Fans Slam Billboard's Ranking of Biggest Female Artists of the 21st Century: Controversy Over Positions 2 and 5

Pop music fans have been in an uproar after Billboard recently released its highly anticipated ranking of the greatest female artists of the 21st century. The list, which aimed to celebrate the women who have made the most significant impact on the music industry since 2000, has sparked fierce debates among fans and music lovers alike.

Billboard's ranking was based on a variety of factors, including weekly performance on the Billboard 200 albums chart and the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, taking into account data from the beginning of 2000 through the end of 2024. While it may seem like a straightforward way to measure success, the results have left many fans scratching their heads, particularly when it comes to the placements of certain artists.

The inclusion of one-hit wonders alongside legendary chart-toppers has led to confusion, frustration, and, in some cases, outright anger from fans.

At the top of the list, as expected, was Taylor Swift. The pop superstar has enjoyed an extraordinary career with 14 No. 1 albums, countless Grammy Awards, and a global fanbase that continues to grow year after year.

Her influence on the music industry is undeniable, and her reign as the top female artist of the 21st century seemed like a no-brainer for many. However, as we move down the rankings, things become more controversial.

Rihanna, who has not released an album since 2016's Anti, secured the No. 2 spot on the list, a position that left many fans perplexed. How could an artist who has been absent from the music scene for nearly a decade rank so highly?

While Rihanna has certainly had an impressive career with numerous chart-topping hits and a massive cultural impact, her lack of recent musical output has made her placement in second place a point of contention. Fans were quick to question how an artist with such a long hiatus could be placed so high on a list measuring influence and success in the 21st century.

Following Rihanna at No. 3 was Beyoncé, a pop icon whose career has been nothing short of legendary. Beyoncé's influence on modern pop and R&B music is immeasurable, and her contributions to the music industry are undeniable.

However, her placement in the third spot behind both Swift and Rihanna raised eyebrows, especially considering Beyoncé’s consistently impressive output in the 21st century. Her fans were particularly vocal about her lower-than-expected ranking, with many expressing their belief that she should have been placed higher, if not at No. 1. As one fan pointed out, "Beyoncé should be at the top of the list, not Taylor! No one can compete with Queen B!"

Further down the list, Adele, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga rounded out the top 10, occupying the No. 4, 5, and 6 spots, respectively. Adele, with her powerful ballads and immense commercial success, seemed like a natural fit for the top five. However, Katy Perry’s placement at No. 5 has drawn considerable backlash, with fans questioning her inclusion in the top 10 altogether.

Despite Perry's early success, particularly with hits like "I Kissed a Girl" and "Firework," many argue that her musical output in recent years has not matched the level of some of the other artists on the list. One fan lamented, "Katy Perry is number 5? Seriously? How is she ahead of Britney or Mariah?"

Indeed, many fans were left stunned by the exclusion of some of pop music's most influential figures from the top 10. Britney Spears, often referred to as the "Queen of Pop" for her monumental impact on the genre, was ranked a disappointing No. 14 on the list. For many fans, this was a clear oversight. "Britney should be in the top ten! She’s the queen of girly pop," one fan wrote, highlighting the profound influence Spears has had on countless artists who followed in her footsteps.

Others echoed this sentiment, questioning how Spears could be placed so low on a list that ostensibly celebrates the women who have shaped the music industry. As one fan put it, "Britney has influenced most of the artists in the top 10. How is she not in the top 5?"

Other iconic figures such as Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, and Madonna also missed out on the top 10, further fueling the controversy surrounding the rankings. Mariah Carey, in particular, has been an enduring presence in pop and R&B music for decades, and her influence on the genre is hard to ignore.

Yet, she was ranked at No. 12, a position that many found baffling. "Mariah Carey should definitely be in the top 10," one user commented. "Her vocal range and impact are unmatched."

The fact that the list includes artists like Billie Eilish, Nicki Minaj, and SZA also adds to the sense of confusion for some fans. While these artists have certainly made their mark on the music industry, their relative newness compared to some of the established legends has led some to argue that they shouldn’t be ranked so highly.

"Billie Eilish at 15? What has she done to deserve that position?" one fan asked, while others questioned the inclusion of SZA, who has only recently gained widespread recognition.

However, despite the widespread frustration over the rankings, it’s important to remember that lists like these are inherently subjective. There are many factors that contribute to an artist’s success, and rankings based on album sales, chart performance, and cultural influence will inevitably vary depending on who is doing the ranking.

While fans may disagree with certain placements, the list serves as a reminder of the diverse range of talent and influence that has shaped the music landscape of the 21st century.

Ultimately, while the Billboard ranking has sparked a great deal of debate, it has also reignited conversations about the changing nature of the music industry. As artists continue to evolve and new stars emerge, the rankings will undoubtedly continue to shift. Whether fans agree or disagree with the list, one thing is clear: the women who have shaped pop music over the past two decades are a force to be reckoned with, and their impact will be felt for years to come.