The global music industry has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two decades, with streaming platforms, social media influence, and cultural impact becoming the primary drivers of an artist’s popularity.
Modern music consumption has shifted from traditional album sales to streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Chart dominance, combined with cultural resonance, determines the popularity of artists.
In this article, I will discuss the biggest artists in the world, considering various metrics to identify who currently holds the title of the most prominent artist in the world.
Who Is The Biggest Artist In The World?
As of 2025, Beyoncé is widely regarded as the biggest artist in the world in terms of critical acclaim and awards. With 35 Grammy wins and over 99 nominations, she holds the record for the most Grammy Awards in history.
While artists like Taylor Swift lead in streaming numbers, fanbase loyalty, and touring revenue, Beyonce’s legacy, longevity, and consistent excellence in music and performance helped her achieve the top.
Top 10 Biggest Artists In The World
Several factors come into play when ranking artists, including consistent performance, fan base, massive tours, and streaming numbers.
Here’s a list of the top 10 global artists based on popularity, awards, nominations, streaming metrics, touring success, and cultural influence.
| Rank | Artist | Primary Genre | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beyonce | Pop/R&B | Cultural icon, 35 Grammy wins, global influence |
| 2 | Taylor Swift | Pop/Country | Most-streamed artist, record-breaking tours |
| 3 | Rihanna | Pop/R&B | Business mogul, beauty empire, global hits |
| 4 | Drake | Hip-Hop/Pop | Streaming king, consistent chart dominance |
| 5 | Lady Gaga | Pop/Dance | Oscar winner, fashion icon, LGBTQ+ advocate |
| 6 | Britney Spears | Pop | Pop princess, cultural phenomenon, legacy artist |
| 7 | Kanye West | Hip-Hop | Producer genius, fashion innovator, cultural influence |
| 8 | Justin Bieber | Pop | Teen sensation to global superstar, massive following |
| 9 | Ariana Grande | Pop/R&B | Vocal powerhouse, streaming success, young demographic |
| 10 | Adele | Pop/Soul | Album sales champion, emotional connection, and vocal talent |
This ranking reflects current dominance and cultural influence. Although many more artists have left a mark in the industry, these 10 stand out as the biggest artists in the world.
Now, let’s delve into the details and explore what makes these artists exceptional.
1. Beyonce
A true force of nature, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter has changed what it means to be a global superstar. From her beginnings as the lead singer of the wildly successful girl group Destiny’s Child to her great solo career, she has consistently pushed artistic boundaries.
Her upcoming tours, starting April 28 in Inglewood, California, and concluding July 14 in Atlanta, Georgia, show her continued dominance in live performance.
Her critically acclaimed visual albums, such as “Lemonade,” have set new standards for storytelling in the music industry. A powerhouse vocalist, mesmerizing performer, and astute businesswoman, Beyoncé has built an empire that includes her entertainment company, Parkwood Entertainment, and her fashion line, Ivy Park.
2. Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s journey from a teenage country sensation to a global pop phenomenon is a testament to her songwriting prowess and keen understanding of her audience. Her narrative-driven lyrics, often drawing from personal experiences, have created a deep and lasting connection with her millions of fans, known as “Swifties.”
Her streaming dominance is exemplified by hits like “Cruel Summer,” which has garnered over 2.83 billion streams on Spotify as of 2025, making it her most popular song.
Beyond individual hits, her decision to re-record her first six albums was a groundbreaking move for artist rights. Swift’s “The Eras Tour” has since become a cultural event, breaking attendance and revenue records worldwide.
3. Rihanna
Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a multifaceted talent who has conquered the worlds of music, fashion, and beauty. With a string of number-one hits to her name, she is one of the best-selling digital artists of all time. However, her influence extends far beyond the recording studio.
While fans eagerly anticipate her return to touring, no official Rihanna tour dates for 2025 have been confirmed yet, though industry insiders suggest a comeback could be on the horizon.
The launch of her inclusive cosmetics line, Fenty Beauty, in 2017 revolutionized the beauty industry. Similarly, her lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty, has been praised for its diversity and body positivity, which has contributed to her becoming a billionaire entrepreneur.
4. Drake
Aubrey “Drake” Graham has been a dominant force in hip-hop and popular music for over a decade. The Toronto-native is known for his introspective and often emotionally vulnerable lyrics, which have resonated with a massive global audience.
To excite you more, join Drake’s concert as he is touring various cities and countries. The concerts have already started on February 4, 2025, and will continue until March 1, 2025.
A master of the streaming era, Drake has consistently broken records on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. His record label, OVO Sound, has also played a crucial role in launching the careers of other successful artists, further solidifying his position as a significant power player in the industry.
5. Lady Gaga
Stefani Germanotta, known professionally as Lady Gaga, burst onto the scene with her electrifying pop anthems and avant-garde fashion. She quickly established herself as a fearless and innovative artist who challenges conventions.
Beyond her chart-topping hits, Lady Gaga has proven her versatility with her work in jazz with Tony Bennett.
Her critically acclaimed acting roles include her Academy Award-nominated performance in “A Star Is Born.” She is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights.
6. Britney Spears
Britney Spears is an undisputed pop icon who defined a generation of music and culture. From her debut with “…Baby One More Time,” she became a global phenomenon, known for her electrifying performances and catchy pop hits.
Despite facing intense public scrutiny and personal struggles, including a highly publicized conservatorship, her influence on pop music and the artists who followed her is undeniable.
The #FreeBritney movement highlighted her enduring cultural significance and the deep connection she shares with her fans.
7. Kanye West
Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, is one of the most influential and controversial artists of the 21st century. As a producer, he has crafted hits for some of the biggest names in music. As a rapper, his albums, such as “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” are often cited as masterpieces.
While Kanye West concerts have not been officially announced, industry leaks and social media hints that he might have a concert in May 2025.
His forays into fashion with his Yeezy brand have been incredibly successful. However, his career has also been marked by numerous public controversies and outspoken views that have often overshadowed his artistic achievements.
8. Justin Bieber
Discovered as a teenager on YouTube, Justin Bieber’s rise to fame was meteoric. He quickly became a teen idol with a massive and devoted following. His transition from a bubblegum pop star to a more mature R&B and pop artist has been a successful one, yielding some of his biggest hits.
It is rumoured that he will be touring, but there is no confirmed declaration of his concert dates and venues. This happened particularly after he canceled his last tour due to health issues, leaving fans uncertain about his return to live performances.
Bieber has been open about his struggles with fame and mental health, which has endeared him to a new generation of fans who appreciate his vulnerability and honesty.
9. Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande’s powerful vocals and impressive range have earned her comparisons to some of the greatest singers in pop history. She began her career on Broadway and television before launching a hugely successful music career.
Despite her recent musical comeback, it has been confirmed that she will not be touring in 2025, leaving fans disappointed but hopeful for future announcements.
Grande has consistently delivered chart-topping albums and singles that blend pop and R&B. Her response to the tragic bombing at her Manchester Arena concert in 2017, which included organizing the One Love Manchester benefit concert, was widely praised for its message of hope and resilience.
10. Adele
Adele Adkins is a global superstar whose music is defined by its emotional depth and her once-in-a-generation voice. Her albums, named after her age at the time of their creation, have broken sales records around the world.
In an era dominated by streaming, Adele has demonstrated that a massive audience still exists for traditional album sales.
Her ability to convey heartbreak and loss with raw honesty has made her one of the most beloved and relatable artists of our time.
Biggest Artists In The World – Pop Music
Pop music continues to dominate global charts with artists who master the art of creating universally appealing sounds that resonate across cultures and age groups. These artists have perfected the balance between commercial success and artistic expression.
Here is a list of the top 10 biggest artists in the Pop scene. This list does not include artists that we have discussed earlier.
| Artist | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|
| Usher | R&B/Pop crossover success, over 100 million total records sold |
| Justin Timberlake | NSYNC legacy, successful solo career, multi-genre appeal |
| Miley Cyrus | Evolution from teen star to adult artist, genre versatility |
| Shakira | Latin pop crossover, global cultural ambassador |
| The Weeknd | R&B-pop fusion, consistent streaming success |
| BTS | K-pop global phenomenon, Billboard chart dominance |
| Bruno Mars | Retro-modern sound, exceptional live performances |
| One Direction | Boy band phenomenon, massive global fanbase |
| Ed Sheeran | Singer-songwriter success, acoustic-pop blend |
| Katy Perry | Pop anthem creator, cultural impact |
Biggest Artists In The World – Hip-Hop/Rap
Hip-hop has also evolved into the most commercially successful genre worldwide, with artists achieving massive streaming numbers and significant cultural influence. The genre’s ability to address social issues while maintaining commercial appeal has made it a dominant force in contemporary music. Here are some of the top rappers in the world.
1. Eminem
Marshall Mathers, known as Eminem, is one of the best-selling artists of all time and is often regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
While fans eagerly await news of live performances, there has been no official announcement for Eminem’s world tour, despite speculation following the release of his latest album, “The Death of Slim Shady.”
His skills, rhyme schemes, and controversial lyrics have earned him both critical acclaim and commercial success. He was the first rapper to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
2. Nicki Minaj
Onika Maraj-Petty, professionally known as Nicki Minaj, is a Trinidadian-born rapper, singer, and songwriter. Known for her animated flow and use of alter egos, she has broken numerous records for female rappers.
Her Pink Friday 2 World Tour dominated 2024. However, there are no scheduled concerts for her this year. But, fans continue to buzz about the unforgettable performances and viral moments from her recent shows.
Her influence on a new generation of female artists is undeniable, and she is one of the most-followed celebrities on social media.
3. Jay-Z
Shawn Carter, known as Jay-Z, is not only a legendary rapper but also a highly successful businessman. With a career spanning decades, he has consistently delivered critically and commercially successful albums.
He is the first hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and is a billionaire, with ventures in music, sports, and spirits.
4. Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., known professionally as Lil Wayne, is one of the most influential rappers of his generation. His prolific output, unique vocal style, and clever wordplay have inspired countless artists.
He has sold millions of records and has been a mentor to other successful rappers, including Drake and Nicki Minaj, through his Young Money Entertainment label.
5. Bad Bunny
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, known as Bad Bunny, is a Puerto Rican rapper and singer who has taken the world by storm. Primarily performing in Spanish, he has broken barriers and achieved global superstardom.
His music, which blends Latin trap and reggaeton with other genres, has made him one of the most-streamed artists globally, proving that language is no barrier to success.
Conclusion: Beyonce Is The Biggest Artists In The World In the 21st Century
Beyonce, Taylor Swift, and Rihanna firmly anchor today’s music scene. Beyoncé’s multifaceted success keeps her in elite company. Swift’s unmatched streaming figures, billion-dollar touring empire, and billionaire status through pure music place her at the top.
In the pop scene, artists like Usher continue to showcase their appeal, while in hip-hop, Eminem’s legacy as a lyrical genius remains firm. The music world is ever-evolving, but the impact of these incredible artists is undeniable.
Tune in to your favourite streaming platform and enjoy listening to the best music out there, and find the artists you connect with the most.
FAQs
Beyoncé currently holds this title with 99 nominations and 35 Grammys, huge streaming numbers, successful tours, and massive cultural influence globally.
The United States dominates the music scene with artists like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Drake consistently leading global charts.
Taylor Swift leads with over 104 billion streams on Spotify, followed by other major artists like Drake.
Award nominations, streaming numbers, social media following, cultural impact, and sustained global relevance across multiple years.
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