Rihanna Ranks No. 3 on Billboard’s 25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century

• Rihanna has been named the 3rd ‘Greatest Pop Star’ of the 21st Century by Billboard

As Billboard continues its countdown of the 25 greatest pop stars of the 21st century, Rihanna claims the prestigious No. 3 spot, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in music and pop culture.

Her extraordinary achievements, including numerous Hot 100 No. 1 hits and an impressive collection of Billboard Music Awards, have made her an icon in every sense.

Rihanna’s meteoric rise from her humble beginnings in Barbados to becoming one of the most influential figures in music is a testament to her unmatched talent, tenacity, and charisma.

A Black Caribbean immigrant, she broke barriers and inspired countless others by pushing herself to the forefront of pop music and culture during a game-changing decade of dominance.

.@rihanna has been named the 3rd ‘Greatest Pop Star’ of the 21st Century by Billboard. pic.twitter.com/y4oCQEiR5g

— chart data (@chartdata) November 19, 2024

Her career highlights include 14 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, making her one of the top-charting female artists in history. Beyond her musical accomplishments, Rihanna’s fashion and beauty ventures, including her Fenty brand, have revolutionized industries, proving her influence extends far beyond music.

While she has stepped back from the music scene recently, Rihanna’s impact remains undeniable. As Billboard notes, her influence has created a blueprint for a new generation of pop stars eager to emulate her groundbreaking success.

Billboard’s list so far features an array of superstars, with Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran, and Bad Bunny among the names rounding out the top 25. At No. 3, Rihanna stands just behind some of the century’s most iconic names, emphasizing her unique place in pop history.

To celebrate her legacy, Billboard will dedicate a podcast episode to discussing her incredible journey and contributions, premiering on Wednesday, November 20.