Taylor Swift named Billboard’s Top Artist of the 21st Century, dominating global charts with record-breaking hits and numerous accolades.

Global music sensation Taylor Swift has officially been named Billboard’s Top Artist of the 21st Century. The 14-time Grammy winner secured the coveted spot in Billboard’s list, which evaluates chart performances over the past 25 years.

The list, published on Billboard’s website, celebrates the leading musical acts of the century. Swift emerged as the number one artist based on her consistent dominance on the Billboard 200 albums chart and the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart from 2000 to the end of 2024.

Since debuting in 2006, Taylor Swift has become a household name, known for her autobiographical songwriting and artistic reinventions.

At just 35, she boasts an extraordinary career with 324 awards from over 500 nominations. Her achievements include:

• 14 Grammy Awards, with a record-breaking four Album of the Year wins, the only artist to achieve this feat.
• 49 Billboard Music Awards, making her the most decorated artist in the award’s history.
• 40 American Music Awards and 30 MTV Video Music Awards, including five Video of the Year wins.
• Recognition as the Global Recording Artist of the Year four times by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

Swift’s cultural impact extends beyond music, with her influence shaping global pop culture and inspiring a new generation of artists.

The Top 10 Artists of the 21st Century

Trailing behind Swift on Billboard’s list are other industry heavyweights:

1. Drake, ranked second, is the top rapper of the century with 13 number-one singles.
2. Rihanna, despite a hiatus, secured third place thanks to her extensive list of hits.
3. Post Malone, fourth, recognised for his chart-topping singles and albums.
4. Eminem, fifth, acknowledged for his longevity and best-selling records.
5. Beyoncé, sixth, celebrated for her groundbreaking artistry and influence.
6. The Weeknd, seventh, for redefining R&B and pop genres.
7. Justin Bieber, eighth, a global pop phenomenon.
8. Bruno Mars, ninth, for his consistent chart dominance and captivating performances.
9. Usher, tenth, as a pioneer in R&B music.

A Record-Breaking Year for Swift

In 2024, Taylor Swift also received Billboard’s Top Artist Award and continued to dominate charts with her re-recorded albums.

Her unparalleled artistry and fanbase solidify her as a defining figure in music history.

As Swift continues to shatter records and redefine success in the industry, her reign as the top artist of the 21st century marks yet another milestone in an illustrious career.