15 Leading Women in Music Over the Past Decade

15 Leading Women in Music Over the Past Decade

The music industry has been transformed by powerful women who’ve shattered glass ceilings and redefined what’s possible for female artists. These 15 trailblazers have dominated charts, pushed creative boundaries, and built devoted global fanbases over the past decade. Their influence extends beyond music into fashion, business, and activism, making them true cultural icons whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

1. Beyoncé

Queen Bey reigns supreme as music’s ultimate powerhouse. Her groundbreaking visual albums ‘Lemonade’ and ‘Black Is King’ revolutionized how artists release music, blending stunning visuals with powerful storytelling about Black identity and feminism.

Beyond her 28 Grammy wins, Beyoncé’s business empire includes Ivy Park clothing and her Parkwood Entertainment company. Her 2018 Coachella performance, immortalized in the Netflix documentary ‘Homecoming,’ celebrated Black culture through HBCU traditions.

From her voice-of-a-generation anthems to her meticulous creative control, Beyoncé has redefined what it means to be a modern superstar while opening doors for countless artists who followed.

2. Taylor Swift

From country darling to pop phenomenon to indie-folk explorer, Taylor Swift’s evolution has captivated millions. Her masterful songwriting transforms personal experiences into universal anthems that connect deeply with fans across generations.

Swift’s battle for artistic ownership made headlines when she re-recorded her early albums as ‘Taylor’s Versions,’ empowering artists everywhere. Her Eras Tour became the highest-grossing tour in music history, crashing ticket websites and boosting local economies wherever it landed.

Beyond her 12 Grammy Awards, Swift’s business savvy and willingness to speak out on industry issues have established her as both a commercial force and respected artistic voice.

3. Adele

With a voice that stops the world in its tracks, Adele has carved out a unique space in modern music. Her soul-stirring ballads like ‘Hello’ and ‘Someone Like You’ showcase a raw emotional power that feels increasingly rare in today’s music landscape.

Despite limited touring and social media presence, each Adele album becomes a global event. Her record ’25’ sold 3.38 million copies in its first week alone – numbers once thought impossible in the streaming era.

The British songstress has maintained artistic integrity throughout her career, refusing to compromise her vintage-inspired sound or authentic image for commercial trends, proving that genuine talent and emotional honesty still resonate powerfully.

4. Rihanna

Barbados-born Rihanna transformed from pop princess to business mogul with breathtaking speed. Her Fenty Beauty line, valued at over $2.8 billion, revolutionized the cosmetics industry with its 40-shade foundation range that prioritized true inclusivity.

Though fans eagerly await her musical return, Rihanna’s fashion ventures – including Savage X Fenty lingerie – have disrupted traditional beauty standards and made her one of the world’s richest female musicians. Her 2023 Super Bowl halftime show reminded everyone of her catalog of hits spanning dancehall, EDM, hip-hop and pop.

As both entrepreneur and artist, Rihanna’s fearless boundary-pushing and cultural influence have created a blueprint for modern celebrity business empires.

5. Lady Gaga

From meat dresses to ‘A Star Is Born,’ Lady Gaga’s artistic journey defies categorization. Her early career shock-value visuals and electronic dance anthems gave way to jazz standards with Tony Bennett and the country-tinged ‘Joanne,’ showcasing remarkable versatility.

Gaga’s Oscar-winning song ‘Shallow’ cemented her crossover to respected actress while maintaining her musical relevance. Her Little Monsters fanbase represents one of music’s most devoted communities, drawn to her messages of self-acceptance and mental health advocacy.

Through her Born This Way Foundation and outspoken support for LGBTQ+ rights, Gaga has used her platform for meaningful social change while continuing to reinvent herself artistically with each project.

6. Dua Lipa

British-Albanian pop sensation Dua Lipa revitalized dance-pop with her sophomore album ‘Future Nostalgia.’ Released during the early pandemic, its disco-infused tracks provided much-needed escapism while showcasing her growth from promising newcomer to confident hitmaker.

Her transformation wasn’t overnight – early performance criticisms led to relentless work that resulted in her commanding stage presence today. Dua’s fashion influence parallels her musical impact, with her retro-futuristic style inspiring countless TikTok trends.

With her Sunny Hill Foundation supporting arts in Kosovo and her Service95 newsletter exploring global culture, Dua extends her influence beyond catchy hooks and choreographed routines into meaningful cultural conversations about identity and heritage.

7. Billie Eilish

At just 16, Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas created ‘Ocean Eyes’ in their childhood bedroom – now she’s redefining pop stardom for Gen Z. Her whispered vocals and gothic-inspired visuals challenged industry expectations, proving commercial success doesn’t require following established formulas.

Eilish’s candid discussions about depression, body image, and climate change resonate deeply with young fans seeking authentic voices. Her baggy clothing initially served as armor against body shaming before she reclaimed her image on her own terms with her ‘Happier Than Ever’ era.

As the youngest artist to sweep the Grammy’s major categories and write a James Bond theme, Eilish balances massive success with artistic integrity and environmental activism.

8. Ariana Grande

Few artists have faced Ariana Grande’s level of public tragedy and emerged with such resilience and artistic growth. Following the Manchester Arena bombing at her concert and the death of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, Grande channeled her grief into the career-defining ‘thank u, next’ album created in just two weeks.

Her four-octave vocal range draws comparisons to Mariah Carey, while her ability to blend R&B, pop, and hip-hop influences creates a distinctive sound. Grande’s ponytail-and-boots aesthetic has become as recognizable as her whistle notes.

Beyond her music, Grande’s openness about anxiety and PTSD has helped normalize mental health conversations among her young fanbase while her support for LGBTQ+ causes remains unwavering.

9. Miley Cyrus

From Disney star to provocative rebel to rock revivalist, Miley Cyrus embodies musical reinvention. Her controversial ‘Bangerz’ era and VMAs performance with Robin Thicke deliberately shattered her Hannah Montana image, announcing her artistic independence in the most public way possible.

After experimental phases including psychedelic (‘Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz’) and country (‘Younger Now’), Cyrus found her true voice in rock. Her raspy, powerful vocals on ‘Plastic Hearts’ and Grammy-winning ‘Flowers’ showcase her natural affinity for the genre.

Through her Happy Hippie Foundation supporting homeless LGBTQ+ youth and her candid discussions about gender fluidity, Cyrus uses her platform to advocate for those whose voices often go unheard.

10. Lana Del Rey

With her dreamy, cinematic soundscapes and vintage Americana aesthetics, Lana Del Rey created an entire musical universe unlike anything in modern pop. Despite early criticism questioning her authenticity, she has remained steadfastly committed to her melancholic vision across nine studio albums.

Her influence extends far beyond her own catalog – artists from Billie Eilish to Taylor Swift cite her as inspiration for their own work. Del Rey’s poetic lyrics exploring complex themes of tragic romance, nostalgia and the dark side of fame have earned her a devoted cult following.

From the orchestral grandeur of ‘Born To Die’ to the stripped-back folk of ‘Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd,’ her artistic evolution remains one of music’s most fascinating journeys.

11. Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj burst onto the scene with technicolor wigs and rapid-fire alter egos, bringing theatrical flair to hip-hop when few female rappers were given mainstream opportunities. Her verse on Kanye West’s ‘Monster’ is widely considered one of rap’s greatest guest appearances, showcasing her technical skills alongside genre titans.

As the first female artist with 100 Billboard Hot 100 hits, Minaj’s commercial impact is undeniable. Her Barbz fanbase represents one of music’s most passionate communities, mobilizing for everything from chart achievements to social causes.

Despite industry obstacles and media scrutiny, Minaj’s business ventures, including her Maxim Cherry Moscato line, and her willingness to demand equal treatment have created new possibilities for women in hip-hop.

12. Cardi B

The Grammy-winning rapper’s unlikely rise embodies the American dream with a distinctly modern twist. Her breakthrough hit ‘Bodak Yellow’ made her the first female rapper with a solo #1 since Lauryn Hill, announcing the arrival of an undeniable new voice in hip-hop.

Cardi’s unfiltered personality translates perfectly to social media, where her hilarious takes on everything from politics to parenthood have made her a cultural commentator beyond music. Her Latin heritage influences both her music and activism, particularly her outspoken support for immigrant rights.

As a fashion week regular and Playboy’s first creative director in residence, Cardi has expanded her influence while maintaining the authentic personality that first endeared her to fans.

13. Rosalía

Spanish innovator Rosalía transformed traditional flamenco into a global phenomenon by fearlessly blending it with reggaeton, electronic, and hip-hop elements. Her breakthrough concept album ‘El Mal Querer’ reimagined a 13th-century romance novel through stunning vocal performances and avant-garde production.

Her distinctive nail art, motorcycle aesthetics, and fashion-forward looks have made her as visually influential as she is musically groundbreaking. Rosalía’s collaborations with artists from Billie Eilish to Bad Bunny showcase her cross-cultural appeal and boundary-pushing approach.

By bringing Spanish musical traditions to new audiences while experimenting with global sounds, Rosalía has created a unique artistic language that honors her heritage while constantly evolving into unexpected new forms.

14. Shakira

Colombian superstar Shakira’s four-decade career demonstrates remarkable staying power in an industry obsessed with youth. Her unmistakable voice – with its Arabic influences and emotional vibrato – remains one of pop’s most distinctive instruments across Spanish and English-language hits.

Her hip movements became so iconic they spawned the hit ‘Hips Don’t Lie,’ but her true legacy lies in consistently bringing Latin sounds to global audiences. The 2023 breakup track ‘Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53’ broke 14 Guinness World Records, proving her continued cultural relevance.

Beyond music, Shakira’s Pies Descalzos Foundation has built schools across Latin America while her advocacy for global education earned her appointments to President Obama’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

15. Halsey

Halsey, an enigma of modern music, captivates audiences with her raw emotion and eclectic style. Her journey began with viral hits that resonated deeply with listeners, leading to a career defined by fearless exploration of genre and form.

Her ability to weave personal narratives into her music has forged a deep connection with fans, making her concerts not just performances, but communal experiences. Halsey’s influence extends beyond music; she’s a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, using her platform to speak on issues that echo her personal struggles.

Halsey’s stage name is an anagram of her real name, Ashley, and also a reference to a street in Brooklyn where she spent much of her youth.