rain' while it was raining, and the audience lit purple lights.
And that is just the tip of the iceberg. Face it, not only is he a phenomenal artist, he is The Artist.
P!nk

Alecia Beth Moore, known professionally as P!NK, is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. She rose to prominence in the early 2000s with her R&B-influenced debut album Can't Take Me Home (2000). P!NK is known for her powerful vocals, acrobatic stage presence, and numerous hit singles,... read more

Pink is the best, period. She is one of the few artists these days that actually make songs with real meanings, not just about partying, getting drunk, and hot chicks. Pink's songs, like "Try" (so inspiring) and "Blow Me One Last Kiss," are great. And "Just Give Me A Reason," "So What," the list goes on. She's got her own style.
How a couple of days ago Pink was at #59... So I'm not the only fanatic.

Warning: Pink is highly addictive! Consume with caution, as high volumes of numerous classic hits will cause stuck-in-head syndrome. I have had Just Like a Pill stuck in my head for four days now and have listened to it approximately 60 times since the syndrome began. You've been warned.

The Newcomers

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Charli XCX

Charlotte Emma Aitchison, better known by her stage name Charli XCX, is an English singer and songwriter. Her most famous songs include Boom Clap and her feature on Iggy Azalea's hit single Fancy. She is also known for her contributions to hyperpop and her work with other artists like Troye Sivan and... read more

Oh yeah, she's the best female pop star, along with Carly Rae, since Madonna. I'd have them as my sisters because they are beautiful, and they really need to collaborate.
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Nicola Roberts

An underrated artist who didn't get enough attention like she should've. She was another member of Girls Aloud.

The Contenders

Beyoncé

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who began her career as lead singer of Destiny's Child. The group scored multiple Billboard No. 1 hits including "Say My Name," "Bills, Bills, Bills," "Survivor," "Independent Women," and "Bootylicious." After their split,... read more

For fifty percent of her life, she's been doing it, and one hundred percent of that time, she has been QUEEN! Learned from the king himself, Michael Jackson, and is the only true modern-day artist that can hold a flame to the rest of these legends on the list.

She's the queen of music. She sings live perfectly, dances perfectly, and has written many of the most influential songs of our time. I truly think that since Michael Jackson passed away, she inherited his crown and throne.

A hot and sexy singer with a good voice, she is awesome!
Madonna

Madonna Louise Ciccone, known professionally as Madonna, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She has influenced many artists, including Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Beyoncé Knowles, and Britney Spears. Often referred to as the "Queen of Pop," she has played a significant... read more

Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Mariah Carey are over Madonna? Is this list a joke?
Many people just envy her success and huge impact on music. Madonna is the most popular, successful, and influential female star ever. You can hate it, but it's true, so deal with it!

Madonna has been such a huge influence on the music industry for over thirty years. She has sold millions of records and broken so many boundaries. She is the Queen of Pop, and no one can deny her that (Britney is the Princess).
Bruno Mars

Peter Gene Hernandez, professionally known as Bruno Mars, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and choreographer.
Mars rose to fame in 2010 through his collaborations on the hits "Nothin' on You" by B.o.B and "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy, both of which featured... read more

Actually, he is the best pop artist. He is the prince of pop. He has a perfect voice, and he can dance while singing perfectly. He can play the piano, guitar, ukulele, and drums.
He can write beautiful lyrics. The rhythm of his songs is really good.

Oh my God, what is Bruno doing at fourteen? He is like one of the best pop artists ever. Why is he below Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, and who on earth are Mariah Carey and Pink?

With his singing technique and dance moves, he is the Michael Jackson of our time. He is the most complete male pop artist alive.
Elvis Presley

Elvis Aaron Presley was an American singer and actor, widely dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll" and regarded as a pivotal cultural icon of the 20th century. His energetic musical interpretation and provocative performance style, bridging racial music traditions in a shifting era, both fueled his fame... read more

There are way too many young people voting on this list. Fourteen of the top twenty are modern acts. Michael Jackson, the Beatles, Elvis, and Elton John should definitely be in the top five, in some order. They were the four most dominant acts in music history.
Without their contributions, most of today's acts would not exist. Others in consideration for a top five spot are Stevie Wonder, the Beach Boys, the Bee Gees, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, and Olivia Newton-John.

Even though he started as a rock singer, in later days, he sang a lot of pop songs.
Maroon 5

Maroon 5 is an American pop and pop‑rock band formed in Los Angeles, California. The group originally came together in 1994 under the name Kara's Flowers, when Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, Mickey Madden, and Ryan Dusick were still in high school. They self‑released a demo and a studio album before... read more

Ok, why is Maroon 5 merely 9th on the list? This band is great. They have everything you could ask for in a male pop band. Adam Levine is in the top 10 for best male singers ever. He can go all over the vocal register but always returns to that high-sounding voice that makes him stand out.
This band started in '95 as Kara's Flowers, which was a rock band. As rock became less and less popular to the public eye, Maroon 5 evolved to the pop genre, which is what the new race was and still is today. Just listen in chronological order from Songs About Jane to V, and you will see what I speak of.
However, instead of abandoning their rock roots, like Gwen Stefani did by leaving No Doubt, they evolved and found ways to integrate the rock instruments and roots from where they came into their new stuff. To put it in other words, they evolved in a way that their new music sells, but they didn't lose their identity.
Britney Spears

Britney Jean Spears (born on December 2, 1981, in McComb, Mississippi) is an American former singer and actress. She was raised in Kentwood, Louisiana. As a child, she performed acting roles in stage productions and television shows, such as The Mickey Mouse Club, before signing with Jive Records in... read more

Britney is the pop princess, the queen, and the best. She turned the whole world upside down. Everyone knows the name Britney Spears. She is a legend and she will always be my idol. I love her!

Queen of Pop, sure. Britney should be in the top 3! I'm saying this because she was the only artist having such a track record compared to the artists who were listed above. I love Britney.

Sexy. Talented. Great dance moves. Suffered a hella lot. Survived and thrived. Now that's strength. Down to earth. Catchy music. Pure and innocent soul. How much better could you get?
ABBA

ABBA were a Swedish pop group formed in Stockholm in 1972. The group consists of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
ABBA became one of the most commercially successful acts in the history of popular music, particularly during the 1970s and early 1980s.

They will only be playing four or five of these groups 200 years from now: The Beatles, Michael Jackson, ABBA, Queen, and some Elton John. Even Elvis's music now is dated.
Those four groups' music is timeless and will be played forever. Yet ABBA is #15? Really?

They are a seriously overlooked group. They were only really around for a ten-year period and produced some of the best music, which has genuinely stood the test of time. Overlooked by the establishment but loved by the people.

ABBA revolutionized music. In fact, they are so good in terms of album sales that they are up there with The Beatles and Elvis. I'm not even kidding.
Whether you like them or not, you have to admit they have had a big impact on music!
Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande‑Butera (born June 26, 1993) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Her four‑octave vocal range has earned widespread critical praise, and her personal life continues to attract significant media attention. She has received numerous honors, including two Grammy Awards, a Brit Award... read more

How is she ranked so low? She is one of the Broadway/classically trained singers. People always make fun of her wide range, which is stupid because it's so rare to have such a wide range. Everyone automatically thinks her voice is annoying.
This is talent. All these people who know nothing about talent just hate. She is amazing, and she actually writes her songs about real love - not all that you hear nowadays. She is one of the pop singers today who can sing along with Demi and Adele.
Her music and her voice are so angelic and emotional. She is just plain amazing.

How is Ariana in 60th place? She is one of the best singers I've ever heard. I'm a huge Ariana Grande fan, and she can sing so well live. She has made so many hit songs. She needs to be in the top ten.
I feel like Ariana Grande is one of the best live singers of our generation. She definitely deserves to be in the top ten. What the heck.
Rihanna

Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian-American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown, Barbados. She began her music career in 2003 by recording demo tapes with producer Evan Rogers and eventually signed with Def Jam Records after an audition for Jay-Z. Rihanna... read more

How is Rihanna not in the top 10? Come on guys, vote her up! Rihanna is one of the best pop artists of the era. Who can forget her smash hit Umbrella (ela ela eh eh eh)? She has more number 1 hits than any other pop artist and so many good, catchy, and meaningful songs. Songs like Pon de Replay, Unfaithful, Umbrella, Take a Bow, Rehab, Shut Up and Drive, We Found Love, Diamonds, Stay, Work, Needed Me, Love on the Brain, etc.
The thing about Rihanna that is different from other pop artists is that she changes her style and genres so much but always does so really well, unlike other pop artists. Everybody knows and loves at least one Rihanna song.

Selena and Maroon 5 over Rihanna? Don't get me wrong, I don't hate them, but Rihanna's music is so varied and catchy.
Enrique Iglesias

Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler (born May 8, 1975), known professionally as Enrique Iglesias, is a Spanish singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He is one of the best-selling Latin music artists, having sold over 170 million records worldwide. Iglesias has earned numerous awards, including... read more

Enrique Iglesias is the greatest artist of all time. This man has so many number one dance songs and pop ballads. Plus, he's been crowned King of Latin Pop. That's got to stand for something. Vote for Enrique because it's true.

Pick any song by Enrique, and you will say this is the best. It means every song by Enrique is the best and touches your heart.

Enrique Iglesias is an amazing singer! His music is awesome to listen to every day, and he is really hot too.
Selena Gomez

Selena Marie Gomez is an American actress and singer. She's best known for her hit songs "Come & Get It," "Good for You," "Same Old Love," and "It Ain't Me," as well as her starring role as Alex Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place. While described as a mezzo-soprano with a vocal range often in the alto... read more

She is absolutely amazing and can serve some mean vocals. She has a very gentle, soft, and sexy voice which some people just cannot appreciate. She is one of the best pop artists out there.

Selena is perfect and one of my favorite singers. I always try to be like her. Her songs are awesome, like Come and Get It, Hit the Lights, and Good for You.
I love her. She should be number two.

Amazing songs! I love the more recent ones like "The Heart Wants What It Wants" and "Come and Get It", and all of the electronica influence!
Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Brianne Clarkson is an American singer, songwriter, and children's book author. She rose to fame in 2002 after winning the inaugural season of American Idol, which earned her a record deal with RCA Records. Clarkson's debut single, "A Moment Like This," topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and became... read more

I absolutely LOVE Kelly Clarkson. I have been a fan for a long time and I love her special quality. She inspires music and has a magnificent voice, hands down.
She deserves to be in the top ten. She has been singing for ten years. She is a born natural. She is my idol, and the original American Idol.
I'm a total fangirl of Kelly, and will be forever more.

OK, she isn't the number one pop artist, but she deserves to be in the top ten. Kelly has a great voice and many awesome songs. Her Breakaway album was a huge hit that was very important for the music industry.
Kelly rocks!
Frank Sinatra

Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra (December 12, 1915 - May 14, 1998) was an American singer, actor, and producer who was one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century. He's one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide... read more

What is he doing down here? He's the original pop star!
Shakira

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian-Spanish singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, choreographer, and model. She rose to international fame in the late 1990s with Latin pop hits and has sold over 85 million records worldwide. Shakira is also known for her philanthropic work through her... read more

Are you serious? Shakira is the best artist of the past decade. She sings in many languages, her music sounds like no other artist's, and her voice is unique. She deserves to be in the top three, if not in first place.

I love Shakira! I am Colombian, and when she dances, it makes me feel happy.

She is the best singer. No arguments, please.
Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, born March 27, 1970, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She's one of the best-selling female artists in music history, with 19 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
She's often regarded as a sex symbol through her songs and videos, and has been noted in the press... read more

Awesome, amazing, my number one favorite singer. She has the most awesome songs like Love Takes Time, Vision of Love, Heartbreaker, and my all-time favorite, Dreamlover.

Passed Elvis Presley just recently.

Mariah should easily be in the top ten. She had eighteen number-one songs, by far the most of the nineties and two-thousands.