Rihanna Was Just Named the #3 Artist of the Century—But #1 and #2 Were a Big Surprise

When it comes to music rankings, Billboard has it covered. From the Hot 100 to Artist of the Year, these lists are basically the gold standard for fans and artists alike. The latest? Billboard just announced its Artist of the 21st Century. Yes, as in the top artist of the last 25 years (no pressure, right?). Landing a spot on this list is a huge deal, so let’s break it down—who made the cut?

Taking third place is none other than Rihanna. Billboard revealed on Wednesday, January 8, that the 36-year-old Fenty Beauty founder, like everyone else, claimed her spot “based on @billboardcharts performance from the start of 2000 through the end of 2024.”

“Since roaring onto the Billboard charts for the first time in 2005, Rihanna achieved two #Billboard200 No. 1 albums and 14 #Hot100 No. 1 songs through first 25 years of the century,” they announced.

While Rihanna landing in the top 10 (let alone top 3) is hardly shocking—fans are still waiting not-so-patiently for another album—it’s the top two spots that might surprise you.

Coming in second is Drake. Even though 2024 was a quieter year for the 38-year-old rapper (minus his feud with Kendrick Lamar), his impact is undeniable.

“Dating to his breakthrough in 2009, Drake dominated with 14 No. 1s on both the #Billboard200 albums and #Hot100 songs charts through the first 25 years of the century,” Billboard posted.

They also noted in an article, “The pop/hip-hop cornerstone amassed a record 78 Hot 100 top 10s and, in 2021, became the first artist since The Beatles in 1964 to lock down the Hot 100’s top five in a single week.”

And taking the number one spot? Minor shocker here (since her career didn't begin in earnest until 2006)—it’s Taylor Swift. Fresh off her record-smashing Eras Tour, this win does make sense.

“The country-turned pop superstar has been a mainstay on the Billboard charts since her arrival in 2006—scoring 14 #Billboard200 No. 1 albums and 12 #Hot100 No. 1 songs through the first quarter of the century,” Billboard shared. “Swift also became the first artist to claim the entire top 10 on the Hot 100 in a single week—a feat she achieved twice, in 2022 and 2024.”