Top 10 Artists Who Sold Over 200 Million Albums Worldwide

Selling over 200 million albums is no easy task. It requires more than just a hit single or a well-received album. It requires consistent musical genius, groundbreaking creativity, a connection with fans around the globe, and let's not forget, it also requires time, often decades of work in the industry.

The artists who've achieved this remarkable feat have done more than just sell records. They've transcended borders, resonated across cultures, and inspired generations. Their music has become the soundtrack to our lives, a common thread that binds music lovers worldwide.

The Top Ten

  1. 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

    There are a lot of great singer-songwriters that touch the hearts of millions, but the vote goes to Mariah Carey for the versatility of her music.

    There aren't too many who can write, produce, and sing all genres of music.

    Mariah Carey is the best singer in the world, and not only the best singer but also a great songwriter.

    I'm not surprised she has sold more than 200 million copies worldwide because her voice and soul can make you dream.

    Best at everything! She writes. She sings. She produces. She has a song of the decade. She changed the world of music multiple times.

    She has influenced millions of singers, like the greats always do.

  2. 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

  3. 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

    How can The Beatles be at 14 when they are number one with $247.8 million sold worldwide? They are the real number one. The only one that is correct is Michael Jackson at number three. Elvis, too, should be at number two. How did Mariah Carey end up number one? She was only big in the United States. This is how it really goes:

    1. The Beatles

    2. Elvis

    3. Michael Jackson

    4. Madonna

    5. Elton John

    6. Led Zeppelin

    7. Queen

    8. ABBA

    9. Mariah Carey

    10. Celine Dion

    The Beatles have outsold everyone. Stats show this easily. They still outsell others every time they release a CD. It's always a number one seller for them, and they haven't been together in 45 years.

  4. Queen

    Queen is an English rock band formed in London in 1970. The original lineup was Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), and John Deacon (bass guitar). Before Queen, May and Taylor had played together in a band named Smile. Freddie Mercury, a fan... read more

    Best musical band ever. They covered every genre. Freddie Mercury was the ultimate showman.

    Every band member wrote hit songs.

  5. Led Zeppelin

    Led Zeppelin was an English hard rock band formed in London in 1968 as the New Yardbirds. The group consisted of Robert Plant (vocals), Jimmy Page (guitar), John Paul Jones (bass, keyboard), and John Bonham (drums). The band was largely the brainchild of Jimmy Page, who even financed their first tour... read more

  6. The Rolling Stones

    The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. Their first stable line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar and harmonica), Mick Jagger (lead vocals and harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar), Bill Wyman (bass), and Charlie Watts (drums), while Ian Stewart continued working with the... read more

  7. Pink Floyd

    Pink Floyd are an English progressive rock band formed in 1965 in London, England. They gained international acclaim with their innovative, conceptual music blending progressive rock and psychedelia. The classic lineup included Syd Barrett (vocals and guitar), David Gilmour (vocals and guitar), Nick... read more

  8. 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

    Madonna should be at least in the Top 3. What's wrong with you guys? She is a real legend, not Mariah Carey, who cannot even write her own material without additional help. Send me at least one song that was written 100% by Carey without other songwriters. Hah, Madonna wins forever!

    But I guess MJ and MC fans can't stand the truth.

    Come on, Lucky Stars, let's "get together" and "justify our love" by voting!

    I love Madonna. Her voice is like nickels coming out of a slot machine.

  9. Celine Dion

    Céline Marie Claudette Dion is a Canadian singer and businesswoman. She's best known for "My Heart Will Go On," the theme song of the 1997 film Titanic, which was the first film in history to gross over $1 billion worldwide. She also represented Switzerland and won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1988... read more

    Dion has sold close to 300 million. Mariah's sales figures are mainly in the US. Among many artists, Dion's album sales include about 80-100 more countries than most.

    Not only that, but here in the US, they don't count many of these countries, which is very sad. To the world (except for the stupid US), she is royalty.

    According to Billboard, Celine has sold almost 250 million albums globally, meaning her record sales are now at 300 million.

    You need to deal with that one big fact!

    Queen of pop for sure! She is 45 and still going strong. No drugs or scandals - she truly is royalty and should be at the top!

  10. 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

    Elvis was amazing and really shaped how we think of music today. Most teenagers haven't heard of The Beatles or The Rolling Stones, but unlike them, Elvis is remembered and still enjoyed to this very day.

    Let's get real. Elvis, 100%. He has sold 2.5 billion worldwide. Untouchable!

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    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 documentary about Faith Hill. Swift moved to Nashville as a teenager, signed a development deal with RCA Records... read more

  12. ?

    Rihanna

    Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian 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 producers Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken, and eventually signed with Def Jam Recordings after an audition for... read more

    13. The Contenders

  13. AC/DC

    AC/DC is an Australian hard rock band founded in November 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Bon Scott was the lead singer from 1974 until his death from acute alcohol poisoning in 1980. He was succeeded by Brian Johnson.... read more

    AC/DC, the most influential high-voltage rock and roll band ever!

  14. Eminem

    Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is an American rapper, actor, and music producer born on October 17, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri. Eminem has sold over 220 million records, making him the best-selling hip-hop artist of all time. In addition to his solo career, he was a member of D12 and (with... read more

  15. Whitney Houston

    Whitney Elizabeth Houston was an American singer, actress, producer, and model. Guinness World Records recognized her as the most awarded female artist of all time, with 411 career awards as of 2006, and named her the most awarded female act in 2009.... read more

    The most beautiful voice ever! My all-time favorite.

    What a voice! She is a musical genius.

  16. 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

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