TRENDING: Swifties revolt over Beyoncé taking top spot in Billboard’s top pop stars list – Who deserves it more?

Swifties revolt over Beyoncé taking top spot in Billboard’s top pop stars list

Billboard’s slow rollout of its Top Pop Stars of the 21st Century sparked controversy among fans last week when it gave the number two place to Taylor Swift, whom many Swifties believed deserved the top spot over Beyoncé.

Billboard writer Hannah Dailey, anticipating such a reaction from the famously intense fanbase, emphasised that Swift’s late start – she crossed over into pop stardom in late 2008, just two years after debuting in country – made her second-place finish all the more impressive.

Beyoncé, by comparison, has been at the top of the pop game since Destiny’s Child’s first single charted in 1997.

Despite these different trajectories as well as their divergent sounds and aesthetics, the two singers have been pitted against each other for the better part of two decades.

Who could forget Kanye West jumping on stage to interrupt then 19-year-old Swift’s acceptance speech for Best Female Video at the 2009 MTV VMAs, in order to proclaim that Beyoncé had the better video? (When Beyoncé went on to win Video of the Year for “Single Ladies,” she invited Swift back up to finish her speech – emphasising the amity between the two leading women of pop.)

Rounding out the top 10 are Rihanna, Drake, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Adele. The complete top 25 list can be found at Billboard, along with a number of honourable mentions.

While the Billboard announcement of Beyoncé’s no. 1 spot has yet to be formally made, it’s no mystery why the 43-year-old would take the crown.

The magazine previously named her Greatest Pop Star of the Year in 2003, for her solo debut Dangerously in Love which became one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century, and again in 2014, after the singer dropped her eponymous fifth studio album on an unsuspecting public in December 2013.

The groundbreaking album sold over 5 million copies and drew widespread critical acclaim, ranking 81st in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2020.

In August 2022, she became the first artist in history to chart simultaneously at #1 on 23 different Billboard charts, driven by Renaissance and its lead single “Break My Soul”.

Beyoncé doesn’t hurt for accolades either, as the most awarded artist in Grammy history with 32 wins and 99 nominations, she is also the most awarded artist of the BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train Awards and MTV VMAs – the last of which she shares with Swift at 30 each.

She’s also broken some big records as a touring artist, as the only female act with the most tours (4) grossing over US$200 million each, as well as being the first touring artist in history to gross over US$100 million in three separate calendar months.

When NPR crowned Beyoncé the Most Influential Woman Musician of the 21st century in 2018, contributors praised her willingness to speak out, her power as a role model for young Black girls and her ability to “expand our definition of what a musician can be.”

Said one: “Beyoncé is a rare artist who can mediate commercial and critical sensibilities with style and ease.

Easily one of the greatest legitimate vocalists to grace the radio, Bey is an absolute force to be reckoned with and a yardstick against which to measure the artistic and commercial viability of her peers. A queen indeed.”

Related Posts

When Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift were “talking,” nothing—not a raging fever or a raging storm—could stop him. He drove all night, shivering and soaked, just to catch one last glimpse of her before she left for tour. But when he finally arrived, he leaned down and whispered seven words… words no one expected, and they changed everything.

Travis Kelce’s Stormy Journey to Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift STUNS Nation by Silencing Rude Talk Show Host—Her Unexpected Act of Kindness Leaves America Speechless! In a jaw-dropping moment, the pop icon masterfully shuts down a disrespectful interviewer with grace and compassion, proving once again why she’s a beloved superstar. This unbelievable encounter has everyone talking—how did Taylor turn an awkward situation into a heartwarming lesson for us all? You won’t believe what happened next!

Taylor Swift STUNS Nation by Silencing Rude Talk Show Host—Her Unexpected Act of Kindness Leaves America Speechless! In a jaw-dropping moment, the pop icon

Is Taylor Swift about to enter her 12th era? She’s going to be a guest on ‘New Heights’

Taylor Swift may be swinging open the doors to an opulent era.

Meet Taylor Swift’s Parents and Brother: All About Scott, Andrea, and Austin Swift

Taylor Swift’s journey to becoming a pop superstar started with her family’s support. Swift’s parents, Scott and Andrea Swift, and her brother, Austin Swift,

Breaking!! Travis Kelce Got Emotional Explaining How Taylor Swift and His Mom Are Alike

Kelce reportedly got “a bit emotional” and had to pause his interview briefly at this question. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn…

‘No PR stunt’: Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce reveal how they fell in love, give one reason why their relationship works

NFL star Travis Kelce and pop icon Taylor Swift’s relationship continues to steal hearts. Kelce recently addressed rumours, emphasising the ‘organic’ nature of their bond amidst media scrutiny. He admires Swift’s work ethic, comparing her Eras Tour to the intensity of an NFL game. Swift, in turn, has become an avid football fan. She recently announced her next album, The Life of a Showgirl.