Beyoncé has officially cemented her status as the ultimate icon of the modern music era. On December 3, Billboard unveiled its ranking of the greatest pop stars over the past century, crowning Queen Bey as the number one pop star of the 21st century. The decision comes after weeks of anticipation as the outlet gradually revealed its list of top performers.

Beating out fierce competition from luminaries like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Drake, the 43-year-old artist earned the top spot due to her unparalleled influence, evolution, and impact across a groundbreaking 25-year career. Billboard’s editorial team praised Beyoncé’s “quarter-century of dominance,” emphasizing her ability to dazzle audiences with beauty, fashion, captivating stage presence, and powerhouse vocals.

“Beyoncé’s greatness as a pop star is self-evident and monumental,” Billboard stated, adding that her artistry transcends boundaries, making her a timeless cultural force.

A Trailblazing Year of Achievements

The honor comes during a banner year for Beyoncé. With 32 Grammy wins, she holds the title of the most-decorated Grammy artist in history. In February, she added to her legacy by becoming the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with her No. 1 hit “Texas Hold ’Em,” from her debut country album Cowboy Carter.

Her country music achievements didn’t stop there. She also became the first Black woman to lead the Top Country Albums chart and made history as the first female artist to claim the top three spots on Hot Country Songs simultaneously.

Despite being overlooked by the Country Music Association Awards for her genre-defying album, Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé received five Grammy nominations in the country music categories, including Best Country Album and Best Country Song for “Texas Hold ’Em.”

Legacy Beyond Country Music

While her recent ventures into country music have expanded her already monumental impact, Beyoncé’s influence has been felt across genres for decades. As a member of Destiny’s Child, she won three Grammys, including Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group for their empowering hit “Survivor” in 2002.

Billboard’s announcement also highlighted Taylor Swift, who took the second spot on the list. While Swift’s journey from country music to pop superstardom has been remarkable, Beyoncé’s ability to dominate across genres, eras, and cultural landscapes set her apart as the ultimate icon of the 21st century.

With accolades spanning nearly every musical genre, Beyoncé’s reign as Queen Bey is truly undisputed.