Every year, the staff at Billboard picks out which pop star ruled the year. They have been doing this since 1981 and they don’t repeat a pick very often, but Madonna, Beyoncé, and Rihanna have all made the list twice already.
Most recently, BTS took the honor in 2020, but now they are looking at who was the best in 2021 and they’re giving you a chance to weigh in. Click this link to vote now!
We’re looking between Taylor Swift, Lil Nas X, Adele, Doja Cat, The Weeknd, BTS, Drake, Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Olivia Rodrigo, Willow, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Harry Styles, The Kid LAROI, Lil Baby & Lil Durk, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyler the Creator, aaaaaand Ye (aka Kanye West). Could this be the year we get another repeat winner?
If you’re a sucker for a list like I am, I got you this. It’s every pick since the very beginning of this yearly tradition:
1981: Blondie
1982: John Mellencamp
1983: Michael Jackson
1984: Prince
1985: Madonna
1986: Whitney Houston
1987: Bon Jovi
1988: George Michael
1989: Madonna
1990: Janet Jackson
1991: Mariah Carey
1992: Nirvana
1993: Janet Jackson
1994: Boyz II Men
1995: TLC
1996: Alanis Morrisette
1997: P.Diddy
1998: Backstreet Boys
1999: Britney Spears
2000: N’Sync
2001: Jennifer Lopez
2002: Eminem
2003: Beyoncé
2004: Usher
2005: Kanye West
2006: Justin Timberlake
2007: Rihanna
2008: Lil’ Wayne
2009: Lady Gaga
2010: Katy Perry
2011: Adele
2012: Rihanna
2013: Miley Cyrus
2014: Beyoncé
2015: Taylor Swift
2016: Justin Bieber
2017: Ed Sheeran
2018: Drake
2019: Ariana Grande
2020: BTS
2021: TAYLOR SWIFT
