Surprising 21st-century pop icon list tops "Billboard's" list

"Billboard" is among the most influential music magazines globally. It initially concentrated on the entertainment industry, but has gradually become synonymous with the music sector. The magazine is renowned for its rankings like the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200, which are vital indicators of a song, album, or artist's popularity both in the United States and worldwide.

The magazine also offers insights into music industry trends, market analyses, and interviews with artists. It serves as a portal not only for music enthusiasts but also for industry professionals who rely on "Billboard" for up-to-date market data.

When one mentions "pop star," followers of the genre often think of Taylor Swift. It's understandable, as this artist has truly captured the public’s imagination. She stages some of the most spectacular shows across the globe, effortlessly selling out the largest venues, and her albums fly off the shelves. News of her latest achievements or record-breaking popularity seems almost constant.

The magazine "Billboard" published a list of the 25 biggest pop stars of the 21st century. The selections for the top three positions have stirred some controversy. Leading the list is Beyoncé, with Taylor Swift following in second place. Many internet users expressed disbelief at the inclusion of Kanye West in third place, given that he is more frequently identified as a rapper than a pop star.

The remainder of the list generated as much debate as the top entries. Many internet users questioned the placement of Katy Perry, who found herself at the very bottom of the ranking, as well as Ed Sheeran, who was second to last. Here's the full list published by the magazine:

1. Beyoncé
2. Taylor Swift
3. Rihanna
4. Drake
5. Lady Gaga
6. Britney Spears
7. Kanye West
8. Justin Bieber
9. Ariana Grande
10. Adele
11. Usher
12. Eminem
13. Nicki Minaj
14. Justin Timberlake
15. Miley Cyrus
16. Jay-Z
17. Shakira
18. The Weeknd
19. BTS
20. Bruno Mars
21. Lil Wayne
22. One Direction
23. Bad Bunny
24. Ed Sheeran
25. Katy Perry