Billboard released its Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century, and it’s a disaster. Some of the most legendary and influential women in music are ranked lower than artists who wouldn’t even exist without them. Madonna at 36? Shakira at 45? What kind of nonsense is this?
Madonna at 36 – The Disrespect Is Unreal
Madonna built modern pop music. She pushed boundaries, reinvented herself with every album, and shaped the industry in ways no other artist has. She was the blueprint for nearly every female pop star that followed.
- Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005) was a game-changer.
- She has six No. 1 albums since 2000.
- Her influence extends beyond music—fashion, culture, and even touring have been defined by her.
Yet, Billboard ranks her below artists who wouldn’t have careers without her? That’s insane. If the list was based on impact, longevity, and cultural influence, Madonna would be top 5, minimum.
Shakira at 45 – Are They Serious?
Shakira brought Latin music to the world. She broke records, crossed language barriers, and delivered hit after hit. Her ability to dominate both English and Spanish-language markets is something few artists have ever accomplished.
- Laundry Service (2001) was a global phenomenon.
- Hips Don’t Lie was one of the biggest songs ever.
- She gave the best Super Bowl halftime show in years.
Shakira being placed at 45 while less accomplished artists sit higher is laughable. Who exactly is Billboard trying to please with this nonsense ranking?
Who Made This List – And What Were They Thinking?
Some of the placements in this ranking make no sense. How is Dua Lipa (#25) above Celine Dion (#48)? How is Camila Cabello (#51) above Whitney Houston (#69)? If we’re talking about chart success, sales, influence, or cultural impact, the list doesn’t add up.
Billboard claims this ranking is based on performance on the Hot 100 and Billboard 200 since 2000.
That’s already flawed—it ignores artists whose biggest success came before streaming changed the game. It punishes artists with legendary careers simply because they started before 2000.
The Real Top 10 Should Look Like This
If we’re talking real impact, longevity, and influence, the top 10 should have looked more like this:
- Madonna – The GOAT. No debate.
- Beyoncé – Longevity, reinvention, dominance.
- Rihanna – Chart-topping machine, music, business, influence.
- Shakira – Latin music global queen.
- Mariah Carey – Vocals, songwriting, and the Christmas Queen.
- Lady Gaga – Game-changer in pop, fashion, and performance.
- Adele – A voice that defined a generation.
- Taylor Swift – Huge success, but wouldn’t exist without the legends above.
- Britney Spears – Pop culture phenomenon.
- Whitney Houston – Should be way higher, period.
Billboard clearly doesn’t understand music history. It ranks recency over impact and chart statistics over cultural dominance.
The list ignores the fact that artists like Madonna, Shakira, and Celine Dion paved the way for many who ranked higher than them.
