Billboard’s designation of Beyoncé as the Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century was not unexpected, particularly in light of the lack of significant rivals such as Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Drake, and Lady Gaga.
The newspaper highlighted Beyoncé’s extraordinary accomplishments in music, with legendary songs such as “Countdown” and “Love on Top,” known for their intricate vocal compositions and innovative imagery, highlighting her indisputable influence. Billboard explicitly acknowledged the choice to position Beyoncé above Taylor Swift, who, based only on metrics, would be deemed the more prominent artist. The magazine emphasised that Beyoncé’s 25-year trajectory of influence, development, and cultural significance,
from her tenure with Destiny’s Child to her solo career and activism, eventually secured her the premier position. Taylor Swift secured second place, which is a notable achievement considering the competition. Billboard highlighted Beyoncé’s 2013 Super Bowl halftime performance, which is considered one of the finest in history, notable for her exceptional voice, feminist themes, and impeccable choreography.
This performance cemented her position as an unparalleled artist, coinciding with the introduction of new music in a 2024 Super Bowl advertisement.
The advertisement included a preview of her next album, Cowboy Carter, suggesting yet another transformation of her musical style. According to Billboard,
Beyoncé is unparalleled in magnificence, having adeptly evolved from an R&B queen to a comprehensive worldwide icon.
