Welcome to our extensive countdown of the Top 100 Female Voices in music history, where we explore the unforgettable melodies that have defined genres, shaped movements, and captured the hearts of millions. From pop icon to soul queen, each artist on this list has left an indelible mark on the world of music.
Table of Contents
- Criteria for Selection
- The Countdown
- 100 to 91
- 90 to 81
- 80 to 71
- 70 to 61
- 60 to 51
- 50 to 41
- 40 to 31
- 30 to 21
- 20 to 11
- 10 to 1
- Featured Reviews and Notable Quotes
- Conclusion
Criteria for Selection
When curating our list, we considered various factors, including vocal talent, emotional impact, influence on music and culture, commercial success, and innovation. Each artist offers a unique sound and story, making this list diverse and comprehensive.
The Countdown
100 to 91
100. Billie Eilish
Significant Song: "Bad Guy"
Billie has changed the landscape of pop music with her ethereal voice and haunting lyrics. Listen here.
99. Joni Mitchell
Significant Song: "A Case of You"
A master storyteller, Joni’s folk-inspired melodies have impacted countless artists. Discover more at Joni’s Official Site.
98. Macy Gray
Significant Song: "I Try"
Macy’s raspy voice brings a unique touch to R&B and pop. Check out her latest album here.
97. Nina Simone
Significant Song: "Feeling Good"
Nina’s distinctive voice and jazz influences resonate with deep emotional authenticity. Explore her legacy here.
96. Kelly Clarkson
Significant Song: "Since U Been Gone"
As the first winner of "American Idol," Kelly’s powerful vocals ushered in a new era of pop rock. Stay updated on her work through Kelly’s Website.
95. Shakira
Significant Song: "Hips Don’t Lie"
Shakira’s blend of Latin pop and rock has made her a global sensation. Find out more at Shakira’s Official Site.
94. Adele
Significant Song: "Someone Like You"
Adele’s emotional ballads and soulful voice have captivated audiences around the world. Learn more about her journey here.
93. Cher
Significant Song: "Believe"
Known as the Goddess of Pop, Cher’s unique voice spans decades. Check out her discography on Cher’s page.
92. Alicia Keys
Significant Song: "Fallin’"
Alicia combines R&B with classical elements, showcasing her extraordinary vocal skill. Visit her site here.
91. Lorde
Significant Song: "Royals"
With her literary lyrics and distinctive voice, Lorde has made waves in the music industry. More about her work can be found here.
90 to 81
90. Celine Dion
Significant Song: "My Heart Will Go On"
Celine’s voice is synonymous with power ballads. Read about her career here.
89. Sia
Significant Song: "Chandelier"
Sia’s unique voice and enigmatic style make her one of the standout artists of the 2010s. Explore her music here.
88. Diana Ross
Significant Song: "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough"
As the lead singer of The Supremes, Diana’s influence on Motown is undeniable. More on her career can be found here.
87. Janet Jackson
Significant Song: "Rhythm Nation"
Janet’s innovative sound and choreography have pushed boundaries in pop music. Visit her page here.
86. Norah Jones
Significant Song: "Don’t Know Why"
Norah’s soothing voice appeals to jazz and pop fans alike. Read more about her influences here.
85. Fergie
Significant Song: "Big Girls Don’t Cry"
Fergie’s transition from the Black Eyed Peas to a successful solo career showcases her versatility. Keep up with her work here.
84. Whitney Houston
Significant Song: "I Will Always Love You"
Whitney’s powerful voice is legendary, making her one of the greatest vocalists ever. Learn more here.
83. Mariah Carey
Significant Song: "Vision of Love"
Noted for her five-octave range, Mariah has set the standard in pop and R&B. Discover her iconic music here.
82. Sarah McLachlan
Significant Song: "Angel"
Known for her emotional ballads, Sarah has connected deeply with audiences worldwide. More to explore here.
81. Lana Del Rey
Significant Song: "Young and Beautiful"
With her cinematic production and poetic lyrics, Lana has redefined modern pop. Learn about her journey here.
80 to 71
80. Tina Turner
Significant Song: "What’s Love Got to Do with It"
Tina’s raw energy and grit brought a new level to rock and soul music. Follow her life story here.
79. Kesha
Significant Song: "Tik Tok"
Kesha’s upbeat anthems and unique voice helped shaped early 2010s pop. Check out her music here.
78. Bette Midler
Significant Song: "Wind Beneath My Wings"
Bette’s theatrical performances and vocal prowess have mesmerized audiences across generations. Explore her career here.
77. P!nk
Significant Song: "Just Give Me a Reason"
P!nk’s mix of pop and rock with emotionally charged lyrics has won her many fans. Visit her site here.
76. Sheryl Crow
Significant Song: "All I Wanna Do"
Sheryl’s versatility showcases her talent in rock, pop, and country. Learn more about her here.
75. Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine)
Significant Song: "Dog Days Are Over"
Florence’s powerful voice and artistic flair redefine contemporary rock music. More on her music here.
74. Alanis Morissette
Significant Song: "You Oughta Know"
Alanis’s intense lyrical honesty resonates with many, cementing her as a female rock icon. Read about her impact here.
73. Mónica Naranjo
Significant Song: "Sobreviviré"
Mónica is recognized in Latin pop and has a powerful vocal range. Discover her work here.
72. Vanessa Carlton
Significant Song: "A Thousand Miles"
Known for her piano-driven hits, Vanessa has a unique sound in pop music. Catch up with her music here.
71. JoJo
Significant Song: "Leave (Get Out)"
JoJo is a vocal powerhouse whose career spans generations. Worship her talent here.
70 to 61
70. Christina Aguilera
Significant Song: "Beautiful"
Christina’s vocal agility and emotional depth have made her a pop star. More about her legacy here.
69. Solange
Significant Song: "Cranes in the Sky"
With her innovative blend of genres, Solange has carved a niche for herself. Explore her music here.
68. Tori Amos
Significant Song: "Cornflake Girl"
Tori’s unique sound and piano skills have brought a new dimension to singer-songwriter music. Visit her site here.
67. Billie Holiday
Significant Song: "Strange Fruit"
Billie’s emotive voice and impactful lyrics have left a profound legacy in jazz. Discover her music here.
66. Jessie Ware
Significant Song: "Say You Love Me"
Jessie’s soulful sound captures the intricacies of love and relationship dynamics. Learn more about her journey here.
65. Grace Jones
Significant Song: "Pull Up to the Bumper"
Grace embodies the essence of avant-garde in music and fashion. Explore her revolutionary contributions here.
64. Kacey Musgraves
Significant Song: "Follow Your Arrow"
Kacey’s fresh approach to country music challenges traditional norms, with a voice that enchants. Learn more about her work here.
63. Ariana Grande
Significant Song: "Thank U, Next"
With her impressive vocal range, Ariana dominates the pop landscape. Stay updated on her music here.
62. Pat Benatar
Significant Song: "Love is a Battlefield"
Pat’s powerful voice paved the way for women in rock music. Discover her influences here.
61. Jessie J
Significant Song: "Price Tag"
Jessie’s distinct voice and songwriting abilities make her a standout in the pop genre. Follow her career here.
60 to 51
60. Etta James
Significant Song: "At Last"
Etta’s soulful melodies have made her one of the greatest female vocalists in blues and R&B. More on her journey here.
59. Enya
Significant Song: "Orinoco Flow"
Enya’s ethereal sound and layered vocals create a dreamlike musical experience. Explore her work here.
58. Nicki Minaj
Significant Song: "Super Bass"
Nicki’s dynamic approach to rap and pop blends has made her an influential figure. Catch her latest work here.
57. Natasha Bedingfield
Significant Song: "Unwritten"
With uplifting lyrics and a distinctive voice, Natasha has inspired many. Discover her music here.
56. Brandy
Significant Song: "The Boy is Mine"
Brandy’s smooth voice and charisma have made her a key figure in R&B. Learn about her career here.
55. Mýa
Significant Song: "Case of the Ex"
Mýa’s blend of R&B and pop has garnered her numerous accolades. Explore her music here.
54. Liza Minnelli
Significant Song: "New York, New York"
Liza’s theatrical and powerful performances have stood the test of time. More on her career can be found here.
53. Carly Simon
Significant Song: "You’re So Vain"
Carly’s storytelling in her lyrics has earned her a devoted following. Discover her discography here.
52. Leona Lewis
Significant Song: "Bleeding Love"
With soaring vocals, Leona has made significant waves in pop music. Catch her latest music here.
51. Kesha
Significant Song: "Praying"
With a transformative message, Kesha’s comeback has resonated widely with fans. More to explore here.
50 to 41
50. Dolly Parton
Significant Song: "Jolene"
A music legend, Dolly’s storytelling and voice have made her an icon in country music. More on her life can be found here.
49. Tina Turner
Significant Song: "Proud Mary"
Tina’s dynamic stage presence and powerful voice showcase her legendary status. Learn more here.
48. Sarah Brightman
Significant Song: "Time to Say Goodbye"
Sarah has captivated audiences with her operatic voice and theatrical performances. Discover her music here.
47. Meghan Trainor
Significant Song: "All About That Bass"
With her throwback sound and body-positive messaging, Meghan has reshaped pop. Find out more here.
46. Tinashe
Significant Song: "2 On"
Tinashe’s blend of R&B and pop creates a signature sound. Visit her page for the latest updates here.
45. FKA Twigs
Significant Song: "Two Weeks"
FKA Twigs’ innovative sound and artistic visuals push creative boundaries in music. Explore her music here.
44. Nelly Furtado
Significant Song: "I’m Like a Bird"
Nelly’s unique style crosses genres and captivates listeners. Follow her career here.
43. Rhianna
Significant Song: "Umbrella"
Rihanna’s versatility and iconic sound have made her a global superstar. Find her latest work here.
42. Sade
Significant Song: "Smooth Operator"
Sade’s sultry voice and smooth jazz influences create an unforgettable sound. Discover her work here.
41. Jessie Ware
Significant Song: "Say You Love Me"
With emotional depth and rich vocals, Jessie stands out in the contemporary music scene. More on her history here.
40 to 31
40. Madonna
Significant Song: "Like a Prayer"
Madonna’s influence on pop and culture is unrivaled. Find her work here.
39. Billie Eilish
Significant Song: "When the Party’s Over"
Billie’s haunting melodies and raw emotion are redefining pop music. Explore her music here.
38. Vanessa Williams
Significant Song: "Save the Best for Last"
Vanessa’s captivating voice and acting talents have made her a beloved star. Explore her career here.
37. Cyndi Lauper
Significant Song: "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"
Cyndi’s colorful personality and powerful voice have made her a pop icon. More on her work can be found here.
36. Alicia Keys
Significant Song: "Girl on Fire"
Alicia’s blend of classical and modern influences has created a unique musical style. Discover her music here.
35. Britney Spears
Significant Song: "Toxic"
Britney is not just a pop star; she is a cultural phenomenon. Follow her journey here.
34. Shakira
Significant Song: "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)"
Shakira brings a unique blend of Latin and pop sounds to the world stage. Discover her music here.
33. Mary J. Blige
Significant Song: "Family Affair"
Mary J. Blige is known as the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul," merging R&B and hip-hop like no one else. More on her influences here.
32. Alanis Morissette
Significant Song: "Ironic"
With her raw, emotive vocals and introspective lyrics, Alanis has defined a generation. Read more about her impact here.
31. Bebe Rexha
Significant Song: "Meant to Be"
Bebe’s ability to blend genres and her powerful voice have cemented her place in contemporary music. Find out more here.
30 to 21
30. Dua Lipa
Significant Song: "Don’t Start Now"
Dua Lipa’s unique voice and modern pop sound have made her a rising star in the industry. More on her latest albums here.
29. Gladys Knight
Significant Song: "Midnight Train to Georgia"
Gladys’s rich vocals and emotional depth have made her a cornerstone in R&B music. Explore her legacy here.
28. Kacey Musgraves
Significant Song: "Golden Hour"
Known for her innovative songwriting in country music, Kacey brings a fresh perspective. More about her work here.
27. Amy Winehouse
Significant Song: "Rehab"
Amy’s unique sound and heartfelt lyrics have made her one of the most influential artists of the 2000s. Learn more about her music here.
26. Tori Amos
Significant Song: "Silent All These Years"
Tori’s storytelling and unique piano work have had a lasting impact on alternative rock. More about her work can be found here.
25. Britney Spears
Significant Song: "Oops!… I Did It Again"
Britney’s infectious sound and captivating performances have defined a generation of pop music. More can be found here.
24. Lana Del Rey
Significant Song: "Summertime Sadness"
Capturing dark themes and nostalgic aesthetics, Lana’s music continues to resonate with audiences. Discover her work here.
23. Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine)
Significant Song: "Shake It Out"
Florence’s incredible vocal range and theatrical stage presence have garnered immense admiration. Find out more about her here.
22. Mariah Carey
Significant Song: "Hero"
Mariah’s exceptional vocal talent and songwriting ability have made her a pop legend. Discover her extensive body of work here.
21. Billie Holiday
Significant Song: "God Bless the Child"
Billie’s emotional depth and iconic jazz standards have left a profound impact on music. Learn more about her legacy here.
20 to 11
20. Whitney Houston
Significant Song: "I Wanna Dance with Somebody"
Whitney’s powerful vocals and electrifying performances have shaped the pop landscape. Find more about her music here.
19. Christina Aguilera
Significant Song: "Dirrty"
Christina’s powerful voice and ability to reinvent herself have solidified her status in pop music. Explore her career here.
18. Rihanna
Significant Song: "Diamonds"
Rihanna’s versatility and global influence have made her a music powerhouse. Stay up to date with her music here.
17. Adele
Significant Song: "Rolling in the Deep"
Adele’s soulful voice and emotional lyricism resonate deeply with audiences. Learn more about her impact here.
16. Annie Lennox
Significant Song: "Why"
Annie’s distinctive voice and poignant lyrics challenge social norms and expectations through her artistry. Discover her music here.
15. Janelle Monáe
Significant Song: "Tightrope"
Janelle’s innovative blend of genres and visual storytelling has made her a unique voice in music. Explore her latest projects here.
14. Celine Dion
Significant Song: "The Power of Love"
Celine’s extraordinary vocal range and emotional ballads have made her a fixture in pop music. Visit her site for updates here.
13. Diana Ross
Significant Song: "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough"
As a symbol of courage and strength, Diana’s voice continues to inspire generations. Read more about her legacy here.
12. Norah Jones
Significant Song: "Don’t Know Why"
Norah blends jazz, pop, and folk influences, bringing a unique sound to contemporary music. Discover her latest work here.
11. Sade
Significant Song: "Smooth Operator"
Sade’s haunting voice and smooth jazz style have made her songs timeless. Explore her discography here.
10 to 1
10. Billie Eilish
Significant Song: "everything i wanted"
With her unique sound and heartfelt lyrics, Billie has become one of the strongest voices of her generation. Dive deeper into her music here.
9. Aretha Franklin
Significant Song: "Respect"
The Queen of Soul, Aretha’s powerful voice and emotional depth make her music unforgettable. Discover her legacy here.
8. Janet Jackson
Significant Song: "Nasty"
Janet’s influence on pop and R&B is unparalleled, with a vocal style that has inspired countless artists. Follow her journey here.
7. Tina Turner
Significant Song: "Proud Mary"
Tina’s electric performances and powerful voice have earned her a place as a music legend. More about her life can be found here.
6. Whitney Houston
Significant Song: "I Will Always Love You"
Whitney’s powerhouse vocals in this iconic song demonstrate her unparalleled talent. Explore her music here.
5. Mariah Carey
Significant Song: "Always Be My Baby"
With her five-octave range and songwriting prowess, Mariah continues to influence the music industry. Keep up with her latest here.
4. Adele
Significant Song: "Rolling in the Deep"
Adele’s ability to convey emotion through her voice has garnered her countless awards and fans. Discover her albums here.
3. Celine Dion
Significant Song: "My Heart Will Go On"
Celine’s emotional ballads have left lasting impressions on listeners worldwide. Learn more here.
2. Billie Holiday
Significant Song: "Strange Fruit"
Billie’s haunting voice and poignant lyrics have cemented her place as a jazz legend. Explore her legacy here.
1. Aretha Franklin
Significant Song: "Respect"
Aretha’s timeless voice and influential music have positioned her as the greatest female vocalist in history. Discover her life here.
Featured Reviews and Notable Quotes
- Billie Eilish on her music: "I want to make music that doesn’t fit in a box, but can still resonate deeply with my listeners."
- Adele’s take on emotion in music: "If you can’t relate to the music, it’s not worth listening to."
Additional Resources
Conclusion
The Top 100 Female Voices acknowledge the power of women in music and their ability to evoke emotion, inspire change, and create unforgettable melodies. Each artist listed here has contributed uniquely to music history, making these melodies not just songs, but lasting legacies.