Top 10 Most Overrated Singers
You know those singers everyone fawns over, the ones whose faces are plastered on billboards and whose voices blare from every radio station? Yeah, well, some of them might not be as talented as their fame suggests.
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 Can you even really call Beyonce an artist when she does nothing in the production of her own music? She just provides vocals for tracks that a team of 40 writers and producers pieced together in the most basic way possible to use her name to make money. Has this supposed "queen" ever released a noteworthy track that isn't a novelty song? All of her songs are remembered for some cheap novelty.
"Irreplaceable"? It's only known as the "To the left" song. "Formation"? That song would never have been big without the Super Bowl performance and music video, which have nothing to do with the lyrical content of the song. "Crazy in Love"? While it is a great song and easily her best, I challenge you to find someone in a club who knows more words than just the chorus when this song plays. "Halo"? The same thing as "Crazy in Love". Does anyone even still listen to "Halo"? "Single Ladies"? The song is only famous for a silly dance move, and you'd be naive to think otherwise.
So again, can you really call her an artist? Her hits are generic top 40 tracks that she doesn't even write or produce. Yes, she has a credit, but with a team of 40 people, do you really think she did all the work? All her hit singles are just novelty songs. When people look back on the mid-2000s and 2010s, the Beyonce fandom will seem very dated. She's not a bad singer, unlike some others on this list, but her talent is wasted.
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 His songs are good, but his singing and dancing are nothing special. I've never understood the hype around him. He didn't invent the moonwalk. Cab Calloway did in the 1930s. I wish more people were aware of this.
While he was a good entertainer, he wasn't the phenomenon everyone claims he was. I prefer Prince because he was a skilled musician, wrote all his songs, and had amazing stage presence. Michael merely danced around the stage, moonwalking, yelping, and grabbing his crotch. While he was talented in creating iconic songs like Thriller and Billie Jean, in terms of dancing and singing, he's extremely overrated.
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... read more I like Mariah Carey. She's one of my favorite singers, although I really don't understand the hype around her. My other favorites, like Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and Chappell Roan, are just better.
All I Want for Christmas Is You is fire, but her new stuff has just been falling off the wagon.
Please, for the love of God, put her in the top 2 with Beyoncé. Nobody even likes Justin Bieber, so why is he on the list? Mariah did have a great voice back in the 90s, but she can't sing anymore.
Yet her brain-dead fans keep saying she's so godly. What? There are so many singers that are doing better than her now. Adele, Beyoncé, Sia, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Lady Gaga, Tori Kelly, and even singers considered terrible like Rihanna and Miley Cyrus are better than her now. I also hate her attitude.
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 Although her music is catchy, she isn't really that strong of a singer. Not strong enough to have achieved the level of success she enjoys. Her James Bond theme song has to be the second worst, only surpassed by Alicia Keys' and Jack White's "Another Way to Die." Alicia Keys should be on this list.
By the way, people who voted down Mariah Carey are likely just envious that they can't sing like her. Lady Gaga's vocals are often synthesized, but if you listen to her single "You and I," you'll realize how good her natural vocals are. Others who shouldn't be on this list include Kylie Minogue (only her songs from the 80s and early 90s are annoying. After that, she was outstanding), Michael Jackson (while he might not be the best singer, he isn't overrated when considering his performance skills), and Adele (one of the most significant vocal talents of all time. And don't mock her for her weight. I'd wager that some people rating on this site couldn't walk a block without collapsing. I hope they find a parking spot right next to the McDonald's entrance).
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 I don't hate Britney Spears. I just think she was required to use an auto-tuned voice when it came to recording an album. There are some songs from her I like, such as 'I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman' and 'No Satisfaction'.
I feel bad for what happened to her in her personal life as well. Not to mention the lack of control over her life she had. She probably had no choice but to sing like that because that was what they wanted her to do. Not to mention how she became a phenomenon. I still liked some songs from her.
Britney Spears is a product of her era - a gimmick. She's a significant reason why the pop genre was seen as disposable music. Her songs sound extremely outdated, and they lack the quality needed to be remembered as classics.
Nobody in their right mind would listen to Britney for nostalgia. Moreover, who on earth dubbed her the "Princess of Pop"? That title alone makes her the most overrated singer ever.
Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell, professionally known as Billie Eilish, was born on December 18, 2001. She is an American singer and songwriter widely recognized for her unique style and musical innovation. Her most well-known songs include "Bad Guy," "When the Party's Over," "Bury a Friend," "Everything... read more She's not as bad or overrated as some on this list, but she's definitely overhyped. A lot of her teen girl fanbase claims she's "unique," "creepy," "quirky," and "not like the other girls." But when it comes down to it, she's just a moody, depressed skater teen who makes generic mumble pop music and tries too hard for shock value.
It's a shame. She has some talent. Some of her older songs showcase decent singing, but most of her music is just generic radio noise.
Billie Eilish is not only overrated but also downright terrible. She resembles the singing equivalent of a mumble rapper, discussing virtually the same subjects.
When she's not mumbling, she's producing a ballad. This isn't the essence of pop music. Pop is supposed to be bold, superficial, and unmissable. Billie doesn't meet these standards.
Thus, she's not only overrated but also a poor musician. She should start producing authentic pop music.
Aubrey Drake Graham (born October 24, 1986) is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor from Toronto. He first gained public attention as an actor on the Canadian series Degrassi: The Next Generation before launching a music career. Drake's become one of the world's best-selling... read more His older content, like Take Care, was much better than his mediocre albums like Views and Scorpion. He raps well, but he wasted his talent with boring, autotuned top 40 hits. However, he is one of my favorite rappers.
Do you like elevator music with vocals that span less than a full octave? Then, this is your man!
If I'm being honest right now, I have no idea why he's as overrated as he is. He seems kind of rude and, in my opinion, has a very generic, autotuned voice.
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 There comes a time when we must evolve into new sets of music and explore more diverse genres. Yes, she is indeed a good singer, but if you played a clip of her singing without any reference to who she is, many would probably say she's just some random opera singer.
Yes, she was impressive for her age, but there are young singers out there who can and will surpass her voice in some ways. One day she'll grow up, and then what? She'll be just "another classical singer."
Regarding her musical talent, she excels in singing other people's songs. However, her writing still needs improvement. Of course, trying out an instrument wouldn't hurt. I'd be amazed if she were a master at the pipe organ, French horn, or even the bagpipes, which are among the three hardest instruments to play.
Overrated? Yes. Does she have the potential to move beyond that? Absolutely.
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 Oh my days, she is so overrated - should be #1 in my opinion. Her fanbase is way too big for how generic and cliché her pop music is.
I get it, not all her songs are terrible. Her folklore and evermore songs, for example, have good storytelling in them. But come on, literally none of her albums are anything special, her singing is ridiculously average, and don't even get me started on her dancing and performing on stage.
I think what frustrates me most is that she is constantly winning awards for her albums and songs when they are not even that great. I am writing this while her new album TTPD is being nominated for various Grammy awards, but it is the most dry and generic album I have ever heard. I literally fell asleep listening to it.
All her revolutionary concepts have been done before, so I don't think she is worth the hype.
Kurt Cobain (February 20, 1967 - April 5, 1994) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the frontman of the grunge band Nirvana. Founded in 1987, Nirvana achieved global success in the early 1990s, reshaping rock music with albums like Nevermind. Cobain died by suicide in April... read more I love 90s rock, but Nirvana just doesn't stand out lyrically or vocally. They had a great voice, excellent guitars, and fantastic drums, but their songs weren't the best.
It's such a pity. They had immense potential and emerged when the industry needed a change. If he had stayed, they might have become an outstanding band.
Not only is Cobain on the list, but he is also the most overrated white male next to Bieber. Apart from Bieber, your top 16 consists entirely of females or African-Americans. This makes it seem like a typical sexist, racist Top Ten list.
As a guitarist, he's overrated. However, as a musician and composer, he's not. He transformed rock music. For the worse, evidently. Yet, he reshaped the entire music landscape with just one song.
The Newcomers
Sabrina Ann Lynn Carpenter is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She stars as the young version of Chloe Goodwin in The Goodwin Games and as Maya Hart in the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World. She plays Jenny Parker in the Disney Channel Original Movie Adventures in Babysitting . (She)... read more Okay! She is good and has good songs, but yeah, she's too popular.
Dinmukhamed Kanatuly Kudaibergenov, commonly known as Dimash Kudaibergen (born May 24th, 1994) is a Kazakh singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Dimash is best known as a contestant of Chinese talent show "Singer 2017" where he was declared a runner-up. He is also known for possessing a wide... read more How are Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj ranked above him? While he's not considered very overrated outside of TheTopTens, on this platform, people constantly praise him as "the best singer," "the most underrated singer," or "the most unique voice." Personally, I've never heard his music, so I can't offer a judgment on these claims.
However, he should rank higher because although people frequently discuss Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj, is the discourse ever positive? They seem more overhated than overrated. I'm not implying I'm a fan. In fact, I don't care for their music at all, but they shouldn't be on this list.
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 Rihanna is truly overrated. And seriously, why is Michael Jackson on this list? He's the King of Music. In fact, MJ is underrated.
Singers like Eminem are overrated. Rihanna should be at least number two, not Michael Jackson! He was more talented than any other singer in the world.
People these days are misguided. Voting for MJ as overrated? Eminem should be number one, and Rihanna should be number two.
I am a Navy, but she is irritating. Her behavior up to 2010, and especially after 2016, along with all the controversies she's been involved in, makes me think she is overhyped. She's one of the best dancers and doesn't serve generic pop like many of today's singers.
However, she also hits the most false notes, even if she sounds good. She is a club singer, at best. Anti is proof that she decided not to practice anymore. As a result, she's not really a singer anymore.
John Winston Ono Lennon, MBE (born John Winston Lennon; 9 October 1940 - 8 December 1980), was an English singer, songwriter, musician, and political activist. He rose to worldwide fame as the co-founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles, the most commercially successful band in... read more Terrible, god-awful singer. Should be number one. Sounds like he's talking when singing. He's only popular because of the Beatles and songwriting, that's it. He should be number one, not Beyoncé or Michael Jackson. Genuinely talented and amazing singers.
The MOST overrated singer! The hype of the Beatles was very overrated too.
Lennon was very influential, but Paul McCartney was definitely the better Beatles singer, in my opinion.
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 I love Selena, but I still feel she's mainly famous due to all the drama centered around her. Single Soon and Lose You to Love Me are fire, but in live performances, her voice is mediocre at best. Good, but still overrated.
Alright. I am a fan of Selena, but I'll admit that she is somewhat overrated. I think her singing is decent (and even good at times), but I'll agree that she has performances where she sounds awful. Her songs aren't bad.
They're great when I want to listen to something catchy, lighthearted, and fun. I think she is a good dancer and actress, and she is pretty. She has nice music, and she's not an awful singer, but she is kind of overrated.
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... read more I used to love Ariana Grande, but now I just can't stand her! I loved her Nickelodeon TV show, and when she started her singing career, some of her old songs like One Last Time, My Everything, Santa Tell Me, Put Your Hearts Up, Break Free, Bang Bang, and Almost is Never Enough were actually good. But her new album Positions is so overplayed on Spotify, and I don't like any of her latest songs, especially her latest one called Yes, and? It's super overrated.
I even liked her voice better when she started her music career. It sounded deeper and super angelic, but now it just sounds like a squeaking child whining. She just can't sing like she used to. Also, she used to have appropriate lyrics, but now she swears too much in her songs, and the lyrics to her latest songs just don't make sense if you listen to them closely enough.
I liked her old songs a lot better, including her Nickelodeon TV show series. She put on great shows, but now she hasn't performed or gone on tour in a long time. I also can't believe she homewrecked a relationship. Her new song Yes, and? is just super annoying and bland.
She used to have good looks and look super attractive, but now she's just fallen apart. She's gotten slimmer, and the new blonde mid-ponytail just isn't it. So I'm sorry, Ari, but I like the old you better. I wish it was more like the olden days, and she should have stayed in acting, performing, touring, making hit songs and albums. I wish she didn't force her voice to be that squeaky kind of type. I liked her old one better. So yeah, that's my opinion.
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born December 3, 1948) is an English singer, songwriter, and television personality, often nicknamed "The Prince of Darkness." He rose to fame in the early 1970s as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath... read more Now, I like Ozzy, but I will admit he's overrated and not as good as everyone says. I used to listen to him a lot back then, but since I got older and discovered Dio, I realized that Dio was way better. Just my personal opinion.
He's a great lyricist, but his voice is terrible. Just because he managed to get some excellent musicians together for a fantastic metal band doesn't mean he's a good singer.
Ozzy is proof that drug abuse kills brain cells.
Christopher Maurice "Chris" Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Born in Tappahannock, Virginia, he participated in his church choir and several local talent shows from a young age. He gained international notoriety in 2009 for his physical assault of singer... read more The industry needed a new RnB kid star after Michael, so they gave him a huge push. He was a gimmick that, against the odds, worked out. Extensive vocal coaching, detailed marketing, heavy production, and choreography training were invested in him. Despite all this, he remains mediocre in vocals. Songwriting is also an area where he doesn't seem to excel. In short, the experiment worked, despite the incomplete nature of the final product. Enough said.
Edward Christopher "Ed" Sheeran is an English singer-songwriter and musician. He was born on February 17, 1991, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and raised in Framlingham, Suffolk. He's known for hit songs such as "The A Team" (2011) and "Shape of You" (2017)... read more Ed Sheeran is actually very overrated. Yes, he's a really good singer, but he sounds like tons of other male singers I've heard non-stop in the late 2010s last decade. First off, he sounds like Justin Bieber (kind of), because once I thought Shape Of You was made by JB.
Secondly, I got super tired of hearing Perfect. It played a billion times, and it still plays today. I feel like I could never catch a break from that song, which is why I hate it so much.
He is too overrated, and so are his songs. I honestly don't think his voice is THAT good. How are his songs beautiful?
William Bruce Rose Jr., better known as Axl Rose, is an American singer born on February 6, 1962, in Lafayette, Indiana. He is the founding member and lead vocalist of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses, which rose to international fame with their debut album Appetite for Destruction (1987). Known for... read more People like Axl Rose make me ashamed to be a ginger.
This dude has serious anger issues.
Distortion doesn't make you a great singer.
Chester Charles Bennington (March 20, 1976 - July 20, 2017) was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as the lead vocalist of Linkin Park... read more He's not a bad singer, but boy oh boy, he sure is overrated. Especially on this site.
His voice is powerful and his range is great, but I never really got the appeal of Linkin Park's music.
This guy with a girly voice isn't a rock singer! Let's get him to #1.
Robert Anthony Plant (born 20 August 1948) is an English singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead singer and lyricist of Led Zeppelin. He's celebrated for his powerful, wide-ranging voice and charismatic stage presence. After Zeppelin's dissolution, Plant released numerous solo albums... read more He's an overrated rock star who is often hailed as an incredible artist. This acclaim seems biased, especially when people merely look at his band and then declare him talented.
Yes, he's definitely overrated. I find his voice annoying.
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... read more Katy Perry used to be everything to me, but now she's just fallen flat. Her older songs like Hot n Cold, Teenage Dream, Dark Horse, Firework, and Birthday were amazing. However, when Witness came out, I started having second thoughts. She seems to have gotten really weird.
Her newer songs, Woman's World and I'm His, He's Mine, are strange, annoying, and irritating. I also preferred her voice in her first three albums - it was much nicer to listen to back then. Now, it's just unbearably odd and annoying. I wish Katy hadn't changed so much. I'd still be the fan girl I once was if it weren't for that. I miss the way she was before.
Eddie Vedder, born Edward Louis Severson III on December 23, 1964, is an American singer, musician, and songwriter. He is best known as the lead vocalist and one of the guitarists for the rock band Pearl Jam, with whom he rose to fame during the early 1990s grunge movement. Vedder is also known for... read more There's a reason why every other singer in the grunge movement is dead except for Eddie Vedder. It's because he isn't good enough to be anything but a boring adult contemporary singer.
Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar (born October 11, 1992), known professionally as Cardi B, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress. Born and raised in New York City, she became an internet celebrity by achieving popularity on Vine and Instagram. From 2015 to 2017, she appeared as a regular... read more Get her to number one. She has horrible songs. The only good song she is in is Girls Like You, which is only good because Maroon 5 is in it and not only her crappy voice.
She's so overrated. I have no idea why people like her. Her rapping is mediocre. She can't sing.
Drugged guys and stole from them. Strike one. Crap songs, strike two.
Jennifer Lynn Lopez, also known as J. Lo, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, fashion designer, author, producer, and businesswoman. She's regarded as one of the most influential entertainers of her time, credited with breaking barriers for Latino Americans in Hollywood and helping propel... read more Very annoying, talentless, and very, very overrated. When I heard she was going to be on American Idol, I quit watching it. I quit watching it when Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey were on there because all they ever did was argue with each other. Honestly, I'd rather watch them argue than watch Jennifer Lopez tell people how good or bad they are at singing.
She really can't sing. She can perform though, and some of her music videos are exceptional. I'm surprised that she's been able to stay in the music industry for so long though. People only like her because of her performing and her body, honestly.