Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round as we embark on a melodious journey through the annals of 21st-century music. From chart-toppers to heart-stoppers, these singing sensations have captured our hearts, stirred our souls, and kept our speakers buzzing with their unforgettable tunes. So, grab your headphones and prepare to be serenaded by the crème de la crème of the music industry – it’s time to meet the maestros of melody!
Taylor Swift – The Queen of Hearts
Number of records sold: 290 million
Kicking off our star-studded lineup is none other than the one and only Taylor Swift. From her humble beginnings as a country crooner to her reign as pop royalty, Swift has captured the hearts of millions with her heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies. With hits like “Love Story” and “Shake It Off,” she’s not just a singer – she’s a cultural phenomenon.
Eminem – The Rap God
Number of records sold: 335 million
Next up, we have the rap icon himself – Eminem. With his razor-sharp lyrics and lightning-fast flow, Eminem has carved out a place for himself as one of the greatest rappers of all time. From “Lose Yourself” to “Stan,” his raw talent and unapologetic honesty have earned him legions of fans and countless accolades.
Drake – The 6 God
Number of records sold: 527 million
From the streets of Toronto to the top of the charts, Drake has solidified his status as one of the biggest names in hip-hop. With his smooth rhymes and infectious beats, he’s brought us hits like “Hotline Bling” and “God’s Plan,” cementing his place as a cultural icon and a musical powerhouse.
Ed Sheeran – The Ginger Guitarist
Number of records sold: 270 million
With his soulful voice and undeniable charm, Ed Sheeran has won over audiences around the globe. From heartfelt ballads to foot-stomping anthems, Sheeran’s music speaks to the masses, earning him a spot among the best-selling singers of the 21st century.
P!nk – The Fearless Firecracker
Number of records sold: 93 million
P!nk is more than just a singer – she’s a force of nature. With her powerful vocals and fearless attitude, she’s blazed a trail through the music industry, delivering hits like “So What” and “Just Give Me a Reason” along the way. Whether she’s soaring through the air or belting out a ballad, P!nk always leaves her mark.
The Weeknd – The Prince of Darkness
Number of records sold: 233 million
From his enigmatic persona to his haunting melodies, The Weeknd has hooked audiences with his unique brand of R&B. With hits like “Blinding Lights” and “Starboy,” he’s proven himself to be one of the most innovative and influential artists of his generation.
Adele – The Voice of a Generation
Number of records sold: 145 million
When it comes to powerhouse vocals and heartfelt ballads, Adele reigns supreme. With her soulful voice and emotional depth, she’s touched the hearts of millions with hits like “Someone Like You” and “Hello,” solidifying her status as one of the greatest singers of our time.
Coldplay – The Kings of Anthems
Number of records sold: 136 million
With their epic soundscapes and soaring melodies, Coldplay has become synonymous with stadium-sized anthems and emotional ballads. From “Yellow” to “Fix You,” their music has provided the soundtrack to countless moments of joy, sorrow, and everything in between.
Rihanna – The Reigning Diva
Number of records sold: 366 million
With her sultry voice and fierce attitude, Rihanna has dominated the charts and enthralled audiences around the world. From dancefloor bangers to soulful ballads, she’s proven herself to be a versatile and unstoppable force in the music industry.
Linkin Park – The Rock Titans
Number of records sold: 112 million
With their electrifying blend of rock and rap, Linkin Park revolutionized the music scene and inspired a generation of fans. From “In the End” to “Numb,” their raw energy and emotional intensity have left an indelible mark on the world of rock music.
Beyoncé – The Queen Bee
Number of records sold: 244 million
Beyoncé needs no introduction – she’s simply the queen. With her powerhouse vocals and unparalleled stage presence, she’s redefined the meaning of superstar. From Destiny’s Child to Lemonade, Beyoncé’s music has inspired and empowered millions around the world.
Post Malone – The Genre-Bending Maverick
Number of records sold: 225 million
Post Malone is not your typical rapper – he’s a genre-bending maverick with a knack for crafting infectious hits. From “Congratulations” to “Circles,” his music defies categorization, blending elements of hip-hop, rock, and pop to create something truly unique.
Nickelback – The Guilty Pleasure
Number of records sold: 50 million
Love ’em or hate ’em, you can’t deny the catchiness of a Nickelback song. With their infectious hooks and radio-friendly sound, they’ve become a guilty pleasure for millions of music fans around the world.
Britney Spears – The Pop Princess
Number of records sold: 151 million
Britney Spears burst onto the scene in the late ’90s and quickly became a pop sensation. With hits like “…Baby One More Time” and “Toxic,” she’s left an indelible mark on the world of pop music and pop culture as a whole.
Maroon 5 – The Radio Kings
Number of records sold: 147 million
With their irresistible hooks and smooth vocals, Maroon 5 has dominated the airwaves for over two decades. From “Moves Like Jagger” to “Sugar,” their catchy tunes and infectious energy have made them a staple of radio playlists everywhere.
Michael Jackson – The King of Pop
Number of records sold: 286 million
No list of top-selling singers would be complete without the one and only Michael Jackson. With his unparalleled talent and groundbreaking music videos, he’s left an indelible mark on the world of music and pop culture as a whole.
The Black Eyed Peas – The Party Starters
Number of records sold: 71 million
With their infectious beats and catchy hooks, The Black Eyed Peas have been getting the party started for over two decades. From “Where Is the Love?” to “I Gotta Feeling,” their feel-good anthems have become a soundtrack to countless nights out and celebrations.
Kenny Chesney – The Country Charmer
Number of records sold: 30 million
Kenny Chesney is more than just a country singer – he’s a bona fide country superstar. With his laid-back charm and heartfelt ballads, he’s captured the hearts of fans around the world and become a staple of the country music scene.
Tim McGraw – The Southern Gentleman
Number of records sold: 72 million
With his rugged good looks and smooth vocals, Tim McGraw has become a symbol of Southern charm and country cool. From “Live Like You Were Dying” to “Humble and Kind,” his music speaks to the soul and resonates with audiences of all ages.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – The Funk Rock Legends
Number of records sold: 101 million
With their funky grooves and fiery energy, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have been rocking stages around the world for over three decades. From “Under the Bridge” to “Californication,” their eclectic sound and fearless attitude have made them icons of the rock scene.
Billie Eilish – The Gen Z Trailblazer
Number of records sold: 5 million
Billie Eilish is not your typical pop star – she’s a genre-defying trailblazer with a style all her own. From “Bad Guy” to “Therefore I Am,” her dark and moody aesthetic has captured the imagination of millions and cemented her status as one of the most exciting artists of her generation.
Bruno Mars – The Smooth Operator
Number of records sold: 206 million
With his smooth vocals and old-school charm, Bruno Mars has become a modern-day crooner with a knack for crafting irresistible hits. From “Just the Way You Are” to “Uptown Funk,” his music is guaranteed to get you dancing and singing along.
Toby Keith – The Patriotic Poet
Number of records sold: 40 million
Toby Keith is a country legend with a knack for crafting heartfelt anthems that resonate with audiences around the world. From “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” to “Red Solo Cup,” his music celebrates the American spirit and pays tribute to the men and women who serve our country.
Michael Bublé – The King of Christmas
Number of records sold: 75 million
Last but certainly not least, we have Michael Bublé – the undisputed king of Christmas. With his smooth vocals and timeless charm, Bublé has become synonymous with the holiday season, bringing joy and cheer to listeners around the world with his classic renditions of holiday favorites.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, folks – the top 24 bestselling singers of the 21st century. From pop princesses to rap gods, these talented artists have left an indelible mark on the world of music and continue to inspire and entertain us with their unforgettable tunes. So, here’s to the maestros of melody – may their songs continue to echo through the halls of history for years to come!
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I like and listen to most of these singers! Yay! Labeling Nickleback as a guilty pleasure was funny…and accurate hahaha.
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Haha…guilty pleasures indeed! It’s like secretly indulging in that extra slice of pizza when no one’s watching, isn’t it? But hey, as long as the music gets those toes tapping and those spirits lifted, who’s to judge, right? Rock on with your eclectic taste in tunes!
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I hate Nickleback..absolutely…..and yeah, I’m an Albertan saying that. Sure, hooks, and sort of Pearl Jam light, but misogyny as their philosophy is inexcusable…….Sarah McLachlan, Brandi Carlile and the resurgance of Joni Mitchell is pretty special….I’ve never been a fan of list of the best of when it comes to music…it’s so personal and subjective…is it the singer or the song….or the listener?
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Well, to each their own! Music preferences are as diverse as the colors of the rainbow, and that’s what makes it so fascinating. While some may groove to the beats of Nickelback, others find solace in the soulful melodies of Sarah McLachlan, Brandi Carlile, or the timeless tunes of Joni Mitchell. As for the debate on the best of lists, you hit the nail on the head—it’s all about personal taste and what resonates with each listener. After all, isn’t the beauty of music in the ears of the beholder? This list, though, is based on actual record sales. Quite interesting, indeed, when the numbers are talking.
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Chris Brown?
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