Figuring out who the “most famous singer in the world” is can be tricky. So many different music styles and personal opinions make it hard to settle on one answer. For this list, we looked at several important factors, like a singer’s monthly streams, social media followers across platforms, and their global monthly search volume on the web.
Looking at just one factor to curate a list like this would be unfair, right? Many would still not agree with this list and that’s fine! Coz it’s just meant to be for entertainment purposes.
The research team touched 3 different points for which the data was readily available for every artist on this list. Look at the section below to find out how we evaluated the results!
Research That Went Behind Curating The List
To determine the most famous singers in the world, we focused primarily on social media following, as it reflects the artists’ popularity in today’s digital age. We carefully examined each artist’s social media presence, tallying their total number of followers across platforms. This initial metric provides insight into how many fans engage with each artist online.
Next, we considered the global search volume for each artist, which indicates how often people search for them on Google each month. This data helps us understand the level of interest and curiosity surrounding these musicians worldwide.
Additionally, we looked at the number of monthly listeners on Spotify for October 2024. Given that Spotify is the leading streaming platform, this metric is a strong indicator of an artist’s current popularity. We plan to include monthly listener statistics from Apple Music in future updates to enhance the list’s comprehensiveness.
By continuously updating this data, we aim to keep the list fresh and relevant, ensuring it remains as unbiased as possible while accurately reflecting the current landscape of music fame.
Okay, now let’s have a look at what we got!
Singer | Global Search | Social Media Following | Spotify Streams | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|---|
Selena Gomez | 2.5 | 597.5 | 38.2 | 638.2 |
Justin Bieber | 2.4 | 515.3 | 81.24 | 598.94 |
Taylor Swift | 17 | 473.4 | 93.41 | 583.81 |
Ariana Grande | 3 | 479.7 | 79.81 | 562.51 |
Katy Perry | 1.1 | 365.6 | 59.89 | 426.59 |
Beyoncé | 0.538 | 365.8 | 54.35 | 420.728 |
Rihanna | 2 | 303.6 | 86.69 | 392.29 |
Jennifer Lopez | 2.3 | 333.7 | 25.7 | 361.7 |
Miley Cyrus | 1.6 | 302.4 | 55.4 | 359.4 |
Nicki Minaj | 1.4 | 306 | 45.8 | 353.2 |
Billie Eilish | 5.4 | 217.4 | 108.21 | 331.01 |
Shakira | 2 | 227.4 | 62.99 | 292.39 |
Drake | 2.6 | 212.5 | 75.27 | 290.37 |
Cardi B | 1.2 | 246.6 | 31 | 278.8 |
Lady Gaga | 1.9 | 163.9 | 105.03 | 270.83 |
All the values are in million
15 Most Famous Singer In The World In 2024
Let’s get started with list:
1. Selena Gomez
- Instagram: 423 Million
- Spotify: 38.24 Million Monthly Listeners
- Total Recorded Song: 126
- Total Won Awards: 268
- Official Website: salenagomez.com
Selena Gomez is an American Hispanic singer and actress. She started her career acting on the Disney Channel and gained fame with her role on Wizards of Waverly Place. Over the years, she’s released hit songs and sold millions of album copies to date.
Selena and Justin Bieber, who is #2 on this list had a long affair back in the day, and both their fans still hold a grudge against each artist after the split. Selena has acted in Only Murders in the Building and produced the popular series 13 Reasons Why. She also advocates for mental health awareness and uses her platform to support important causes.
2. Justin Bieber
- Instagram: 295 Million
- Spotify: 81.58 Million Monthly Listeners
- Total Won Award: 379 (Grammy 2)
- Total Song Count: 138
- Official Website: justinbiebermusic.com
Justin Bieber is a Canadian singer who gained fame at a very early age after being discovered on YouTube. His debut single “Baby” is a massive hit, and all the millennials might have vibed to it back in the day.
Over the years, Justin has released chart-topping albums and singles. Bieber’s smooth voice, catchy tunes, and personal journey through fame have kept him in the spotlight. He recently made a $200 million deal with Hipgnosis Song Management to transfer ownership of his music to them. Despite ups and downs in his career and personal life, Justin remains one of the biggest names in pop music today.
3. Taylor Swift
- Instagram: 283 Million
- Spotify: 92.63 Million Monthly Listeners
- Total Won Awards: 668 (Grammy 14)
- Total Song Count: 274
- Official Website: taylorswift.com
Taylor Swift is an American singer-songwriter who began her career in country music before rising to global pop stardom. Known for her storytelling and lyrical geniuses, she has released a series of hit albums, including Fearless, 1989, and Midnights, with tracks such as “Love Story,” “Shake It Off,” and “Anti-Hero.” which have all ended up on top of Billboard’s lists.
She is a multiple Grammy winner and has a massive, dedicated fanbase called “Swifties.” Her ability to evolve her sound and connect deeply with fans has made her one of the most influential and successful artists of the current time.
4. Ariana Grande
- Instagram: 376 Million
- Spotify: 81 Million Monthly Listeners
- Total Won Awards: 263 (Grammy 2)
- Total Song Count: 84
- Official Website: arianagrande.com
Ariana Grande is an American singer and actress who rose to fame after starring in Victorious, but it was her transition to music that catapulted her to global stardom. Known for her extraordinary vocal range, she has achieved over 90 billion streams and is one of the most streamed female artists on Spotify.
She is a multiple Grammys winner and is among the few artists to have several songs debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Ariana is truly one of the most successful and influential pop stars of our generation.
5. Katy Perry
- Instagram: 205 Million
- Spotify: 61.70 Million Monthly Listeners
- Total Won Awards: 108
- Total Song Count: 66
- Official Website: katyperry.com
Katy Perry is an American singer-songwriter who became a global pop sensation with her breakthrough in the late 2000s. Known for her catchy songs and bold, colorful style, she has sold over 135 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Katy has had numerous number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and was the first woman to have five number-one singles from the same album. Her performances are known for their energy and visual spectacle, and she remains one of the most successful and recognizable figures in pop music today.
6. Beyoncé
- Instagram: 314 Million
- Spotify: 55.18 Million Monthly Listeners
- Total Won Awards: 721 (Grammy 32)
- Total Song Count: 146
- Official Website: beyonce.com
Beyoncé is an American singer, songwriter, and performer who gained prominence as the lead vocalist of Destiny’s Child before achieving solo superstardom. Over her career, she has become a cultural icon, known for her unmatched vocal ability and dynamic stage presence. With more than 200 million records and over 120 million albums sold worldwide, Beyoncé is the most-awarded artist in Grammy history (32 titles won).
Beyonce also holds the title of being the first Black woman to headline Coachella. Beyond music, Beyoncé is celebrated for her influence in fashion, film, and activism, cementing her status as one of the most powerful and influential figures in entertainment history.
7. Rihanna
- Instagram: 13 Million
- Spotify: 85.50 Million Monthly Listeners
- Total Won Awards: 184 (Grammy 9)
- Total Song Count: 108
- Official Website: rihannanow.com
Rihanna, aka RiRi, is a Barbadian singer, businesswoman, and actress who skyrocketed to fame with her debut in the mid-2000s. Known for her versatile voice and ability to blend different genres, she has sold over 250 million records, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Rihanna has earned numerous awards, including nine Grammys, and has had 14 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, one of the most by any female artist.
Beyond music, she has made waves in the beauty and fashion industries with her Fenty brand, becoming the youngest self-made billionaire in the U.S. Her impact extends far beyond the charts, as she’s also recognized for her philanthropy and cultural influence worldwide.
8. Jennifer Lopez
- Instagram: 250 Million
- Spotify: 25.58 Million Monthly Listeners
- Total Won Awards: 200
- Total Song Count: 99
- Official Website: jenniferlopez.com
Jennifer Lopez, also known as J.Lo, is an American Hispanic singer, actress, and dancer who rose to fame in the late 1990s. With over 80 million records sold, she is one of the best-selling female artists in history. J.Lo was the first woman to have a number-one album and film in the same week, showcasing her crossover appeal.
She has received multiple awards, including Grammy nominations and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Beyond her music and acting, J.Lo is a successful entrepreneur with her own production company and a popular fragrance line. Her influence extends into fashion and philanthropy, making her a multifaceted icon in the entertainment industry.
9. Miley Cyrus
- Instagram: 214 Million
- Spotify: Million Monthly Listeners
- Total Won Awards: 137 (Grammy 2)
- Total Song Count: 74
- Official Website: mileycyrus.com
Miley Cyrus is another American singer and actress on the list (first is Selena Gomez) who first gained fame as the star of Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana. Known for her powerful voice and dynamic performances, she has sold over 20 million albums worldwide.
Miley’s musical style has evolved significantly over the years, from pop and country to rock and hip-hop, reflecting her growth as an artist. She is also recognized for her bold persona and willingness to challenge societal norms, particularly around femininity and sexuality.
In addition to her music career, Miley is an advocate for various causes, including animal rights and LGBTQ+ rights.
10. Nicki Minaj
- Instagram: 227 Million
- Spotify: 45.79 Million Monthly Listeners
- Total Won Awards: 446
- Total Song Count: 166
- Official Website: nickiminajofficial.com
Nicki Minaj is a rap sensation from America. She rose to fame in the late 2000s, showcasing her unique flow and lyrical prowess. As the first female artist to achieve over 100 entries on the Billboard Hot 100, she redefines the position women have in the rap scene. Nicki is a strong advocate for women in hip-hop and often uses her platform to address important issues.
With hits like “Anaconda” and “Starships,” she has built a massive following and earned numerous awards.
Her creativity and boldness make her one of the most influential female rappers in the world.
11. Billie Eilish
- Instagram: 120 Million
- Spotify: 107 Million Monthly Listeners
- Total Won Awards: 212 (Grammy 9)
- Total Song Count: 72
- Official Website: Billie Eilish (Wiki)
Bitch, I’m stylish – Glock tucked, big t-shirt, Billie Eilish!
She burst onto the music scene with “Ocean Eyes,” captivating audiences with her haunting voice and unique style. Her unique hair and dressing style often blends edgy and whimsical aesthetics with vibrant, sexy colors, oversized clothing, and cool accessories.
Billie’s music often touches on deep emotions and personal experiences, making her songs resonate with many young fans. Her cool, laid-back vibe and innovative music videos set her apart from other artists.
With several Grammy Awards to her name, Billie is shaping the future of pop music.
12. Shakira
- Instagram: 90.6 Million
- Spotify: 65 Million Monthly Listeners
- Total Won Awards: 423 (Grammy 3)
- Total Song Count: 167
- Official Website: shakira.com
Famously known for “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Waka Waka,” Shakira is a Colombian singer and songwriter celebrated for her catchy songs and seductive dance moves.
Shakira’s unique sound blends Latin and pop music, allowing her to connect with fans globally.
Known for her powerful voice and energetic performances, she’s also an advocate for education and children’s rights through her charity work. With countless awards and millions of albums sold, Shakira has made a lasting impact on the music industry.
13. Drake
- Instagram: 144 Million
- Spotify: 74 Million Monthly Listeners
- Total Won Awards: 193 (Grammy 55)
- Total Song Count: 149
- Official Website: drakerelated.com
Drake is a Canadian rapper and singer who has become one of the biggest names in music. He started as an actor but quickly transitioned to music, with hits like “Hotline Bling” and “God’s Plan.” Known for his catchy hooks and relatable lyrics, Drake’s songs often explore themes of love and success.
He has set numerous records on music charts and has a massive following. Drake’s ability to blend rap and R&B has redefined the music landscape, making him a trendsetter in the industry.
14. Cardi B
- Instagram: 165 Million
- Spotify: 30 Million Monthly Listeners
- Total Won Awards: 160 (Grammy 1)
- Total Song Count: 59
- Official Website: cardibofficial.com
Cardi B is known for her bold personality and catchy songs. She gained fame with her hit “Bodak Yellow,” which made her the first female rapper to top the Billboard Hot 100 with a solo single in nearly 20 years. Cardi’s music often reflects her life experiences, making her relatable to many fans.
Her confidence and unapologetic style have earned her a loyal following and several awards, including Grammy Awards. Cardi continues to break barriers in hip-hop and inspire others with her story.
15. Lady Gaga
- Instagram: 55.4 Million
- Spotify: 106 Monthly Listeners
- Total Won Awards: 407 (Grammy 13)
- Total Song Count: 79
- Official Website: ladygaga.com
“I’m off the deep end; watch as I dive in. I’ll never meet the ground.” Lady Gaga is definitely god gifted with her exceptional thinking and creativity in her songs.
She first gained fame with “Just Dance,” and since then, she has pushed the boundaries of music and fashion. Her songs often carry messages about love, acceptance, and empowerment, resonating with a diverse audience. With many awards, including Grammys and an Oscar for her acting, she is a true icon. Lady Gaga is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights, using her platform to inspire positive change.
She recently acted alongside Joaquin Phoenix in Joker: Folie à Deux.
What’s Interesting About This List?
Did you notice that there are only a couple of male singers on this list? The girl gang dominates the list of the top 15 famous musicians.
Drake, who is #13 on this list, was the most streamed artist on Spotify in the years 2015, 2016, and 2018! Bad Bunny, who was the most streamed artist on Spotify for three straight years from 2020 to 2022, did not make it to this list!
This also shows that “famous” doesn’t always mean more streams!
Related Read: Listen to the trending rap artist and learn about Hanumankind’s net worth and more.
Final Word On Most Famous Singer In The World 2024
This list was curated by music enthusiasts at Recreation Rush with love and thorough research. We’ll keep updating this space with new information and sections, as “the most famous” singers are not a fixed title and will change over time.
Did you enjoy our take? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!