Global pop superstar Taylor Swift has officially been crowned the best-selling female musician of the 21st century, according to new rankings released by Billboard.
The American singer-songwriter leads a list dominated by some of the most influential women in modern music, with only one British artist appearing in the top ten.
The announcement comes ahead of International Women’s Day, as the music industry celebrates the achievements and global impact of female artists over the past two decades.
Swift’s success has been defined by remarkable commercial performance and cultural influence.
Since her debut in the mid-2000s, the singer has sold more than 260 million albums worldwide, placing her firmly at the top of the 21st-century sales rankings.
The pop icon has also achieved extraordinary chart success in the United Kingdom, earning 14 UK No. 1 albums and nine chart-topping singles during her career.
Her 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl continued her streak of commercial dominance, debuting at the top of charts and reinforcing her status as one of the most powerful figures in global music.
Despite her long list of achievements, Swift previously admitted that it was not until her record-breaking Eras Tour that she truly allowed herself to embrace the scale of her success.
“I had to admit to myself that this is as big as it gets, and I’m allowed to enjoy that,” Swift said when reflecting on the massive tour.
The Eras Tour, which ran across 2023 and 2024, became one of the highest-grossing concert tours in history and further cemented Swift’s reputation as a defining artist of her generation.
Rihanna Takes Second Place
Close behind Swift in the rankings is Barbadian superstar Rihanna, who has remained one of the most influential names in music despite not releasing a studio album for nearly a decade.
Rihanna dominated global charts between 2007 and 2017, producing nine UK No. 1 singles including her iconic hit Umbrella.
Her last album, ANTI, was released in 2016, but the singer has since focused on business ventures and fashion while maintaining her cultural impact.
The singer has previously admitted that fame can be overwhelming, explaining why she has stepped back from releasing new music.
“I don’t want to be an icon because I worry about staying connected to myself,” she said in a past interview.
Even without recent album releases, Rihanna’s catalogue continues to generate massive streaming numbers worldwide.
Beyoncé and Adele Round Out the Top Four
Third place on the list goes to Beyoncé, whose career has spanned more than two decades and includes multiple Grammy Awards, record-breaking tours and critically acclaimed albums.
The only British artist to appear in the top ten is Adele, who ranks fourth overall. Adele’s 2011 album 21 remains one of the most successful records in music history.
Earlier this year, it officially became the best-selling female album ever, with global sales exceeding 56 million copies.
The British singer’s powerful vocals and emotionally driven songwriting have helped her maintain an enormous international fanbase, making her the sole UK representative in the ranking.
Other Global Pop Icons in the Top 10
The remainder of the top ten list features several of the most recognizable names in modern pop music.
Fifth place belongs to Katy Perry, whose run of hit singles in the 2010s produced some of the biggest chart successes of the decade.
Following her is Lady Gaga, known for her boundary-pushing music, theatrical performances and Oscar-winning acting career.
Seventh place goes to Pink, whose powerful vocals and high-energy live performances have helped sustain a loyal global fanbase.
Next on the list is Ariana Grande. At just 32, Grande is the youngest artist in the ranking, demonstrating how quickly she has risen to become one of the defining pop stars of her generation.
Completing the top ten are Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys, both of whom have enjoyed long-lasting careers with multiple chart-topping hits and awards.
The Impact of Women in Modern Music
The rankings highlight the extraordinary influence female artists have had on the global music industry in the 21st century.
From record-breaking album sales to stadium tours and cultural impact, these performers have shaped the sound and direction of modern pop music.
Swift’s position at the top reflects not only her commercial success but also her ability to evolve musically while maintaining a strong connection with fans worldwide.
Her songwriting, storytelling and business decisions — including the high-profile re-recording of her early albums — have helped redefine how artists control their music and brand.
As the industry continues to evolve in the streaming era, the success of these artists demonstrates the enduring power of strong songwriting, loyal fan communities and innovative performances.
With new music and tours constantly reshaping the industry landscape, the list also serves as a reminder of how dominant these women have been in defining global pop culture for more than two decades.