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80 Influential Female Singer worldwide

This authoritative list celebrates the female vocal powerhouses who have defined genres and shaped the global music landscape.

Saiki Atsumi

Saiki Atsumi

BAND-MAID

Lead vocalist of internationally acclaimed Japanese hard rock band BAND-MAID, known for powerful aggressive vocals and magnetic stage presence, pioneering Japanese rock on global stage

Keiko Terada

Keiko Terada

LOVEBITES

Vocalist, composer and lyricist for all-female power metal band LOVEBITES, known for High Tone and Long Tone Voice with classical ballet background, leading figure in modern Japanese power metal scene

Shiina Ringo

Shiina Ringo

Tokyo Jihen

Founder and lead vocalist of Tokyo Jihen, revolutionary influence on Japanese alternative rock, acclaimed songwriter and performer with 2.3 million albums sold and 4 number 1 albums

ASAMI

ASAMI

Show-Ya

Co-founder and lead vocalist of pioneering Japanese all-female heavy metal band Show-Ya, trailblazer for women in metal inspiring new generations of female musicians

Tina Turner

Tina Turner

Ike & Tina Revue

The 'Queen of Rock n Roll' and gold standard for female rock singers, known for her explosive energy and comeback with Private Dancer album selling 11 million copies

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin

Solo Artist

The undisputed 'Queen of Soul', ranked #1 on Rolling Stone's Greatest Singers list, first female inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Amy Lee

Amy Lee

Evanescence

Unforgettably haunting vocal range, initial encounter in female presence in heavily male metal realm

Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks

Fleetwood Mac

Iconic voice behind Fleetwood Mac's biggest hits, known for mystical stage presence and poetic songwriting

N.O.A (Nerve on Air)

N.O.A (Nerve on Air)

Instinct of Sight

A Gem of Asian heavy music, N.O.A redefines metalcore with her wide range, soulful melody hooks ,explosive rock belting, raw emotional inspired a generation of vocalists.

Ann Wilson

Ann Wilson

Heart

Powerhouse vocalist who helped define female presence in hard rock with incredible range and power

Joan Jett

Joan Jett

The Runaways, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

Proud feminist who led the charge in punk rock, breaking barriers for women in rock music

Lzzy Hale

Lzzy Hale

Halestorm

Known for vocal range that reaches extremes of emotion and devastating attitude, leading modern female metal

Taylor Momsen

Taylor Momsen

The Pretty Reckless

Known for gravelly vocals and sultry tone, bringing attitude and edge to modern rock

Sharon den Adel

Sharon den Adel

Within Temptation

Has held her throne at the heart of symphonic metal since 1996, known for angelic and cherubic vocals

Alissa White-Gluz

Alissa White-Gluz

Arch Enemy, The Agonist

Screamer-in-chief with cord-shredding talents, leading voice in extreme metal

Simone Simons

Simone Simons

Epica

Operatic tones and angelic range have kept Epica at the forefront of symphonic metal since 2002

Maria Brink

Maria Brink

In This Moment

Has redefined performance art and metal, challenging religious imagery and feminine stereotypes

Larissa Stupar

Larissa Stupar

Venom Prison

Known for vicious, teeth-baring uncleans and savage growls as if delivered from the gates of hell itself

Madonna

Madonna

Solo Artist

Sold over 300 million records worldwide, the Queen of Pop who constantly reinvented herself

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift

Solo Artist

Claimed entire top 14 titles on Hot 100 in single week, 14th Billboard 200 No. 1 most among women

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey

Solo Artist

First artist to top Hot 100 in four distinct decades, known for incredible vocal range and whistle notes

Adele

Adele

Solo Artist

Her album 21 ruled Billboard 200 for 24 weeks, longest No. 1 run ever for album by a woman

Katy Perry

Katy Perry

Solo Artist

Notched five Hot 100 No. 1s from album Teenage Dream, matching Michael Jackson's record

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald

Chick Webb Orchestra

Part of Holy Trinity of jazz singers, agile and athletic voice, won 13 Grammy Awards

Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday

Various Jazz Ensembles

Part of Holy Trinity of jazz singers, communicated deep emotion with husky voice, Strange Fruit civil rights classic

Sarah Vaughan

Sarah Vaughan

Various Jazz Ensembles

Part of Holy Trinity of jazz singers, known as The Divine One for vibrato-laden sound and wide range

Nina Simone

Nina Simone

Solo Artist

Profoundly influential with unique genre amalgamation, classical piano prodigy and Civil Rights activist

Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith

Various Blues Ensembles

The Empress of Blues, most popular singer of 1920s/30s, influenced Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa

Solo Artist

Shot to fame in 1971 with debut as Countess in Le Nozze De Figaro at Royal Opera House, founded Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation

Dame Emma Kirkby

Dame Emma Kirkby

Solo Artist

Queen of Early Music with instantly recognizable voice with agile coloratura and very little vibrato

Anne Sofie von Otter

Anne Sofie von Otter

Solo Artist

Acclaimed Swedish mezzo-soprano hailed for her uniquely flexible voice and versatile repertoire

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton

Solo Artist

Composed over 3,000 songs, received Living Legend Award from US Library of Congress, country music icon

Patsy Cline

Patsy Cline

Solo Artist

Essential singles include Walkin' After Midnight, Crazy, I Fall to Pieces - country music legend

Loretta Lynn

Loretta Lynn

Solo Artist

Essential singles include Coal Miner's Daughter and The Pill, authentic voice of working-class women

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston

Solo Artist

One of best-selling artists of all time, powerful voice that defined 80s and 90s pop-R&B

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson

Solo Artist

Pop and R&B icon who influenced dance-pop and contemporary R&B with innovative music videos

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige

Solo Artist

Queen of Hip-Hop Soul who fused R&B with hip-hop, bringing raw emotional authenticity to contemporary R&B

Diana Ross

Diana Ross

The Supremes, Solo Artist

Formed 1960s trio The Supremes, solo hits include Ain't No Mountain High Enough, named female entertainer of century by Billboard

Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle

LaBelle, Solo Artist

Legendary R&B vocalist known for powerful gospel-influenced voice and dynamic stage presence

Anita Baker

Anita Baker

Solo Artist

Sophisticated R&B vocalist known for smooth jazz-influenced style and intimate vocal delivery

Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan

Rufus, Solo Artist

Queen of Funk known for powerful voice and dynamic range across funk, R&B, and jazz

Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse

Solo Artist

Neo-soul artist who brought retro soul and jazz influences to contemporary music with raw emotional delivery

Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight

The Pips, Solo Artist

Empress of Soul known for powerful voice and emotional storytelling with The Pips and solo career

Sade Adu

Sade Adu

Sade

Nigerian-British singer fronting band Sade, 2010 album Soldier of Love became second No. 1 on Billboard 200

Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill

Fugees, Solo Artist

Revolutionary artist who fused hip-hop, R&B, and neo-soul, influential in 90s music

Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu

Solo Artist

Queen of Neo-Soul who pioneered the genre with jazz-influenced R&B and spiritual themes

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys

Solo Artist

Classical-trained pianist who brought sophisticated musicianship to contemporary R&B

Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton

Solo Artist

Known for sultry voice and emotional ballad delivery, multiple Grammy winner

Brandy Norwood

Brandy Norwood

Solo Artist

Transitioned from 90s teen queen to sophisticated adult R&B stylist, hit Number One with Monica duet

H.E.R.

H.E.R.

Solo Artist

Grammy, Emmy, and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter, acronym for Having Everything Revealed

Beyoncé

Beyoncé

Destiny's Child, Solo Artist

Global superstar who evolved from Destiny's Child to solo dominance, known for powerful vocals and performances

Rihanna

Rihanna

Solo Artist

Barbadian pop superstar known for versatile genre approach and distinctive Caribbean-influenced delivery

Celine Dion

Celine Dion

Solo Artist

Canadian pop superstar known for powerful voice and emotional delivery, international success

Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell

Solo Artist

Legendary singer-songwriter known for poetic lyrics and innovative guitar work, influential in folk and rock

Björk

Björk

The Sugarcubes, Solo Artist

Icelandic artist known for avant-garde approach and unique vocal style, pushing boundaries of pop music

Fiona Apple

Fiona Apple

Solo Artist

Alternative rock artist known for intense emotional delivery and piano-driven compositions

Sinead O'Connor

Sinead O'Connor

Solo Artist

Irish singer known for powerful voice and controversial activism, brought Celtic influences to alternative rock

Alanis Morissette

Alanis Morissette

Solo Artist

Canadian alternative rock artist who brought confessional songwriting and female anger to mainstream rock

Dolores O'Riordan

Dolores O'Riordan

The Cranberries

Irish vocalist known for distinctive voice and Celtic influences in alternative rock with The Cranberries

PJ Harvey

PJ Harvey

Solo Artist

British alternative rock artist known for experimental approach and artistic integrity

Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani

No Doubt, Solo Artist

Vocalist for No Doubt who brought ska-punk to mainstream, successful solo pop career

Garbage (Shirley Manson)

Garbage (Shirley Manson)

Garbage

Scottish vocalist for Garbage, known for sultry voice and electronic-influenced alternative rock

Courtney Love

Courtney Love

Hole

Grunge vocalist known for raw emotional intensity and feminist themes in 90s alternative rock

Tori Amos

Tori Amos

Solo Artist

Piano-driven alternative rock artist known for emotional intensity and classical piano technique

Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey

Solo Artist

Alternative pop artist known for cinematic sound and nostalgic American aesthetic

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish

Solo Artist

Known for subtlety and breathy texture that inspired new generation of pop singers, #1 on Spotify 2020

Lorde

Lorde

Solo Artist

New Zealand alternative pop artist known for sophisticated songwriting and mature delivery despite young age

Halsey

Halsey

Solo Artist

Alternative pop artist known for emotional rawness and genre-blending approach to contemporary pop

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga

Solo Artist

Versatile artist known for pop anthems and jazz standards, Academy Award winner for acting and songwriting

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande

Solo Artist

Pop superstar known for incredible vocal range and R&B-influenced pop style

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa

Solo Artist

British-Albanian pop star known for disco-influenced dance-pop, #4 on Spotify's Top 50 Female Artists 2020

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus

Solo Artist

Evolved from teen pop to rock artist, known for vocal versatility and personal reinvention

P!nk

P!nk

Solo Artist

Known for powerful voice, acrobatic live performances, and rebellious pop-rock attitude

Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera

Solo Artist

Pop superstar known for incredible vocal range and powerful belting technique

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj

Solo Artist

Leading female rapper known for versatile delivery and character voices, #7 on Spotify's Top 50 Female Artists 2020

Doja Cat

Doja Cat

Solo Artist

Versatile artist known for genre-blending approach and internet-savvy pop-rap style

SZA

SZA

Solo Artist

Alternative R&B artist known for vulnerable delivery and neo-soul influences

Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion

Solo Artist

Leading female rapper known for confident delivery and female empowerment themes

Cardi B

Cardi B

Solo Artist

Bronx rapper known for authentic delivery and crossover pop appeal

Summer Walker

Summer Walker

Solo Artist

Contemporary R&B artist whose debut album Over It logged biggest week for R&B album by female artist in over three years

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