The 2000s brought us a wave of musical talent that shaped a generation. From solo acts to groups that dominated charts worldwide, this era gave birth to stars whose impact extends well beyond their hit singles.

These performers mastered both music and image, using MTV, early social media, and global tours to connect with fans in new ways.

Let’s look at 2000s pop stars celebrating musicians who crafted the soundtrack to the early millennium artists whose work continues to inspire today’s music scene and bring back memories for millions of listeners.

Top 2000s Pop Stars

The 2000s gave us some of the most unforgettable pop stars who ruled the charts with catchy hits and bold styles.

Artists like Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Beyoncé shaped the sound of the decade. Here are the top pop stars from the 2000s who defined the pop music scene during that era:

1. Beyoncé

Beyoncé is a powerhouse in the music industry, known for her dynamic performances and impactful lyrics.

Rising to fame as a member of Destiny’s Child, she later established herself as a solo artist with numerous chart-topping hits.

Her impact extends beyond music; she is also an actress, producer, and advocate for social justice, inspiring millions worldwide.

2. Britney Spears

Britney Spears emerged as a pop icon in the late 1990s with her debut single, “Baby One More Time,” which shot her to superstardom.

Despite facing personal challenges and media scrutiny, she has maintained a loyal fanbase and has made a significant comeback in recent years.

Her journey reflects strength and the complexities of fame in the modern age.

3. Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera burst onto the music scene in the late 1990s with her powerful vocals and hit singles, such as “Genie in a Bottle.”

As a versatile artist, she has explored various musical styles, from pop to soul and R&B. Christina is celebrated for her vocal prowess and artistic, earning numerous awards throughout her career.

Beyond music, she is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and body positivity, using her platform to inspire change.

4. Rihanna

Rihanna is a global superstar known for her distinctive voice and music style that blends pop, R&B, and reggae.

Beyond her music career, Rihanna has made significant progress in fashion and beauty with her Fenty brand, promoting inclusivity and diversity.

Her philanthropic efforts also reflect her commitment to social issues, making her a multifaceted icon.

5. Katy Perry

Katy Perry rose to fame with infectious pop anthems like “I Kissed a Girl” and “Firework,” establishing herself as one of the leading figures in contemporary music.

Known for her vibrant style and charming performances, Katy has won numerous awards and accolades throughout her career.

Beyond music, she advocates for various causes, including education and LGBTQ+ rights. Her ability to reinvent herself keeps her relevant in the ever-changing music landscape.

6. Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is well-known for her theatricality and boundary-pushing artistry in music and fashion.

Gaga’s work often shows themes of identity, love, and acceptance, connecting deeply with fans worldwide.

In addition to her musical achievements, she is an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights, using her platform to inspire positive change.

7. Justin Timberlake

Dubbed the Prince of Pop, Justin Timberlake gained fame as a member of the boy band NSYNC, one of the best-selling groups in music history.

Timberlake is known for his smooth vocals, fascinating performances, and contributions to pop culture, including his memorable Super Bowl halftime shows.

Beyond music, he has ventured into acting and business, solidifying his status as a multifaceted entertainer.

8. Nelly Furtado

Nelly Furtado entered the music scene in 2000 with her debut album, Whoa, Nelly!, which showcased her unique blend of pop, R&B, and world music impacts.

Furtado’s versatility as an artist has allowed her to show various genres throughout her career.

In addition to her musical achievements, she is recognized for her philanthropic efforts and advocacy for social issues, making her a well-rounded figure in the entertainment industry.

9. Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is a recognized singer-songwriter and pianist known for her soulful voice and powerful lyrics. Her ability to blend R&B, soul, and classical elements has made her a distinctive force in the industry.

Beyond her musical talents, she is an advocate for social justice and education, using her platform to inspire change.

10. Shakira

Shakira is a Colombian singer-songwriter praised for her unique sound that fuses Latin pop with rock and world music impacts.

Shakira’s career spans over two decades, earning her numerous awards and accolades.

In addition to music, she is also known for her philanthropic work through the Barefoot Foundation, which supports education for underprivileged children in Colombia.

11. Usher

Usher Raymond IV is a multi-talented artist celebrated for his contributions to R&B and pop music. His smooth vocals, impressive dance skills, and sound have earned him numerous awards throughout his career.

In addition to his music career, he is also an entrepreneur and philanthropist, actively supporting various charitable causes.

12. Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson gained fame as the first winner of American Idol in 2002, quickly establishing herself as a powerful vocalist in pop music.

Her debut single, “A Moment Like This,” topped the charts and set the stage for a successful career filled with hits like Since U Been Gone and Stronger.

She has ventured into television as a talk show host, further expanding her impact in entertainment.

13. Pink

Born Alecia Beth Moore, Pink is known for her distinctive voice and rebellious spirit in pop music. She rose to fame with her debut album, Can’t Take Me Home, but truly established her status with hits like Give Me a Reason and So What.

Beyond her musical achievements, she is recognized for her advocacy on issues such as mental health and body positivity, using her platform to inspire others.

14. Backstreet Boys

The Backstreet Boys are one of the most successful boy bands of all time, known for their harmonies and catchy pop melodies.

Formed in 1993, they gained massive popularity in the late 1990s with hits like I Want It That Way and Quit Playing Games (With My Heart).

Despite lineup changes over the years, the Backstreet Boys have continued to tour and release new music, maintaining a dedicated fanbase worldwide.

15. NSYNC

Known for their tight harmonies and energetic performances, NSYNC was one of the most iconic boy bands of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Formed in 1995, they achieved massive success with albums like No Strings Attached and Celebrity, featuring hits such as Bye Bye Bye and It’s Gonna Be Me.

The group’s creative sound combined pop with R&B elements, charming audiences around the globe. Although they disbanded in 2002, their legacy continues to impact new generations of artists.

16. Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne is a Canadian singer-songwriter who emerged as a key figure in the pop-punk genre in the early 2000s. Known for her rebellious style and powerful vocals, Lavigne has sold over 40 million albums worldwide.

Despite facing personal challenges, including a battle with Lyme disease, she continues to impact the music scene with her authentic sound and artistry.

17. The Black Eyed Peas

The Black Eyed Peas are a Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group known for their blend of hip-hop, pop, and electronic music.

The group’s dynamic lineup, featuring will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, and Fergie have produced multiple chart-topping albums.

Their infectious energy and catchy hooks have made them one of the defining acts of the 2000s. They continually change their sound while maintaining a strong global presence.

18. Destiny’s Child

Destiny’s Child was a creative R&B girl group that defined the sound of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Originally formed in 1990, the group gained fame with hits like Say My Name and Survivor, showcasing their vocal harmonies and empowering lyrics.

Led by Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams, Destiny’s Child became one of the best-selling female groups of all time.

19. Nelly

Nelly is an American rapper and entrepreneur who became famous in the early 2000s with his unique blend of hip-hop and pop impacts. Known for his catchy hooks and distinctive style, he has sold over 10 million albums in the U.S. alone.

Beyond music, he has ventured into acting and business, further solidifying his status as a multifaceted entertainer.

20. Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo is a praised singer-songwriter known for his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics. He first gained recognition as a songwriter for artists like Mario before launching his solo career with hits such as So Sick and Miss Independent.

He has also ventured into acting and entrepreneurship, showing his versatility as an artist in the entertainment industry.

21. Lil’ Kim

Lil’ Kim is a well-recognized rapper known for her bold style and provocative lyrics. Emerging from Brooklyn in the mid-1990s, she gained fame as part of Junior M.A.F.I.A. before launching her solo career with the debut album Hard Core.

Hits like Crush on You and Lady Marmalade showed her unique voice and confident persona. As a pioneer for women in hip-hop, Lil’ Kim has inspired countless artists while breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry.

22. J.Lo (Jennifer Lopez)

Jennifer Lopez is an iconic entertainer known for her multifaceted career as a singer, actress, dancer, and producer. Her success spans music genres and film roles, making her one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses.

With numerous awards to her name, she continues to impact pop culture while advocating for various social causes through her philanthropic efforts.

23. Eminem

Eminem is one of the most well-known rappers of all time for his intricate lyrics and unique storytelling ability. Rising to fame with his debut album, The Slim Shady LP, he quickly became a dominant force in hip-hop with hits like Lose Yourself and Stan.

His raw honesty about personal struggles has connected with fans worldwide. With multiple Grammy Awards and record-breaking sales, he remains an important figure in shaping modern rap music.

24. Fergie

Fergie is a singer-songwriter best known as a member of The Black Eyed Peas and for her successful solo career. Her debut solo album, The Dutchess, featured chart-topping hits like Big Girls Don’t Cry and Glamorous, showing her versatile vocal style.

Her energetic performances have made her a staple in pop music since the early 2000s. Beyond music, she has also entered into fashion and television, further expanding her impact as an entertainer.

25. Timbaland

Timbaland is a renowned record producer, rapper, and songwriter known for his creative production style that blends hip-hop with various musical genres.

He gained prominence in the late 1990s with collaborations on hit albums for artists like Aaliyah and Missy Elliott.

As a successful solo artist himself, he continues to impact the industry through his work with emerging talent and established stars alike.

26. Sean Paul

Sean Paul is a Jamaican dancehall artist who gained international fame with his infectious rhythms and catchy hooks. He entered the scene in the early 2000s with hits like Get Busy and Temperature, which helped popularize dancehall music worldwide.

He is known for his distinctive voice and energetic performances and has collaborated with numerous artists across genres.

His contributions to music have earned him multiple awards, and he continues to inspire new generations of musicians within the dancehall genre.

27. Ashlee Simpson

Ashlee Simpson is an American singer-songwriter and actress who rose to fame in the early 2000s with her debut album Autobiography, which debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200.

Known for her pop-rock sound, she gained recognition with hit singles like “Pieces of Me” and “La La.” Initially a backup dancer for her sister Jessica Simpson, she changed into music and television, starring in her reality show, The Ashlee Simpson Show.

Despite facing challenges in her career, Ashlee continues to evolve as an artist and recently made a comeback with new music alongside her husband, Evan Ross.

28. Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson is a legendary pop icon whose career has spanned over four decades, making her one of the most well-known artists in music history.

She gained prominence in the 1980s with albums like Control and Rhythm Nation, which featured socially conscious themes and choreography.

Beyond her musical accomplishments, she is known for her impact on fashion and culture, which has established her status as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry.

29. Hilary Duff

An actress and singer, Hilary Duff became a household name as the star of Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire.

Her transition into music was marked by successful albums like Metamorphosis, featuring hits such as So Yesterday: Hilary’s relatable persona and catchy pop songs connected with young audiences in the early 2000s.

She has ventured into writing and entrepreneurship, launching a clothing line and authoring books. Hilary remains a beloved figure known for her authenticity and dedication to family.

30. Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey is an iconic vocalist celebrated for her extraordinary vocal range and songwriting prowess. She entered the scene in 1990 with her self-titled debut album and quickly became one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Her impact extends beyond music; she is also recognized for her philanthropic efforts and contributions to various charitable causes, establishing her legacy as a true legend in the industry.

31. Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan is an American actress and singer who rose to fame as a child star in films like The Parent Trap and Mean Girls. Her early success in Hollywood was marked by both critical acclaim and commercial hits.

However, Lindsay faced personal challenges that garnered significant media attention throughout her career. Despite these hurdles, she has made attempts at comebacks in both acting and music.

Lindsay’s journey shows the complexities of fame, strength, and the pursuit of personal growth within the entertainment industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was a Defining Characteristic of 2000s Pop?

The 2000s saw a blend of pop with various genres, including R&B, hip-hop, and rock, often featuring catchy hooks and danceable beats.

Which Star won the First Season of American Idol?

Kelly Clarkson won the first season of American Idol in 2002 and became a major pop sensation with hits like “Since U Been Gone.”

Which Artist is Known for their Punk-Inspired Pop?

Avril Lavigne is well-known for her punk-inspired pop sound, with hits like “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi” becoming anthems of the decade.