Taylor Swift has been crowned the second greatest pop star of the 21st century by Billboard magazine, securing her place just behind the top spot in the magazine’s highly anticipated ranking. This list, which highlights the artists who have most defined pop stardom over the past 25 years, sees Swift positioned ahead of major names such as Rihanna (No. 3), Drake (No. 4), Lady Gaga (No. 5), and Britney Spears (No. 6).
The ranking comes as part of a series of articles by Billboard, where Swift’s influence and cultural impact are celebrated. She sits five places above rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West), with whom she has had a high-profile feud for over a decade. Other major stars, including Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Adele, and Usher, are ranked below Swift.
In the article explaining her placement, Billboard’s Hannah Dailey notes that Swift’s ability to “bend culture to her will” made her one of the world’s biggest pop stars, despite beginning her career in country music at age 14. Swift, who was also named Billboard’s Top Artist of 2023, continues to cement her legacy as a musical powerhouse.
The big question now remains: who will take the coveted No. 1 spot in this prestigious ranking?
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