Women have experienced discrimination in the music business for many years, facing lower pay and harsher treatment than their male counterparts. That said, we are fortunate to have a historical catalog rich with exceptional female artists, vocalists, and composers who pushed the boundaries and changed the course of music history, influencing generations to come. Many of the biggest hits have been created, recorded, and performed by the best female singers of all time. So which legendary ladies are considered the consensus greatest?
If we take a look at music history, there are countless phenomenal female vocalists who have left their mark in pop, soul, jazz, and more. From rock icons like the legendary Stevie Nicks, known for her powerful vocal performances and unique songwriting style and the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner, women have been shaking up the music industry for decades! The crazy thing is, their music might not be the last we’ve heard from the legends who have passed away. A recent study reveals that Pennine Records in the United Kingdom has released new music utilizing reconstructed acoustic sounds that were popular back before electric music recordings existed. The iconic music of the past lives on!
Known as the First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald is often heralded as the first female singer, making her debut in 1935. As a female singer in what was then a male dominant genre, she is often referred to as the “Queen of Jazz”. Haven’t heard of them? Time to turn on the tunes of the greats! Plus, a new study says listening to music can reduce stress, so get on it! All of these women have captivated audiences around the world with their powerful voices, moving lyrics, and inspiring performances. So, how do we choose only five?
With so many greats to choose from, there is no way to fit them all in this list! That being said, we turned to the so-called “experts” to find the most beloved female vocalists in history. We sought out who was widely viewed as the performers whose powerful voices, strong personalities, and influence on the industry have set a standard for vocal performance. StudyFinds consulted 10 expert lists to come away with the consensus five best female singers of all-time. Let us know if we missed you favorite in the comments below!
The List: Best Female Singers of All Time, According to Music Experts
1. Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin is often credited as one of the greatest female vocalists of all time. Her ability to transcend genres and styles, such as rock, gospel, soul and jazz, has earned her the title of “Queen of Soul” and the number one spot on this list. Her iconic voice, powerful range and soulful lyrics have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
According to Rolling Stone, Franklin is, “A force of nature. A work of genius. A gift from the heavens. Aretha Franklin’s voice is all that and more, which is why she remains the unchallenged Queen, years after her final bow. Her singing is the most magnificent sound to emerge from America — more universal than Coltrane’s horn, bolder than Hendrix’s guitar. She blew up worldwide with her 1967 hit ‘Respect,’ claiming her throne as the greatest pop, rock, or soul singer ever. As Mary J. Blige told Rolling Stone, ‘She is the reason why women want to sing.'”
When Aretha moved to Muscle Shoals, she adopted the name Lady Soul and developed her own distinct, untamed R&B style. She compelled the masses to embrace her style, altering the world’s tone of music forever. “Many of her songs are considered classics, including ‘Respect’, ‘Chain of Fools’, and ‘Natural Woman.’ Aretha won 18 Grammy Awards, and she was also the first woman to be listed in the Rock and roll Hall of Fame in 1987,” says Midder Music.
Beyond her impressive musical catalog, Franklin was also a civil rights activist and an inspiring role model for many. Midder Music adds: “She is also noted for her activism for civil and women’s rights. Aretha Franklin was a skilled, hard-working, and conscious artist, and she inspired many singers that came after her.”
Her impact on the world of music was immense and her legacy will live on forever. Smooth Radio adds: “Using her gospel background to her advantage, Aretha had such an incredibly powerful and passionate voice. Even 50 years after her debut, she brought audiences to tears with her performances.” It’s no wonder why she is remembered as one of the most phenomenal female vocalists in history.
2. Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was and will remain one of the greatest. Her voice was powerful, strong and smooth, yet gentle, and her ability to express emotion with her voice was truly remarkable. Her range was incredible. She could hit notes that other vocalists can only dream of.
“Houston is one of pop music’s best-selling music artists of all-time, with an estimated 170–200 million records sold worldwide,” says The Top Tens. “She released seven studio albums and three movie soundtrack albums, all of which have diamond, multi-platinum, platinum or gold certification.”
Houston is the only person to arguably give Aretha Franklin a run for her money! “She could go up and down with different ranges with ease, keep things soft and warm or belt them out like a proper diva,” adds Smooth Radio. “At the height of her powers, no-one could match her effortless ability.”
She is truly a force to be reckoned with, and her vocal talents have only been amplified through her iconic songs such as “I Will Always Love You” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”.
Midder Music concludes: “She has one of the most powerful voices in music history. Nicknamed ‘The Voice’, Whitney garnered many awards and recognitions during her lifetime. She is best-known for her masterful performance of Dolly Parton’s ‘I Will Always Love You.’ Although she didn’t originally write the song, her rendition inspired many singers to follow their dreams.”
Her voice is one of the most recognizable in the world, and her legacy will live on forever. Whitney Houston is truly one of the best female vocalists of all time.
3. Adele
Adele’s incredible vocal range and raw emotion reverberate through every song she sings and make her performance captivating and unforgettable. She has released several critically acclaimed albums, won numerous awards, and has even performed alongside some of the greatest legends in the music industry.
Glamour says, “There’s no person who’s quite got us through heartbreak like Adele. We bawled our eyes out at her pristine voice in Someone Like You and continued weeping with the release of Hello and Easy On Me. She’s the only person we like for making us cry this much…”
“You can hear her music on soundtracks for films like Skyfall, the James Bond movie, for which she won an Academy Award, and The Great Gatsby,” adds Music Grotto.
Her musicality and her ability to convey raw emotion through her voice has made her a household name and an icon in the music industry. Not only is she one of the best female vocalists ever, but she is also one of the most successful and influential female artists of all time.
Dig concludes, “In terms of genre, Adele switches with ease between heavy ballads and soulful power anthems which effortlessly fit her mezzo-soprano voice. In 2021, she released her fourth and most vulnerable album yet, 30, demand for which was so high it caused a global vinyl shortage. With her second album, 21, ranking below only The Beatles’ legendary Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in official counts of the UK’s biggest-selling albums of all time, Adele’s status as one of the best female singers in history seems set in stone.”
Adele’s success stands as a testament to her incredible talent and artistry, and her impact on the music industry will be felt for years to come.
4. Celine Dion
Celine Dion is a name that stands out. Her powerful, multi-octave voice, along with her ability to deliver powerful emotional ballads and upbeat pop numbers, has made her an international superstar. Her success in both the English and French speaking markets, along with her record-breaking releases, has earned her a place as one of the most successful female singers of all time.
Her timeless hits such as “My Heart Will Go On” and “The Power of Love” have made her an icon and earned her numerous awards, including five Grammy awards and two Academy Awards. Glamour says, “From Titanic‘s hugely popular theme tune, My Heart Will Go On, to the chillingly powerful It’s All Coming Back to Me Now, Celine has always left us mesmerized with her unique vocals and nostalgic love songs. She is, quite simply, the greatest.”
As a testament to her influence and success, she is one of only three female artists to have sold over 250 million records worldwide. “This French-Canadian vocal powerhouse made her U.S. debut in 1990 after topping the charts in Canada,” adds Yard Barker. “Dion has sold more than 250 million albums globally, won 5 Grammy Awards, and holds multiple Billboard chart records.”
“Celine Dion’s work encompasses more than 27 albums in both English and French,” adds Music Grotto. “Her music career started in childhood. Her parents owned a club in Canada, where she performed. She began work on her first album at 12 and participated in many music competitions as a child, teenager, and young adult. Dion’s Las Vegas residency was the top-earning series in 2011.”
Aside from her musical career, Dion worked to help with various charitable organizations. She is also an ambassador to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Her incredible career has set the bar for all female singers that follow.
5. Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s signature whistle register has captivated audiences around the world, and her music has created a legacy that continues to influence today’s artists. “She was blessed at a young age to be able to sing in not one but five different octaves, which quickly catapulted her to the top of the charts,” says Music in Minnesota. “We are also impressed that many of her top hits, like ‘All I Want for Christmas is You,’ were written by Mariah Carey herself.”
“She was born on March 27th, 1969, in Huntington, New York, and grew up trying to mimic her mother’s operatic voice,” adds Audio Captain. Her melismatic runs and powerful belt are a testament to her incredible talent. “This phenomenal songstress has won five Grammy Awards, nineteen World Music Awards, and ten American Music Awards and is an inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame,” concludes Audio Captain.
She has sold over 200 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her influence on the music industry is undeniable, and she has been recognized with numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards and 19 World Music Awards.
Rolling Stone says, “Her secret has long been a sweetness that can be at times either angelic or devilish, depending on how she wields the multitude of secret vocal weapons she has in her arsenal. Everything from coy, breathy coos to guttural, full-bodied belts can be deployed with equally electrifying results. By combining her operatic vocal talents with a tough attitude and penchant for high glamor and drama, Carey birthed generations of imitators in her wake,” which makes her a true icon of pop music.
You Might Be Interested In:
- Best Music of 2021: Adele Tops the List
- Best Female Rock Stars
- Best Female Rappers
- Best Female Comedians
Sources:
- Rolling Stone
- Audio Captain
- Midder Music
- The Top Tens
- Music in Minnesota
- Smooth Radio
- Music Grotto
- Yard Barker
- Glamour
- Dig
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations
It is hard to pick the five greatest or best of all time for anything like this. The only one I agree with is Aretha Franklin. She is really the only timeless one here who has a higher enough artistry and lasting cultural impact. Why the heck is Adele listed? Though her sales are high, she is no pioneer. Whitney Houston comes close to Aretha, but Aretha is still in a higher class of artistry. Céline Dion is a great singer, but her cultural impact is nothing like Aretha’s. Mariah Carey may have the most Billboard #1 singles of all time for a female singer, but her artistry went from very promising to very “unpretty” in the mid 90s.
Adele sounds like a bull horn she definitely should not be in this list. ARETHA FRANKLIN AND WHITNEY HOUSTON ARE THE TOP SINGERS OF ALL TIME
I cannot believe Linda Ronstadt did not make this list! I mean, Celine Dion? She’s a screamer, not a singer! This list is totally bogus!
Mariah Carey is #3, then Chaka Khan
What the hell? Where is Ann Wilson? Is by far the greatest vocalist of our time! Miriah Carey? God Incant stand her horrible voice!
Mariah is not a top 5.
Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland. All times doesn’t restrict from 1960’s on.
And the next one will be Angelina Jordan!
Girl Bye, such a hater. Do the Math.
It’s a great list but Mariah should be third or fourth
Glad to see Celine on the list she has certainly earned her spot. She so incredibly talented but what really makes her beautiful is her humbleness and her heart! Thank you for not overlooking her like people have so rudely in the past!
Hard to believe that four of these women are considered top five. As someone who’s been in the music world, here’s my top five:
1. Mahalia Jackson. She puts every other vocalist to shame. Number 2 on NPR’s Great Vocalists of the 20th century list.
2. Ella Fitzgerald. No one before or after could sing the American Songbook like Ella Fitz, the First Lady of Jazz.
3. Rhiannon Giddens. A genius — and not just because she won the MacArthur Grant. Her first opera is brilliant — and she can sing any genre of music.
4. Billie Holiday — Before there was jazz or swing, there was Billie Holiday. “Good Mornin’, Heartache” is perfection.
5. Barbra Streisand — As with Giddens, Streisand was classically trained and can sing in almost any genre. Her tribute album to Alan and Marilyn Bergman is the epitome of phrasing and musicality.
I am not including the five top operatic sopranos in the list, because of the different vocal talent necessary, but here is my top five:
Renata Tebaldi, Maria Callas, Joan Sutherland, Birgit Nilsson, and Regine Crespin.
They are all fine singers and Aretha and Whitney deserve to be on the list, but I would rate Barbra Streisand (listen to her in ’60s and ’70s), Judy Garland (nobody could emote like her or hold an audience the way she did), and Mahalia Jackson (greatest gospel singer ever) should be in there.
I totally agree. I watch A Star Is Born Jat to here Judy sing MY MAN…
Great list very accurate, however Adele is not a vocalist to me. She’s damage her voice many times, because she don’t know how to sing right. Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey has influenced generations of Singers, more than any other female artists in history. That’s why Contestants on these Singer Competition Shows, always win after they Sing a Whitney or Mariah Song. Especially on American Idol and X Factor.
I think Gladys knight is a much better singer than Adele. I agree with the other four. Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston,
Celine Dion, Mariah Carey….For me it’s Gladys knight
I agree with Aretha and Whitney, the rest of the list is questionable. What about Judy Garland? Adele, Celine, and Mariah could sing better than her? They aren’t better than Kelly Clarkson.
What about Barbra Streisand she is a great singer.
Guess they never heard Barbra Streisand
Not quite, but nice try… Where is Streisand?
Adele should be on this list at all
1. Mahalia Jackson wow! her voice makes the hairs on the back of your neck stands up.
2. Barbra Streisand her voice is like a beautiful humming bird. There will never be anyone like her except for.
3. Adele, she is the next Barbra Streisand. I saw her in concert she doesn’t need to lip sync. She can hit a note from the highest to the lowest.
4. Ms. Patti Label she doesn’t need a microphone to sing you can hear her voice through out the entire building and that’s a very strong voice.
5. Sade her mesmerizing sultry voice is epic. A lot of people don’t give her the credit that she deserves.
@LyndaCancel, oh goodness, I love your list!
I agree with your list. My gawd, Barbara Streisand is simply magnificent. Patti Labelle’s voice is sooooooo powerful!
My sister admired her greatly.
Adele is a true gem and her songs will lost forever.
Sade, is extremely underrated! I always wanted to see her perform live. So smooth, ethereal, and ethereal.
Mariah should be #3 out of these 5 tbh the top 10 should be nothing but black women I could name 10 different vocalist better than Adele and Celine they should be mid 20’s not even 10 let’s be real
Where is Minnie Riperton and Phyllis Hyman? How about Kate Bush?!!! Minnie voice is a freaking instrument! She was the songbird way before Mariah. Phyllis sang with so much depth and soul! Heart wrenching voice!! And Kate Bush hauntingly beautiful voice!
Lol is this a joke ??? Mariah Carey ranked below Adele and Celine Dion ??! Mariah actually is the #1 vocalist of all time.
This list was obviously put together by a very ignorant and musically uneducated person
You forgot Linda Ronstadt,dummy
Aretha is fine. Whitney, defined a whole generation. Mariah always sings the same kind of music. Celine , is also fine. Adele, is a pop vocalist with strong pipes. Excellent all of them. But , I reckon, except for Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston, the rest couldn’t compare to many other greatest singers, not only in USA but around the world. Who really made this list and based on what criteria? Cheers!
This seems biased towards contemporary artists.
Judy Garland
K D Lang