The Ultimate 21st-Century Pop Star: A Comprehensive Guide
Pop music in the 21st century has experienced tremendous growth in its diversity and creative output. No longer is it about just one genre or type of artist: as new music forms and sounds have emerged, so have unique and talented performers in all aspects of the scene.
The evolution of the pop genre has resulted in the development of some of the most influential artists of our time, many of whom have combined aspects from other music genres to create something completely new and exciting, establishing themselves as the ultimate 21st-century pop stars.
This comprehensive guide will provide an overview of the best pop stars of the 21st century, discussing their breakout moments, music style, and influence on contemporary pop culture.
Understanding Pop Music in the 21st Century
Pop music has been shaped by a wide variety of genres, including rock, jazz, hip-hop, folk, folk-rock, and R&B, all of which have combined to produce the unique, modern sound that has become the norm in today’s music. This has resulted in the musical landscape of today being diverse, innovative, and completely different from previous decades.
Pop stars in the 21st-century have pushed the genre forward in leaps and bounds, and they have helped to shape the sound and style of modern music. Their influence on today’s music is undeniable, and the artists featured in this list are the ultimate 21st-century pop stars.
The Goal of Pop Stars in the 21st Century
When it comes to the goals of 21st-century pop stars, it is difficult to define them in one statement. Generally, they aim to produce music that has an infectious and accessible sound, that appeals to fans of many different genres. They strive to create an innovative and unique sound that reflects the current trends in pop music. In addition, they often cross genre boundaries and incorporate elements from other styles to create something completely new and different.
21st-Century Pop Stars and Their Music
- Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga burst onto the mainstream music scene in 2008 with her debut album, The Fame. Her electric and edgy sound quickly earned her worldwide acclaim and recognition as a true 21st-century pop star. She has since become known for her unique blend of dance, hip-hop and electro-pop, drawing from many different genres to…
- Beyoncé
A 21st-century pop star needs no introduction. Beyoncé has solidified her place in the 21st-century pop era with her world-famous, chart-topping albums, beginning with her 2003 debut, Dangerously in Love. Her soulful and often empowering music has seen her at the top of the pop industry for years, as she effortlessly blends together R&B, hip-hop, dance and electronic music.
- Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is another pop star who has achieved worldwide fame in recent years. She has become known for her country-pop sound, before making a drastic shift in her career with the release of her 2014 pop album, 1989. Drawing from her country roots, Swift has created an infectious and pop-focused sound, blending the best of both worlds.
- Justin Bieber
Making a name for himself in the mid-2000s, Justin Bieber is another example of a 21st-century pop star. His debut EP, My World, released when he was just sixteen, experienced wild success and propelled him to superstardom. Bieber is known for his unique fusion of teen-pop, R&B, hip-hop, and reggae.
- Rihanna
Rihanna has been a prominent figure in the 21st-century pop industry ever since her debut single, “Pon de Replay”, became an instant hit in 2005. Her style of music has evolved over the years, as she moved away from the dancehall-pop of her debut, to more pop-focused sounds on her subsequent albums. Rihanna also has a strong influence on contemporary fashion and has released a line of cosmetics in collaboration with Fenty Beauty.
- Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande is an American singer-songwriter who started her career in the early 2010s with her debut album, Yours Truly. She became a mainstream pop star with her second album, My Everything, setting the trend for her distinctive jazz, R&B, and pop-focused sound. Grande is often renowned for her high-energy performances, outstanding vocals, and innovative production.
- Ed Sheeran
Although Ed Sheeran has been active for a long time, he truly rose to fame with his second album, x, released in 2014. His blend of pop, folk, and acoustic music has seen him achieve worldwide success and recognition. He has also made a name for himself collaborating with several of the other 21st-century pop stars on this list, including Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber.
- Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes exploded onto the pop scene in 2013 with the release of his first EP, The Shawn Mendes EP. His music, a subtle blend of pop, soft-rock and folk, has earned him a place on the list of the ultimate 21st-century pop stars. He has since become one of the most popular and influential pop stars of the moment.
- Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s effortless blend of electropop and alternative music has helped to propel her to the forefront of the pop music scene. Since the 2017 release of her debut EP, Don’t Smile at Me, she has solidified her place in the music industry, and he popularity is only continuing to grow.
- Cardi B
Rapper Cardi B has changed the 21st-century pop scene with her bold and outspoken lyrics, coupled with her distinctive blend of rap, hip-hop, and trap music. Her debut album, Invasion of Privacy, debuted at the top of the US Billboard 200 chart and made her the first female rapper to do so, cementing her status as one of the most influential pop stars of the 21st century.
- Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars has been among the leading pop stars of the 21st-century, as he has consistently topped the charts with his unique blend of genres, including funk, soul, R&B and reggae-pop. He has also gained a name for himself as an incredible live performer, and his sold-out tours have only increased his status as one of the ultimate 21st-century pop stars.
- The Weeknd
The Weeknd’s influence on contemporary music is undeniable. His signature dark and electronic sound has been described as “hauntingly beautiful”, and his three albums, Kiss Land, Beauty Behind the Madness, and Starboy, have all achieved incredible success. The Weeknd is regarded as one of the most influential pop stars of the 21st century.
- Katy Perry
Breaking through into the spotlight with her 2008 single, “I Kissed a Girl”, Katy Perry rapidly rose to fame. Known for her bold and eclectic style, her music often contains elements of rock, dance-pop, and EDM, and her popularity has only grown since her debut.
Overall Influence on Pop Culture
The impact of the above 21st-century pop stars is apparent from the way that they have changed popular culture. Their innovative music has resonated with audiences around the world and has continued to inspire musicians and producers from all backgrounds. Their influence can be seen far beyond just the music industry – from the fashion world to the beauty industry – and they have made their mark on the world as the ultimate 21st-century pop stars.
