The list opens with Katy Perry at number 25, a position that is not clear whether it is flattering or the opposite… especially since one place above her is Ed Sheeran, an artist allergic to serving and with fewer number 1 singles in the United States, although it is true that he surpᴀsses Perry in global album and ticket sales. Not to mention that Perry’s popularity in 2024 is far from what it was before.
Only the first 17 positions are known so far, which leaves other surprises, above all, the “disdain” of male pop talent, as strange as this phrase may sound. But Bruno Mars, probably the best singer and dancer of the moment, appears as early as 20th place, and The Weeknd does so at 18th despite having signed many of the most successful songs in history. Afterwards, it is true that all the chosen ones are men: Bad Bunny greets at 23rd, One Direction at 22nd, Lil Wayne at 21st and BTS at 19th.
Although there are still many artists to make the list, including Usher, Timberlake and Bieber, it is clear that women will dominate the ranking and even more evident that the number 1 spot will be fought over by Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Along the way, Rihanna, Adele, Gaga, Spears, etc. will be the ones to beat.
15.-Miley Cyrus
16.-Jay-Z
17.-Shakira
18.-The Weeknd
19.-BTS
20.-Bruno Mars
21.-Lil Wayne
22.-One Direction
23.-Bad Bunny
24.-Ed Sheeran
25.-Katy Perry
On the other hand, Billboard has seen the need to publish a parallel list of “honorable mentions” that includes, among others, Kendrick Lamar: that’s what Lil Wayne takes home. The list of those excluded is quite a challenge, as it mentions Lana Del Rey, an artist who has influenced even Taylor Swift, or P!nk, of her generation, one of the few best-selling artists left. On the other hand, Christina Aguilera continues to be disliked because she also appears among the honorable mentions despite being considered the voice of a generation. Billie Eilish, Alicia Keys and Lorde also appear on the parallel list.
One big question that the Billboard list raised was how much space it would give to artists who were well-known in the 20th century and who also left their mark in the early years of the current century, a question that was dispelled – for good – by the inclusion of Shakira at number 17. An artist who, after all, became known on a global scale in 2001 with her album ‘Servicio de limpieza’. Looking forward to seeing what surprises and disappointments await.
