The music world is forever changing, and the most successful artists are the ones who are able to stay relevant throughout the constant change. Changes in the pop music genre happen so fast and furiously that numerous seemingly talented artists fail to maintain their popularity. The most successful pop artists are female, the one music genre that is relatively devoid of male hit makers. Here are the five best selling pop artists of the past 15 years.
5. Shakira
Shakira is already a prolific artist despite being only 34 years old. She’s been active in the music world since the age of 13 and has been one of the top selling artists worldwide since her breakout in 2001. She has released seven studio albums, four live albums and two compilation albums throughout her career as well as 39 singles. In total, her albums and singles have sold more than 70 million copies worldwide.
4. Beyonce
Despite beginning her career as a member of Destiny’s Child, Beyonce is far better known for her work as a solo artist. Her solo career began in 2003 and since, she has released four studio albums, five live albums and 48 singles. Overall she has sold more than 75 million records worldwide and was the highest paid entertainer under 30.
3. Rihanna
Rihanna is the youngest member of this exclusive list, checking in at the young age of 23. Since her debut in 2005, Rihanna has been inexhaustible at music creation with six albums in seven years. She’s sold more than 20 million albums and 60 million singles worldwide making her one of the youngest ever to achieve such a feat.
2. Lady Gaga
Surprising as it is, Lady Gaga is not the number one artist on this list. She does however have the greatest record sales per year. Gaga has only been active since 2008 and yet is heading towards the top of this list. Gaga has released only two studio albums and three EPs along with 17 singles, and she has already sold more than 23 million albums and 64 million singles worldwide.
1. Britney Spears
Britney Spears has the longest duration in the pop spotlight of any other member of this list. Since her breakout album in 1998, Spears has seven studio albums, four compilation albums and 37 singles. Worldwide she is one of a select few artists to sell over 100 million records and she is one of only 10 women to ever sell more than 100 million records.
Sources:
Informador Staff, Tributo para Shakira, Informador.com
Jill Serjent, Britney Spears Praises “Glee” Tribute, Reuters.com
New Statesman Staff, People Who Matter 50-41, Newstatesman.com
BBC Staff, Lady Gaga to Perform at Belfast MTV Awards, BBC.co.uk