The 20 Best Female Singers of the 2000s

Think about the best female singers of the 2000s. Who comes to mind? This decade was filled with so many talented women. From Pop idols like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, to rock stars like Hayley William and Avril Lavigne, these ladies have all had a huge impact on music.

Let’s take a look at the 20 best female singers of the 2000s.

1. Beyoncé

Few singers have achieved the level of success that Beyoncé has attained in her career. She first came to prominence as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, and her powerful voice quickly established her as one of the best female singers of the early 2000s.

Since going solo, Beyoncé has only continued to grow as an artist, releasing a series of chart-topping albums and singles like “Irreplaceable” and “Crazy In Love”.

She has also proved herself to be a talented performer, thrilling audiences with her dynamic stage shows. In addition, Beyoncé is well-respected for her charitable work and her commitment to social causes. All of these factors have helped to make her one of the best-selling artists of all time.

2. Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez is also one of the most successful female singers of the 2000s. She has sold over 75 million records and has won numerous awards. Even though she has not yet won a Grammy, her music has been praised for its catchy hooks and danceable beats, and she has been hailed as a role model for Latina women.

She is a talented singer, actress, and businesswoman and has helped to redefine what it means to be a successful woman in the 21st century. In the 2000s, she released a total of 5 albums which is a testament to her work.

3. Norah Jones

Norah Jones emerged on the music scene with her debut album “Come Away with Me”, which won six Grammy Awards, three of which came from the song “Don’t Know Why”. Since then, she has released seven more studio albums, all of which have been met with critical acclaim. Jones is known for her soulful voice and her ability to cross genres, from jazz and blues to pop and country.

She has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, and OutKast. With over 50 million records sold worldwide, Norah Jones is one of the best-selling female artists of all time. She continues to be a powerhouse in the music industry and shows no signs of slowing down.

4. Hayley Williams

Hayley Williams burst onto the scene in the early 2000s as the lead singer of Paramore, and she quickly established herself as one of the best female singers of her generation. Her powerful voice and energetic stage presence made her a natural focal point for the band, and she became a popular figure in the music industry.

Throughout her career, Hayley has evolved as a singer and songwriter, regularly releasing new music that captivates her fans. Williams’ unique style and incredible vocals quickly made her one of the most popular singers in the emo/pop punk scene.

5. Michelle Branch

Known for her catchy pop hooks and powerful vocal delivery, Michelle Branch was one of the most successful female singers of the early 2000s. She first rose to prominence with her major label debut album, “The Spirit Room”, which was certified double platinum by the RIAA.

Branch continued to enjoy success with subsequent releases, including the hit single “Everywhere” and her collaboration with Santana on “The Game of Love.” Her music has resonated with fans for its relatable lyrics and catchy melodies, cementing her place as one of the best female singers of her generation.

6. Avril Lavigne

It would be hard to overstate the impact that Avril Lavigne had on pop music in the early 2000s. With her unique blend of punk rock and pop, she created a sound that was entirely her own. More importantly, she proved that women could be just as successful as men in the male-dominated world of rock music.

Her debut studio album, “Let Go”, was an instant hit, selling more than 16 million copies worldwide. It produced a string of hits, including “Complicated,” “Sk8er Boi,” and “I’m With You.” Lavigne’s success paved the way for other female artists in the rock genre, and she remains one of the most influential singers of all time.

7. Kelly Clarkson

In a decade filled with talented female singers, Kelly Clarkson stood out as one of the best. Her powerful voice and ability to connect with her fans made her a force to be reckoned with.

Whether she was belting out hits like “Since U Been Gone” or delivering emotional ballads like “Because of You,” Clarkson always managed to dazzle. She also proved to be a gifted songwriter, penning many of her own hits as well as collaborating with other artists.

In addition to her musical talent, she was a refreshing change from the often-diva-like behavior of other female celebrities. For all these reasons, it’s no wonder that Clarkson is still revered by many as one of the best female singers of the 2000s.

8. Mariah Carey

There’s nobody quite like Mariah Carey. She is one of the best-selling musical artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. Carey is a five-time Grammy Award winner and she has achieved numerous other accolades throughout her career.

In addition to her musical talents, Carey is also known for her diva-like persona and her iconic fashion sense. Carey has released hit after hit throughout her career, including “Vision of Love”, “One Sweet Day”, and “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” She is truly one of the most successful singers of the past few decades.

9. Pink

Alecia Beth Moore, better known as Pink, is one of the most successful female singers of the 2000s. She has released eight studio albums. In addition, she has won three Grammy Awards and has been nominated for numerous other awards.

Pink is known for her powerful vocal performances and her ability to write catchy pop songs. Her unique style has influenced a generation of young women, and she has become an icon in the music industry. Pink is one of the best female singers of the 2000s, and there is no doubt that she will continue to entertain audiences for years to come.

10. Nelly Furtado

Do you remember singing along to “I’m Like a Bird” in the early 2000s? If so, then you’re probably a fan of Nelly Furtado. The Canadian singer-songwriter rose to fame with her debut album, “Whoa, Nelly!”, which sold more than six million copies worldwide.

Furtado’s music is a unique blend of pop, R&B, and folk. Her lyrics are often personal and introspective, and she is known for her emotionally powerful vocal performances. Furtado has won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award and Juno Awards, and she remains one of the most successful female singers of all time.

11. Britney Spears

Few artists have had as much of an impact on popular culture as Britney Spears. Since coming onto the scene in the 1990s, she has sold over 100 million albums and has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards. Her unique blend of pop, dance, and R&B has made her rise to superstardom up until today.

In addition to her musical accomplishments, Spears is also known for her scandalous personal life, which has often made headlines. However, despite her personal troubles, Spears has remained a powerful force in the music industry.

12. Christina Aguilera

From her early days on “The Mickey Mouse Club” to her current role as a judge on “The Voice,” Christina Aguilera has cemented her place as one of the most successful singers of the past two decades. While she got her start in pop music, Aguilera has since shown her versatility as an artist, experimenting with different genres including R&B, soul, and hip-hop.

She is also known for her powerful vocal range, which has earned her comparisons to some of the greatest singers of all time. Some of her popular hits include “Beautiful,” and “Ain’t No Other Man”, all of which were released in the early 2000s.

13. Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer who has achieved massive success in the music industry. She has released eight studio albums, and her debut album, “Songs in A Minor” (2001), went on to sell over 12 million copies worldwide.

Alicia Keys is a multi-platinum selling artist who has won numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards. In addition to her musical talents, Keys is also an outspoken advocate for social justice. She has been involved in numerous charitable causes, and she has used her platform to speak out against racism, sexism, and homophobia. Alicia Keys is one of the most successful and respected female singers of the 21st century.

14. Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus first came to prominence as a child star on the Disney Channel show “Hannah Montana.” Since then, she has released several albums that have been huge hits, both in the United States and internationally. Cyrus is known for her catchy pop songs and her energetic stage performances.

Some of her notable hits include “Party in the U.S.A.”, “We Can’t Stop”, and “Wrecking Ball”. Cyrus has released seven studio albums, all incredibly successful, and has cemented her place in the music industry.

15. Ashlee Simpson

Ashlee Simpson rose to fame in the early 2000s with her hit single “Pieces of Me.” The accompanying album, “Autobiography”, debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 100 and went on to be certified triple platinum. Simpson followed up her debut with the album “I Am Me”, which topped the charts in 2005. Simpson’s music is a mix of pop, rock, and R&B, and she has been praised for her powerful vocal performances.

In addition to her successful solo career, Simpson has also appeared on her own reality show, as well as on Broadway. It’s safe to say that Simpson has cemented her place as one of the most successful singers of the 2000s.

16. JoJo

In the early 2000s, JoJo was one of the most promising young singers in the music industry. Her debut album, “JoJo,” went platinum and she was recognized as the youngest solo artist to have a No. 1 single on the Billboard Top 40 with “Leave (Get Out).” At the age of 13, JoJo already achieved what many singer-songwriters only dream of.

She continued to release successful albums throughout the mid-2000s, but personal struggles and a lengthy legal battle with her record label left JoJo out of the spotlight for several years. Despite all of these challenges, there’s no denying that JoJo is a talented singer who has achieved a great deal of success.

17. Sara Bareilles

Sara Bareilles is one of the best female singers of the 2000s. She first rose to prominence with her hit single “Love Song,” which quickly went viral on the internet. Since then, she has released several successful albums and singles, including “Brave” and “She Used to Be Mine.” Bareilles is known for her candid lyrics and powerful vocal performances.

She has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards and won other prestigious awards, such as the Music Pioneer Award. Her success as a singer-songwriter has helped to pave the way for other female artists in the industry.

18. Lily Allen

Lily Allen is an english singer, songwriter, and actress. She first came to public attention in 2005 when she was featured in a BBC Radio 1 program. Her first hit single, “Smile”, topped the UK Singles Chart in July 2006. Her debut album, “Alright, Still” (2006), was well received by critics and sold a whopping 2.6 million copies.

Since then, she has released three more studio albums, all of which have been hugely successful both commercially and critically. Lily is known for her catchy pop melodies, witty lyrics, and unique style, which often incorporates elements of hip hop and grime. Love her or hate her, there’s no denying that Lily Allen is a popular and successful singer.

19. Mary J. Blige

Another superstar that stood out in the 2000s was Mary J. Blige. She is a nine-time Grammy Award winner and she has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Blige is known for her soulful voice and her ability to connect with her fans on a deep level.

Her music often deals with personal and social issues, such as heartbreak, poverty, and addiction. Blige has remained relevant throughout her career by constantly evolving her sound and experimenting with different genres of music.

20. Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse was one of the most successful and talented singers of the 2000s. She won five Grammy Awards in 2008, including Best New Artist and Record of the Year. Winehouse’s album “Back to Black” was a huge commercial and critical success, and it has been certified 14 times platinum in the United Kingdom.

Her rise to fame was unfortunately cut short by her untimely death in 2011. However, Winehouse’s music continues to live on and she is considered one of the most influential singers of her generation.

Final Thoughts

The 2000s were a great decade for music, and many amazing female singers graced the charts. It was difficult to narrow it down to just 20, but these are the ladies who we think truly dominated the decade!

Beyonce Featured Image (Top-Left) by: Sassy, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Christina Aguilera Featured (Top-Right) Image by: jenniferlinneaphotography from Denver, CO, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mariah Carey Featured Image (Bottom-Left) by: WBLS, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jennifer Lopez Featured Image (Bottom-Right) by: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from Washington D.C, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Brian Clark

Brian Clark

I’ve been a writer with Musician Wave for six years, turning my 17-year journey as a multi-instrumentalist and music producer into insightful news, tutorials, reviews, and features.

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