Beyoncé Tops Billboard’s List of 25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century

Beyoncé rides into new territory on the cover of her 2024 album "Cowboy Carter," showcasing her evolution as Billboard’s Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century.

Beyoncé has been named the greatest pop star of the 21st century by Billboard. The music industry giant earned the title for her countless achievements, which include defining moments that have changed the industry, timeless releases, and her remarkable vocal and performance talents.

“Beyoncé tops our staff-chosen editorial list based on her full 25 years of influence, impact, evolution,” wrote Billboard’s Andrew Unterberger, who underscored her ability to deliver more than just music, but moments that resonate throughout pop culture.

Beyoncé, who rose to stardom in the late '90s with Destiny's Child, has forged a monumental solo career with not only chart successes but also influential cultural contributions. Billboard’s editorial staff cited her “ability to create moments” as a key reason for placing her at the top of their list of the "25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century." In their analysis, the publication emphasized that Beyoncé is “the bar against which all other pop stars this century have long been measured,” crediting her “commitment to innovation, evolution and all-around excellence.”

Beyoncé's legacy is built on her commitment to artistry, exemplified by iconic milestones like her 2013 surprise album drop that revolutionized the music industry and her headlining performance at Coachella in 2018, which became a symbol of Black cultural excellence. Her influence extends far beyond chart hits—she has been instrumental in shaping the future of music, from her role in popularizing the visual album format to her daring, genre-blending music that has sparked meaningful social conversations.

With 32 Grammy Awards, Beyoncé is the most decorated artist in Grammy history, and her influence shows no signs of waning. She received 11 nominations for her 2024 album "Cowboy Carter" and is expected to add more trophies to her collection in January.

The Houston native's presence on Billboard’s charts is equally noteworthy. As a solo artist, she has nine No. 1 singles and 24 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, while eight of her albums have claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Her journey began with her 2003 debut solo album "Dangerously In Love," which marked the start of a string of successes after already dominating the airwaves as part of Destiny’s Child.

Billboard also compiled a list of the "100 Greatest Moments" of Beyoncé's career, highlighting milestones such as her 2009 performance in the thriller "Obsessed" and her 2016 "Formation" video, which became a cultural statement on racial pride and female empowerment.

Since August, Billboard has ranked the top 25 pop artists of the last 25 years, highlighting those who have most defined pop stardom since the turn of the millennium. Last week, Taylor Swift was announced as the No. 2 pick, followed by Rihanna in the third spot. Adele, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Drake rounded out the top 10, with Katy Perry closing out the list at No. 25. Other pop artists recognized include Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, One Direction, Miley Cyrus, Eminem, and Usher.

Beyoncé's year has also been marked by her Renaissance World Tour, a showcase of her artistry that featured her daughter, Blue Ivy, joining her on stage—symbolizing a passing of the torch to a new generation.

Fans can read the full list of Billboard's "25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century" and Beyoncé's top 100 moments on Billboard's website.

Rapper Yak Gotti Wins Freedom After Jury Acquits Him in YSL Racketeering Case

Rapper Yak Gotti, whose real name is Deamonte Kendrick, was found not guilty on all charges in the Young Slime Life RICO case on Tuesday, ending a nearly two-year legal battle. The verdict came after a Fulton County jury deliberated for four days.

Kendrick's acquittal follows a violent incident on Sunday, when he was stabbed inside the Fulton County Jail while awaiting the jury's decision. Despite the attack, Kendrick appeared in court on Monday. His attorney, Doug Weinstein, confirmed that Kendrick sustained minor injuries from a sharp object during an altercation at the jail's South Annex in Union City, Georgia. Weinstein noted Kendrick received treatment, including staples to his head, and added, "He's doing really well."

“It’s a shame that anyone held in our jails has to go through that,” Weinstein said outside the Fulton County Courthouse. He also expressed hope for Kendrick's release, which became a reality following the jury's not guilty verdict.

Fulton County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Natalie Ammons stated that Kendrick and another detainee were involved in a fight and that an investigation is underway. "This is an active investigation to determine the aggressor in this incident and if charges will be pending," Ammons said.

Kendrick and co-defendant Shannon Stillwell were the last remaining defendants in the YSL trial, which saw 28 individuals indicted in May 2022 on charges including conspiracy to violate Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, murder, and other offenses. Jury selection for the trial began nearly two years ago, making it one of Georgia's longest-running trials.

Kendrick and Stillwell had rejected plea deals from prosecutors, unlike Young Thug — whose real name is Jeffery Williams — who, along with three others, accepted plea agreements in October. Williams pleaded no contest to RICO and gang-related charges, resulting in probation after serving more than a year and a half in jail.

Prosecutors argued that YSL, also known as Young Slime Life, was a criminal street gang linked to numerous offenses. Defense attorneys, however, contended that YSL is merely a record label — Young Stoner Life — and not a criminal organization.

On Tuesday, the jury found Kendrick not guilty on all counts, including conspiracy to violate the RICO Act, murder, gang activity, drug offenses, and firearm possession. Stillwell, meanwhile, was found guilty of a single count—possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced to 10 years, with time served taken into account, and will be released on probation.

Judge Paige Whitaker had previously issued a directed verdict of acquittal on three of Kendrick's original nine charges, including two counts of violating the Georgia Controlled Substances Act and possession of a machine gun, citing insufficient evidence for a conviction.

Young Thug's plea deal included conditions such as staying away from Atlanta for 10 years, performing community service, and avoiding gang associations and firearms. The co-defendants who chose not to accept plea deals had remained in jail while awaiting the jury's decision.

With Kendrick now acquitted, the YSL RICO case — one of Georgia's longest trials — ends with mixed outcomes for the defendants.

Snoop Dogg and Cori Broadus Share Family Secrets on 'Jennifer Hudson Show'

Snoop Dogg and Cori Broadus share laughs on "The Jennifer Hudson Show" as they reveal family secrets.

Snoop Dogg and his daughter Cori Broadus made an appearance on "The Jennifer Hudson Show," sharing funny and heartfelt stories about their father-daughter relationship. The episode, which aired Monday, gave viewers a lighthearted glimpse into their lives, showcasing the iconic rapper's unique parenting style and the bond he shares with his daughter.

During a game segment led by Jennifer Hudson, Cori admitted that the last time she lied to her father was earlier that very day. "He asked me if I was on my way yet, and I told him yes, but I had to do some other things first, so I really wasn't on my way," Cori said, eliciting laughter from the audience and her father.

Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, was then asked about a time Cori had been grounded. He recalled a humorous incident involving her car. "I bought her a Jeep Wagon for her 16th birthday, but her mama took it away. All of a sudden, her mama was driving the Jeep Wagon," Snoop said, laughing. Cori nodded and added that her mom would even drive her around in the car meant for her. "She don't play," Cori said, acknowledging her mother's strict but loving parenting.

"The Voice" host also shared the most extravagant gift he had given Cori—a million dollars for her wedding. He noted that the gift remained unopened as Cori's wedding had been delayed due to health issues earlier this year. Cori Broadus and her fiancé Wayne Duece got engaged in November 2022, and the couple has been documenting the ups and downs of planning their wedding for an upcoming E! special titled "Snoop's Fatherhood: Cori and Wayne's Story." Unfortunately, their ceremony was postponed after Cori suffered a stroke at the beginning of the year. Fans can follow their journey when the series airs on Thursday, December 5.

Snoop also talked about his upcoming album 'Missionary' with Dr. Dre, their first collaboration in 30 years. The 15-track album features singles like "Gorgeous" with Jhené Aiko and "Another Part of Me" featuring Sting and Russ. The album, which also includes collaborations with Eminem, 50 Cent, Method Man, Jelly Roll, Tom Petty, and BJ The Chicago Kid, will be released on December 13.