Rihanna has secured the prestigious second spot on Billboard’s Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century, surpassing Beyoncé who ranks third. This remarkable achievement comes from Billboard’s comprehensive evaluation of artists’ performance on both the Billboard 200 albums chart and Hot 100 songs chart from January 1, 2000, to December 28, 2024. Taylor Swift tops the list, recently honored as the overall top artist of the past 25 years.
The rankings highlight Rihanna’s extraordinary impact on the music industry over nearly two decades. Her ability to dominate charts across multiple genres has cemented her status as one of music’s most influential figures.
Rihanna’s Chart-Topping Journey From “Pon de Replay” to Global Superstar
Rihanna burst onto the scene in 2005 with her debut single “Pon de Replay,” which climbed to No. 2 on the Hot 100. This early success signaled the arrival of a genuine pop powerhouse. She quickly followed with “SOS” in 2006, marking her first No. 1 hit on the charts.
By the end of the following decade, Rihanna had amassed an impressive 14 No. 1 hits. This makes her the artist with the most chart-toppers in the first quarter of the century and places her third in history for most No. 1 songs overall. Her genre-spanning versatility played a crucial role in this success, with hits covering pop, R&B, dance, and dancehall.
Musical Versatility and Album Success Define Rihanna’s Legacy
Between 2005 and 2016, Rihanna released eight studio albums, all reaching the top 10 on the Billboard 200. Two of these collections – “Unapologetic” (2012) and “Anti” (2016) – claimed the coveted No. 1 position. Her collaborations with artists like Eminem and T.I. also topped the charts, further showcasing her versatility.
Though fans eagerly await her next album, Rihanna’s musical legacy remains unmatched. With 14 No. 1 hits, 32 top 10 singles, and 63 total Hot 100 entries, her catalog continues to dominate streaming platforms and radio stations worldwide. Her ability to blend genres seamlessly while maintaining her signature sound has kept audiences captivated throughout her career.
Beyoncé Secures Third Place with Groundbreaking Artistic Evolution
Beyoncé’s third-place ranking reflects her transformative impact on music. From her early success with Destiny’s Child to her evolution as a solo artist, she has consistently pushed artistic boundaries. Her solo debut “Crazy in Love” featuring JAY-Z dominated the Hot 100 for seven weeks in 2003, marking the first of her nine solo chart-toppers.
While the 2000s saw Beyoncé creating undeniable hits, the 2010s marked her shift toward artistic experimentation. She revolutionized album releases with her surprise 2013 self-titled album and elevated visual storytelling with projects like “Lemonade.” More recently, she infused fresh energy into her catalog with the dance-driven “Renaissance” (2022) and country-influenced “Cowboy Carter” (2024).
Billboard’s Ranking Methodology Reveals Industry Impact
Billboard determined these rankings based on comprehensive chart performance over nearly 25 years. The evaluation considered both album success on the Billboard 200 and single performance on the Hot 100. This methodology provides a clear picture of each artist’s commercial impact and cultural influence.
All eight of Beyoncé’s standard studio albums have debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, from 2003’s “Dangerously in Love” to 2024’s “Cowboy Carter.” She recently made history as the first Black woman to top the Top Country Albums chart and won Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammys for “Cowboy Carter.”
The Complete Top 10 Features Pop Music’s Most Powerful Voices
The top 10 of Billboard’s list showcases music’s most influential women artists. Following Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Beyoncé are Adele (4), Katy Perry (5), Lady Gaga (6), P!nk (7), Ariana Grande (8), Miley Cyrus (9), and Alicia Keys (10). These rankings reflect each artist’s ability to connect with audiences and influence popular culture.
The complete list highlights 100 women who have shaped music over the past quarter-century. From established icons to breakthrough stars, these artists represent diverse genres and artistic approaches. Their collective impact has redefined what it means to be successful in a rapidly evolving music industry.