The entertainment space is a fascinating world of young and old talents consistently showcasing their best to stay at the top of the game. Even while the year draws to a close, these class acts are relentlessly working round the clock to churn out classic, chart topping sounds that we just can’t get enough of. From newly baked records to old-time melodies, the year 2023 sure gave us exciting memories to hold on to. Meet the top 20 artists on our list of the most popular and best artists of the year.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is not just a 32-time Grammy Awardee, as she also holds the titles of the most nominated and awarded music artist in the globe. Queen Bey with the many titles of a singer, performer and songwriter also excels as a songwriter, music producer, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist. With her unique talent, she stands out as one of the greatest singers of all time, thanks to her remarkable music and her record-breaking achievements in her career. Last year, in July 2022, Beyoncé unveiled her most recent studio album, Renaissance, and this year, in May 2023, she embarked on her global Renaissance tour, amassing over half a billion dollars in revenue, surpassing expectations.
Taylor Swift
The Queen of Tours is not only ruling the stage this time around, Taylor Alison Swift has stepped up to grab the title of a billionaire musician. Thanks to a great record of career success and her ongoing record breaking “The Eras Tour,” the multi-talented entertainer stands out as one of the most accomplished artists in the music industry. Alongside being a 14-time Grammy Award winner, her sophomore album, Fearless, went on to become the most-awarded album in the history of country music. Taylor Swift’s extensive discography comprises over 20 albums, and she unquestionably stands as one of the most accomplished artists in the music industry.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat might have lost about 250,000 followers earlier in July. Still, that definitely didn’t stop her Scarlet album from hitting a Top 5 on the US Billboard 200, and grabbing a No. 1 on Hot 100 with her “Paint the Town Red” single. Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini is an American rapper and singer who embarked on her music career as a teenager. Despite a rough start, in 2018, her single “Mooo!” went viral on social media as a meme, which earned her attention on the internet. Despite this initial success, Doja Cat remained diligent and released her second studio album the following year, titled Hot Pink. The album eventually earned her more recognition. Doja Cat’s determination and hard work have propelled her to success in the music industry.
Madonna
Refusing to be overshadowed, Madonna Louise never stops to give us reasons why she remains the queen of pop. Renowned for her distinctive style and, the music superstar has successfully ruled the global music scenes with her unique craft and artistry for over. Despite not releasing new songs or albums in recent years, this award-winning pop queen’s music continues to resonate with her audience and keeps her at the top of their list. Her ongoing “The Celebration Concert Tour” is proof that the Madonna influence is simply irresistible.
Rihanna
Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian singer, songwriter, businesswoman, and actress who has consistently delivered for her fans since her emergence into the spotlight in 2005. Following her debut studio albums, she has garnered numerous awards and accolades. Her remarkable achievements include being declared one of the most prominent artists of the 21st century, as well as becoming one of the bestselling female artists of all time. Rihanna has set groundbreaking records and earned numerous awards, establishing her status as a celebrated and influential figure in the music industry.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus is an American actress, singer, and songwriter who achieved success in the music industry from a young age. She gained early fame and was notably referred to as the “queen of pop culture” in 2008. From that time until the present, she has consistently delivered great songs. Her popular “Flowers” single proved to be a master’s banger, and deeply resonated with her fans, earning her another chart-topping single.
Selena Gomez
Selena Marie Gomez is not only a singer cum actress and businesswoman. The multi-talented artist holds the distinction of being the most followed woman on Instagram. Thanks to her remarkable music career, she has earned her numerous awards and nominations in the industry. In addition to her music endeavours, she has successfully ventured into the business world with her beauty brand, serving as an inspiration to young women and a broader audience.
Sam Smith
“Sam Smith is an English soul singer known for their exceptional vocals and emotionally evocative lyrics. Sam has produced numerous hit songs and award-winning albums. With the record breaking “Unholy” single, the singer grabbed a Grammy Award earlier in the year, adding to the list of accolades owned.
Bad Bunny
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio widely known as Bad Bunny and King of Latin Trap is a Puerto Rican rapper and singer. His album became the first Spanish language album to enter Grammy nominations for album of the year. In 2022, he became the artist with the record for the biggest streaming year of any artist on Spotify. With his recently released “Monaco,” single, the entertainer has us swaying to his native sounds yet again.
Nicki Minaj
Despite childhood obstacles and a challenging background, Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, also known as Nicki Minaj, never gave up on her pursuit of becoming an icon in the music industry. She persevered and, through her dedication and talent, climbed to the top of her field, earning the title “Queen of Rap.” With eight BET Awards to her name, Nicki Minaj is not only one of the most recognized but also one of the most successful female rappers in the music industry. Her commitment to her fans is unwavering, consistently delivering outstanding songs and albums that showcase her unique qualities.
Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Isabel Rodrigo is undeniably one of the best and most prominent artists of 2023. Her songs have not only resonated deeply with her fans but have also won her numerous awards. Olivia is not just a three-time Grammy Award winner; she has also received other significant accolades, including the American Music Awards, Apple Music Awards, Brit Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and more. Since the release of her studio album, Guts, the young pop star has released more exceptionally successful records. These are in addition to already existing classics which have not only garnered awards but have also maintained the top spot on the Billboard chart and within the top ten rankings in various countries.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell gained recognition in 2015 after performing “Ocean Eyes,” a song written and produced by her brother, Finneas O’Connell. Following the success of “Ocean Eyes,” she collaborated with her brother on her music and live shows, and their partnership has played a significant role in her music career. Billie made history by becoming the youngest artist to win one of the top Grammy Awards in 2020, with her song “Bad Guy,” and she has continued to produce great music and receive more awards since then.
Ariana Grande
Born on June 26, 1993, Ariana Grande is a multi-talented American artist, most popularly known for her exceptional vocal abilities. She initially entered the entertainment industry as an actress, where she gained recognition for her work in TV shows. While pursuing acting, she developed a strong interest in pop music and eventually released her debut single, “Put Your Hearts Up,” in 2011. Over time, she made a full transition into the world of pop music, consistently delivering exceptional songs and albums, and solidifying her status as one of the top stars in the pop industry.
Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa is a unique talent with a distinctive voice that offers her audience the pleasure of a distinct new sound. As a three-time Grammy Award-winning artist among other awards, she sure deserves a place on the list. Her achievement includes outstanding songs that have climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and have also made it to other countries’ top charts.
Harry Styles
English singer and songwriter, Harry Styles became a public figure when he released his debut solo album in 2017, following a hiatus by his boy band in 2016. Harry has since then continued to make a significant impact in the music industry. His songs have not only led the UK singles chart but also topped the US Billboard Global 200 chart. In recognition of his remarkable music, he has received numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards and six Brit Awards, among others.
Ed Sheeran
When it comes to artists who have made conscious efforts and shown unwavering dedication to becoming genuine musical talents, Edward Christopher Sheeran MBE (Ed Sheeran) unquestionably belongs on that list. He embarked on his journey of writing and producing songs at a remarkably young age. Ed Sheeran is renowned for his exceptional ability to seamlessly blend various music genres, including folk, rock, rhythm and blues (R&B), pop, and hip-hop, to create a unique and distinctive style of his own. With four Grammy Awards and numerous other accolades adorning his impressive career, he has left an indelible mark on the music industry and rightfully earns his place among prominent and timeless artists.
Lady Gaga
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, popularly known as Lady Gaga is a veteran music superstar who has been highly influential with her art. Her consistent chart-topping success has solidified her fame and paved the way to immense success in the music industry. Lady Gaga’s career is defined not only by her musical accomplishments but also by her profound influence on pop culture and her dedicated advocacy work.
Charlie Puth
Charlie Puth, an American pop singer, songwriter, and record producer, entered the world of fame when his cover songs on YouTube went viral, gradually propelling him into the industry. What distinguishes Charlie from many other artists is his versatility, as he not only performs but also writes songs for others. In addition to achieving chart success, he has also garnered awards and accolades for his contributions to the culture.
Bruno Mars
Formally known as Peter Gene Hernandez, Bruno is not only a talented artist but also a highly versatile one who has dedicated his time to creating innovative new music styles, rather than following a single, established style. In addition to his singing abilities, he is a multi-instrumentalist, showcasing his proficiency with various musical instruments.
The Weeknd
Abel Tesfaye is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer, known for his emotionally provocative style of music. His songs not only resonate with audiences but have also earned numerous awards, contributing to his enduring fame in the industry. Earlier this year, The Weeknd achieved the distinction of becoming the most popular artist on the Billboard charts following the release of his first live album, titled Live at SoFi Stadium.