Top 10 Best Female Singers of the 21st Century

Which one of our female stars of the 21st century is the best?

The Top Ten

Sarah Brightman

Sarah Brightman is an English classical crossover soprano, actress, musician, songwriter, conductor, and dancer. She rose to fame as the original Christine Daaé in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera. Brightman is also known for her solo music career, having sold more than 30 million records... read more

I was so happy to see Sarah Brightman at #1. I agree with the voters on some of the other ladies on this list. However, Miss Brightman deserves, in my humble opinion, to be at the top of this list.
Very few performers have the ability to consistently bring tears to the audience's eyes during performances. Her vocal range is unique, and her stage presence is commanding. She is still the unassailable angel of music.
Listen to one of her classics and wonder about all the vocally challenged "stars" like Britney Spears as they gyrate and grind their way around the stage to mask their mediocre voices. Remember, as a wise man once said, "Anyone can sing pop music, but it takes a world-class voice to rise above." Thanks, Sarah, for the world-class voice and the classy act.
Amy Lee

Amy Lee, born Amy Lynn Hartzler, is an American singer-songwriter, classically trained pianist, and composer. She is best known as the co-founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Evanescence, which gained global fame with their 2003 hit Bring Me to Life.... read more

Amy Lee is number 1.
So sorry, Sarah is great, but Amy is the best every time. Honestly, compared to other female singers, she is impressive.
Listen! Amy is a very underrated woman.
Why is Amy the best female singer?
Top 10 Reasons to Love Amy Lee:
1. Unique and rare voice
2. Hypnotic looks
3. Awesome beauty
4. So cute
5. So hot and beautiful
6. So bewitching
7. Great personality
8. Funny and helpful
9. Beautiful black hair
10. Charismatic and a perfect woman.
Final notes: All female singers are beautiful, but Amy Lee is a truly miraculous singer. She deserves it.

She is a miracle. Her voice can reach amazing high notes. The quality of her tones is perfect. Critics have said her angelic voice is "one of a kind."
She has an amazing voice, amazing looks, and amazing music. Her lyrics are so deep that they have shattered all expectations and will live on forever.
Thank you, Amy. Your place is well deserved.
Christina Aguilera

Christina María Aguilera is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. She rose to fame in the late 1990s with hits like "Genie in a Bottle" and "What a Girl Wants," and she later showcased her vocal power in songs like "Beautiful" and "Hurt." Throughout her career, she's explored a range of... read more

Christina Aguilera is my idol. She is the wickedly talented, one and only, mezzo-soprano who can clearly and beautifully span four octaves (C3-C7). Her voice is incredibly nimble and dexterous, allowing her to execute vocal runs and switch between different parts of her range with ease.
She also has the stamina to hold notes for extended periods, whether or not she uses vibrato. She held a 20-second note during her live performance of "At Last"!
My favorite song by far is "Hurt," a collaboration between Linda Perry and Christina Aguilera. "Candyman" was so catchy that I couldn't get it out of my head for days after I first heard it. She is the ultimate voice of our generation, and I believe she deserves to be named the best female singer of the 21st century.
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

Definitely should be Number 1. She has a beautiful, soulful voice. No diss to Sarah Brightman, but I never heard of her. Her being in the same category as Jackie Evancho means I'd probably check her out too, as long as it's Two Hearts Part II. Sarah Brightman wasn't heard outside of TTT and is also underrated.

I think she's not ranked higher because she doesn't have as much music or as many years in the industry as other artists. Her accessible persona, powerful husky voice, and maturity are attributes that drew me, a guy, to her. She shows that a powerful or popular woman is not confined to one label or another. She is elegant and graceful, but also straightforward and formidable.
Jackie Evancho

Jacqueline Marie "Jackie" Evancho is an American classical crossover singer who gained wide recognition at an early age. Since 2009, she has issued an EP and eight albums, including a platinum and gold album, and three Billboard 200 top 10 debuts. Evancho's latest album, The Debut, was her eighth consecutive... read more

Jackie Evancho is perhaps destined to be one of the greatest sopranos who ever lived. She is certainly one of the most gifted singers of the last 100 years. Her singing voice is indescribably beautiful in its pitch and tones. Both her high and low registers are jaw-dropping for her age.
What is most prevalent in Jackie Evancho's vocals is her uncanny - and, in my opinion, unmatched - ability to convey the emotion of a song to the listener. No other singer, of whom I am either aware or have personally experienced, has ever moved me to tears. Jackie Evancho is profound in her interpretive skills and her ability to convey the deepest meanings of a piece to the human heart.
If she continues on the path she has chosen for her career, she will become the definitive measure by which other vocalists are compared.
Agnes Monica

Agnes Monica Muljoto, known professionally as Agnez Mo, is an Indonesian singer, songwriter, actress, and music producer. She began her career in entertainment at a young age and has received numerous awards in Indonesia and internationally. She is also known for her efforts to break into the U.S. music... read more

Agnes Monica is the best entertainer. She is a true entertainer. She always delivers the best performance in every show. Not only is she a good singer, but she is also the best dancer and actress.
She is beautiful, smart, and diligent. She is very inspiring for the young and wonderful for the elderly. Not only as an artist, but even in the midst of a busy life, she still manages to achieve in education at both school and college. This really impresses me, not just me but also my family.

She's the best singer in Indonesia because she has international quality. People, just wait until the world knows her name. She is on her path to reaching the international stage. Dream, believe, make it happen.
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

Beyoncé is probably one of the best singers and performers of all time! I mean, listen to her amazing vocal skills, the runs, the riffs, the scales. Not to mention the power, range, and versatility of her voice, which are simply outstanding.
She's also an awesome dancer and a good actress. She's the complete package. History proves it: She's won more Grammys than Whitney in her prime, and more than all of the other modern musicians and singers.
She's the most praised and recognized American artist of the last decade. Enough said.

Without question, Beyoncé is the best female singer of the 21st century. I haven't even heard any of the singers ranked in positions 1, 2, or 3, which just goes to show you. I am actually disgusted that she is not first. She is an idol, an artist, an entertainer, an amazing, authentic, epic, and legendary vocalist, an actress, and a loving and friendly down-to-earth person who is a perfect role model.
I can't believe Gaga and Rihanna are nearer to number 1 than her. It's just wrong!
Watch her on YouTube. Type in Listen, Irreplaceable, Halo, If I Were a Boy, I Was Here, Crazy in Love, and songs with Destiny's Child, as well as from the film she was in, Dreamgirls.
She is the new Whitney Houston for the 21st century and has been inspired by women like her, as well as Michael Jackson, Prince, Tina Turner, and Etta James, among many other R&B/Soul singers.
If you love R&B/Soul/Motown, then VOTE BEYONCÉ NOW!
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

Even though Ari has been a bit childish and disrespectful to people, she's young and has learned from her mistakes. She is a brilliant vocalist, and if you listen to her acapellas, they sound exactly like how she sings the songs on her tracks.
Her latest album, 'Dangerous Woman,' is amazing, and I'm so surprised that she isn't in the top 5, let alone the top 10. You shouldn't base your vote on how much you like the person. You should base it on the truth. She is incredible.

Isn't it obvious that she is the best singer out of any of these people on this list? You personally may not like her or how high she can get, but nobody else is as talented or better than her. She has a wide range of vocals and can hit notes that no one else in the world can hit. So even if this list says she's 23rd, it's clear that she should be number 1.
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 to be in the top 5, if not number 1. The fact that she has either written or co-written every single one of her songs is truly inspirational. Her kindness towards everyone she meets far surpasses that of her peers.
Her talent is amazing. I've seen her in concert twice. She has a beautiful voice and knows how to put on a show.
For those who say she only writes about failed romances, you are wrong. She wrote a song about how she felt when kids bullied her in middle school for liking country music. She's written songs about the pressures of being famous and the criticism that comes with it. She's written songs about friendships and how it feels to be 15 and 22. She's written songs about parent-child relationships and what it felt like when she first moved out. That, I say, is top 1 material.
Pink

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 hasn't really received enough fame in the US, but over here in Australia, she's actually extremely popular. If you don't believe me, look at Pink's discography and see the numerous top-ten hits. I counted 22. I know it's crazy!

P!nk is one of the finest singers the world will ever have. She never gets what she deserves. I love her. She makes powerful songs. She is powerful, daring, a good human, down-to-earth, and very funny.
I love her in every single way. She never pretends to be somebody else. She is my heart. She is my idol. She had a bad childhood, but she never backed down. She always fought back. She is a strong mother. I wish her the best. Vote everyone for P!nk.

The Newcomers

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Ami Suzuki

Suzuki Ami (born February 9, 1980) is a Japanese singer, DJ, and actress. She attended Ayase Nishi High School in Kanagawa and later transferred to Meguro Nihon University High School in Tokyo.
She released her first album, SA, on March 25, 1999, which became her best-selling album. During the... read more
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Sunye

The Contenders

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

I'll tell you why she's the best singer in the 21st century. Not only does she have a five-octave range, but she's more versatile than any other singer. She can sing pop, R&B, jazz, country - you name it. She has that glass-breaking high note that sends tingles down your spine. This woman's voice is the best!

Although she had most of her financial success in the late 90s and early 2000s, she is still current. I still think her voice is comparatively the most beautiful and unique. She is able to blend beautiful, ethereal, and melodious tones with raw, bluesy tones, without much effort.
K. S. Chithra

Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra, often credited as K. S. Chithra or simply Chithra, is an Indian playback singer from Kerala. She also sings Indian classical, devotional, and popular music. Chithra has recorded over 25,000 songs in various languages and is a recipient of six National Film Awards.

K.S. Chithra is the BEST! She epitomizes what a TRUE singer should be. She has given us timeless classics over the decades. Not too many can do this. K.S. Chithra should be #1!

There are the reasons why she deserves to be in the number one spot:
1. Her voice is so high, powerful, and versatile. She sings naturally. She could sing any song of a different genre without exerting too much effort.
2. She is very beautiful. She has a very wonderful and angelic smile that could melt the hearts of everyone.
3. Although she is now entering stardom, she still wouldn't stop being kind and humble, unlike other stars. She may be at the very top, but her feet still remain on the ground.
4. She is a perfect model and image to everyone. She is a real lady. She has a perfect personality. What else would you look for?
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

She can change this whole world, even the universe, with her lips. Her message is simple, but the effort and pain she takes to drive home this message is tremendous.
She undoubtedly rules the world of pop music. Queen, your outfits are beautiful, but not more so than your heart.
Love you, Mother Monster!

Lady Gaga is my queen, the best singer ever. I love you so much.
I'm voting just for you. You're amazing, and I think you're the Queen of Pop. I hope Lady Gaga remains the best forever.
She is crazy about fashion. I love all her costumes.
Avril Lavigne

Avril Ramona Lavigne (born September 27, 1984) is a Canadian singer-songwriter and actress. At age 14, she won a radio contest singing with Shania Twain, performing before a large arena crowd. By age 16, she had signed a two-album recording contract with Arista Records, reportedly worth over $2 million.... read more

Avril Lavigne was the right artist at the right time. She served as a backlash against what was going on from the mid to late '90s, which involved repetitive Eurodance music in clubs and teenybopper acts like NSYNC, the Backstreet Boys, and early Britney Spears. Many of these artists were factory products.
Avril Lavigne was society's attempt to be authentic and genuine, echoing the sentiment of, "Hey, it's a punk chick being sexy and ambitious, like back in the '80s or something like that." So, she was literally a backlash against commercialized pop.

Avril is the most talented singer I've ever listened to. I grew up listening to her songs, and they gave me strength when I needed it. She never cared about what people or haters thought of her, and that's what makes her who she is today.
She has always been in the music industry, and she always will be. She's also a sweetheart who created a foundation to support children and youth living with serious illnesses and disabilities. She absolutely deserves first place.
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

Katy Perry is such a good singer and has great style too! Just look at how many hits she got for her video "California Gurls." Everyone has heard of her. Although she has only released two major albums, "Double Rainbow" should be coming out soon.
She has an amazing voice and an interesting history. She's moved on from her past and has changed a lot.
I just wish her parents, especially her dad, would accept her for who she is and not call her a "Devil Child." They should be proud of her sudden rise to fame. Katy Perry's songs actually have very true and deep meanings. In contrast, most of Taylor Swift's songs are about her breakups and how she's moved on. Plus, Taylor Swift's song titles give away the subject matter, like "We Are Never Getting Back Together." It's pretty obvious what that could be about.
Alicia Keys

Alicia Augello Cook (born January 25, 1981), known professionally as Alicia Keys, is an American singer, songwriter, pianist, record producer, and actress. A classically trained pianist, she began composing music at age 12 and released her debut album, Songs in A Minor, in 2001. To date, Keys has sold... read more

Her voice is very powerful but looks monotonous in her songs.

Alicia Keys is an amazing singer and should be in at least the top 10.
Sarah Geronimo

Sarah Asher Tua Geronimo, also known as Sarah Geronimo or Sarah G., is a multi-talented and internationally recognized Filipino singer, actress, dancer, record producer, model, host, coach and judge, commercial endorser, and television personality. She can also draw and plays the piano. Geronimo is popularly... read more

No wonder I voted for Sarah Geronimo. The first time she started singing as a kid, there was something about her that could touch the lives of many. In fact, as she grew, the more she became an adult, the more beautiful her voice became. More people love her because she can touch lives when she sings.

She gives justice to every song that she sings. She even makes them better. More importantly, the songs she sings automatically become hits here in the Philippines. She's the Philippines' Popstar Princess - a total performer. She sings, she dances, she acts, and she hosts.
Charice Pempengco

Jake Zyrus, born Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco, is a Filipino singer who gained international attention through YouTube. He was previously known by the mononym Charice before coming out as a transgender man. Zyrus has appeared on international television programs and released several albums.

At the age of nineteen in 2011, she was the only female singer to achieve such huge recognition. Her vocal range is greater than any singer of the same age. She can sing songs by Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Toni Braxton, Shania Twain, Mariah Carey, and many more.
She can rap, dance, and sing effortlessly. No other singer of today's generation can beat her. She makes those legendary singers feel that their songs will now be safe and will continue to be heard by people around the world.
Her presence has prolonged the life of the music world. She gives us chills, shivers, and makes us cry. She is a true inspiration to all of mankind.

She's the best young female singer I've ever heard.
No, she's the best female singer I've ever heard! There are so many talented singers like Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, and legendary singers like Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. Now, Charice is just 18 and she can sing as well as the legendary singers or even better.
I think she's the best singer ever and will become the world's best singer.
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 love Kelly's music. She changed my life on July 4th. Initially, I thought all I would be able to think about was my home, my friends, my old life, and how much I miss everything I left behind.
The truth is, I had the time of my life! I was just enjoying everything.
What's not to like about her voice and her songs? Kelly Clarkson was the first to win American Idol and captured my attention for what music to listen to. Also, with her past and all she has been through, along with the fact that she sings from her heart, she also won my heart. Kelly Clarkson is a star, and one that Carrie Underwood has to work extremely hard to keep up with.

This girl should be in the top 5 at least. She is one of the best singers ever, and along with Adele, she's the best singer in today's music. She can sing every note on the scale. No other singer is as versatile as she is, hands down. Kelly is one of the best live vocalists. I love how much emotion she pours into her performances as well. This girl is definitely on this Earth for a reason. Lastly, she is the best American Idol ever.
Kesha

Kesha Rose Sebert (formerly Ke$ha), born March 1, 1987, in Los Angeles, California, is an American singer and songwriter. She became famous for her energetic pop hits like Tik Tok, Die Young, and her collaboration with Pitbull on Timber.... read more

Kesha has the most fun songs I've ever heard, but she doesn't have a powerful voice.

I think Kesha deserves to be in the top 10. She ROCKS!

She clearly deserves to be at least in the top 20.
Carrie Underwood

Carrie Marie Underwood (born March 10, 1983, in Muskogee, Oklahoma) is an American country singer, songwriter, and actress. She gained fame by winning the fourth season of American Idol in 2005.
Her debut album Some Hearts, released in 2005, produced five hit songs, including "Before He Cheats... read more

Carrie has the purest voice I have ever heard. Her head voice in songs like Just A Dream, Mama's Song, and What Can I Say is just angelic. Carrie has amazing vocal power, which she uses wisely and with restraint. The best example of this is her performance of How Great Thou Art with Vince Gill, which became a viral video sensation. This also shows how Carrie sings straight from the heart.
It's not just about the range and quality of her voice - she has perfected that. It's about her singing being an extension of who she is. Carrie Underwood is the greatest singer of the 21st century, male or female. She faces stiff competition from artists like Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Martina McBride, Celine Dion, and Sarah Brightman, just to name a few of the amazing female singers we have today. Make no mistake, I love these singers and many more, and I applaud and appreciate their talents.
Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Kate Hudson is an American singer, actress, and spokesperson. She rose to fame in 2004 as a finalist on the third season of American Idol, coming in seventh place. Hudson went on to win an Academy Award for her role in Dreamgirls and has since earned an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award, becoming... read more

The only artist I know who is asked to perform for almost every tribute and is vocally unmatched. She deserves her respect. This list is stupid. I mean, they have people who sing with Auto-Tune over her. Bye, Felicia.

Hudson should be at least top ten. This list is a joke!
Hayley Williams

Hayley Nichole Williams is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. She is best known as the lead vocalist, occasional keyboardist, and primary songwriter of the rock band Paramore.
In 2020, she launched a solo career with her debut album Petals for Armor.... read more

Hayley's voice live is exactly the same as it is on CDs, unlike almost all of the people above her in this list. Her voice doesn't need to be doctored. It's just amazing naturally.
It's very distinctive - you immediately know it's her, which is something I think is very important. She's incredibly talented, and although this list makes absolutely no difference to her, I still think she needs to be in the top ten.

Seriously, Hayley Williams is amazing. Her voice can make you weep. It's that amazing.
"We Are Broken" live is amazing. "Here We Go Again," "Feeling Sorry," "Decode," etc. - Hayley sounds amazing even when she is sick. She could wipe the floor with most modern musicians.
Her vocal range is outstanding. Look up Hayley Williams' "Whistle Note" on YouTube.
Demi Lovato

Demetria Devonne "Demi" Lovato is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. After appearing on the children's television series Barney & Friends as a child, she received her breakthrough role as Mitchie Torres in the Disney Channel television film Camp Rock and its sequel Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam... read more

Demi is an amazing singer and has inspired so many people. Her voice is so powerful. When you listen to her, you can just feel the emotion interlacing with her vocals. She is, without a doubt, truly one of the best singers of this generation.

Because she's the most inspirational and talented singer I've seen in this century. She's also the star that cares most about her fans and helps lots of people with their problems. She's just the best singer in the 21st century so far.

I like her so much. She has an amazing voice. I always think that if there was a competition between singers, Demi and Christina would get first and second place. Strong voice, strong stance.
Ann Wilson

Ann Dustin Wilson (born June 19, 1950) is an American musician, best known as the lead singer and songwriter of the hard rock band Heart. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Heart in 2013. Wilson has been listed by Hit Parader as one of the best metal singers of all time and is... read more

Ann Wilson is the greatest female rock singer ever. She's the only female singer I know who could sing a ballad like honey dripping off a rose, and then turn around and belt out a rock song like a raging hurricane. She is a very unique and gifted artist, and truly one of a kind!

Ann Wilson (from Heart) is a vocal goddess! Her voice is even better today than it was 30 years ago. Now it is beyond incredible.

Taste on this list is not a virtue. It's just lacking. This woman has more talent in her pinkie than the 10 listed above her.