Black female pop singers have shaped the music industry with powerful voices, influential styles, and unforgettable performances.

Yet, many talented artists remain underappreciated or overlooked in mainstream discussions.

This article highlights 37 remarkable Black female pop singers who deserve your attention.

From chart-topping icons to rising stars, we’ll explore a mix of well-known and lesser-known artists who have made significant contributions to the genre.

You’ll learn about their unique sounds, notable achievements, and the impact they’ve had on pop music.

Get ready to expand your playlist and gain a deeper appreciation for the iconic talent of Black female pop singers.

Greatest Black Female Pop Singers 

1. Beyoncé

An influential and iconic singer, Beyoncé has redefined pop and R&B with her powerful voice and boundary-pushing music. She’s also a cultural icon known for her empowering messages and stunning performances.

• Birth Date: September 4, 1981
• Major Albums: Dangerously in Love, B’Day, I Am… Sasha Fierce, Lemonade
• Major Achievements: 28 Grammy Awards, first Black woman to headline Coachella, over 100 million records sold globally

2. Rihanna

A Barbadian singer who has dominated the charts with her versatile sound, blending pop, R&B, and reggae. She has expanded her influence into fashion and cosmetics with her Fenty brand.

• Birth Date: February 20, 1988
• Major Albums: Good Girl Gone Bad, Loud, Anti
• Major Achievements: 9 Grammy Awards, billionaire status from Fenty Beauty, over 250 million records sold worldwide

3. Whitney Houston

One of the best-selling music artists of all time, Whitney Houston was known for her breathtaking voice and classic pop and R&B hits. She remains an inspiration to many singers today.

• Birth Date: August 9, 1963 (died February 11, 2012)
• Major Albums: Whitney Houston, Whitney, The Bodyguard soundtrack
• Major Achievements: 6 Grammy Awards, 200 million records sold globally, first album by a female artist to debut at No. 1 on Billboard 200

4. Janet Jackson

A member of the famous Jackson family, Janet has forged her own path in pop music, known for her innovative music videos, bold stage performances, and chart-topping songs.

• Birth Date: May 16, 1966
• Major Albums: Control, Rhythm Nation 1814, The Velvet Rope
• Major Achievements: 5 Grammy Awards, over 100 million records sold worldwide, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

5. Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is celebrated for her soulful voice, piano skills, and socially conscious lyrics. She blends R&B, soul, and pop in her music, which has resonated with listeners worldwide.

• Birth Date: January 25, 1981
• Major Albums: Songs in A Minor, The Diary of Alicia Keys, Girl on Fire
• Major Achievements: 15 Grammy Awards, over 65 million records sold worldwide, appointed as Global Ambassador for the non-profit Keep A Child Alive

6. Diana Ross

Originally the lead singer of The Supremes, Diana Ross is one of the most successful female vocalists in history, known for her hits in the Motown era and beyond.

• Birth Date: March 26, 1944
• Major Albums: Diana, Lady Sings the Blues, Touch Me in the Morning
• Major Achievements: Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, over 100 million records sold globally, Kennedy Center Honoree

7. Tina Turner

Tina Turner became famous with her energetic performances and distinctive voice. She earned the nickname “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” and is known for her longevity and influence in music.

• Birth Date: November 26, 1939
• Major Albums: Private Dancer, Break Every Rule, Foreign Affair
• Major Achievements: 8 Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, over 100 million records sold worldwide

8. Sade

With a unique blend of soul, jazz, and R&B, Sade’s smooth voice and understated elegance have made her a beloved artist internationally.

• Birth Date: January 16, 1959
• Major Albums: Diamond Life, Promise, Lovers Rock
• Major Achievements: 4 Grammy Awards, over 75 million records sold worldwide, ranked on VH1’s “100 Greatest Women in Music”

9. Mariah Carey

Known for her five-octave vocal range and numerous No. 1 hits, Mariah Carey is a legend in pop and R&B music. She’s often referred to as the “Queen of Christmas” due to her holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

• Birth Date: March 27, 1969
• Major Albums: Music Box, Daydream, The Emancipation of Mimi
• Major Achievements: 5 Grammy Awards, 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, over 200 million records sold globally

10. Aretha Franklin

Known as the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin was a trailblazer in pop, gospel, and R&B music, with a voice that remains unmatched.

• Birth Date: March 25, 1942 (died August 16, 2018)
• Major Albums: I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, Lady Soul, Young, Gifted and Black
• Major Achievements: 18 Grammy Awards, first female performer inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, sold over 75 million records

11. Ciara

Ciara is known for her dynamic stage presence and ability to blend pop, R&B, and hip-hop. She gained fame in the mid-2000s with hits like “Goodies” and “1, 2 Step.”

• Birth Date: October 25, 1985
• Major Albums: Goodies, Ciara: The Evolution, Jackie
• Major Achievements: 1 Grammy Award, sold over 23 million records worldwide, known for chart-topping singles and impressive dance skills

12. Solange

An artist who blends experimental pop, R&B, and soul, Solange has created a unique musical and visual style that sets her apart from her sister, Beyoncé.

• Birth Date: June 24, 1986
• Major Albums: A Seat at the Table, When I Get Home
• Major Achievements: 1 Grammy Award, critically acclaimed for her innovative approach to music and visual art

13. Kelly Rowland

A former member of Destiny’s Child, Kelly Rowland has enjoyed a successful solo career, combining pop, R&B, and dance music.

• Birth Date: February 11, 1981
• Major Albums: Simply Deep, Ms. Kelly, Here I Am
• Major Achievements: 4 Grammy Awards (with Destiny’s Child), over 40 million solo records sold, international recognition for both group and solo work

14. Janelle Monáe

A visionary artist, Janelle Monáe is known for her eclectic music style, which blends pop, funk, and soul, as well as her striking visual and fashion statements.

• Birth Date: December 1, 1985
• Major Albums: The ArchAndroid, Dirty Computer
• Major Achievements: 8 Grammy nominations, influential for her genre-bending music and activism for marginalized communities

15. Lizzo

Lizzo is a pop and R&B singer known for her empowering anthems about self-love and body positivity, becoming a major influence in modern pop culture.

• Birth Date: April 27, 1988
• Major Albums: Cuz I Love You, Special
• Major Achievements: 4 Grammy Awards, known for promoting body positivity and self-confidence, over 10 million records sold worldwide

16. Brandy

A prominent R&B singer from the 90s, Brandy’s rich voice and hits like “The Boy Is Mine” have earned her enduring popularity.

• Birth Date: February 11, 1979
• Major Albums: Brandy, Never Say Never, Full Moon
• Major Achievements: 1 Grammy Award, over 40 million records sold worldwide, iconic as the first Black Cinderella in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

17. Ashanti

Ashanti rose to fame in the early 2000s, combining R&B and pop to create a string of hits. She’s known for her smooth vocals and catchy hooks.

• Birth Date: October 13, 1980
• Major Albums: Ashanti, Chapter II, Concrete Rose
• Major Achievements: 1 Grammy Award, over 27 million records sold worldwide, notable for her early 2000s success

18. Chloe Bailey

One-half of the duo Chloe x Halle, Chloe Bailey, has launched her solo career while continuing to deliver impressive vocals and performances.

• Birth Date: July 1, 1998
• Major Albums (with Chloe x Halle): The Kids Are Alright, Ungodly Hour
• Major Achievements: 5 Grammy nominations (with Chloe x Halle), breakout success as a solo artist with the single “Have Mercy”

19. Normani

Originally a member of the girl group Fifth Harmony, Normani has since carved out a solo career with hits blending R&B and pop.

• Birth Date: May 31, 1996
• Major Albums: No full-length albums yet; notable singles include “Motivation” and “Wild Side.”
• Major Achievements: 1 MTV VMA Award, rising solo star with highly anticipated debut album

20. Aaliyah

Known for her smooth vocals and fusion of R&B and pop, Aaliyah is considered one of the greatest talents of the 90s before her tragic passing.

• Birth Date: January 16, 1979 (died August 25, 2001)
• Major Albums: One in a Million, Aaliyah, Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number
• Major Achievements: 3 American Music Awards, over 30 million records sold worldwide, pioneer of futuristic R&B sound

21. Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor is a singer, dancer, and actress, known for her unique voice and her ability to cross between pop, R&B, and hip hop.

• Birth Date: December 10, 1990
• Major Albums: K.T.S.E., The Album
• Major Achievements: BET Award for Best Director, widely praised for her artistic vision and vocal performances

22. Megan Thee Stallion

A rising star in hip-hop and pop, Megan Thee Stallion is known for her bold lyrics and empowering themes. She has quickly become a global sensation.

• Birth Date: February 15, 1995
• Major Albums: Good News, Traumazine
• Major Achievements: 3 Grammy Awards, first female rapper to win Best New Artist at the Grammys

23. Tinashe

Tinashe is a versatile artist known for her fusion of pop, R&B, and electronic music, along with her smooth vocals and dance performances.

• Birth Date: February 6, 1993
• Major Albums: Aquarius, Songs for You
• Major Achievements: Several Billboard charting hits, widely praised for her independent approach to music and artistry

24. Doja Cat

An internet sensation turned pop star, Doja Cat’s music blends rap, pop, and R&B with catchy tunes and viral moments.

• Birth Date: October 21, 1995
• Major Albums: Hot Pink, Planet Her
• Major Achievements: 1 Grammy Award, viral success with songs like “Say So,” known for her quirky and innovative style

25. Kelis

Best known for her hit “Milkshake,” Kelis blends pop, R&B, and electronic music in her career, creating an eclectic and memorable discography.

• Birth Date: August 21, 1979
• Major Albums: Kaleidoscope, Tasty, Flesh Tone
• Major Achievements: Brit Award for Best International Breakthrough, Grammy nominations, known for her influence in pop and R&B

26. Estelle

Estelle is a British singer and rapper known for her blend of pop, R&B, and reggae, with hits like “American Boy” featuring Kanye West.

• Birth Date: January 18, 1980
• Major Albums: Shine, All of Me
• Major Achievements: 1 Grammy Award, international success with “American Boy”

27. Macy Gray

Known for her raspy voice and unique style, Macy Gray has made her mark on pop and R&B with hits like “I Try.” Her music often blends elements of soul, jazz, and funk, creating a distinctive sound.

• Birth Date: September 6, 1967
• Major Albums: On How Life Is, The Id
• Major Achievements: 1 Grammy Award, known for her distinct voice and contributions to neo-soul

28. Nicki Minaj

A global pop and rap sensation, Nicki Minaj is known for her colorful style and rapid-fire delivery. She has consistently topped charts with both pop and rap hits.

• Birth Date: December 8, 1982
• Major Albums: Pink Friday, The Pinkprint, Queen
• Major Achievements: 10 Grammy nominations, first female rapper to sell over 100 million records globally, MTV’s “Best Female Video” winner

29. Fantasia Barrino

Fantasia gained fame after winning American Idol in 2004, becoming known for her powerful voice and emotional performances in R&B and pop music.

• Birth Date: June 30, 1984
• Major Albums: Free Yourself, Back to Me, Side Effects of You
• Major Achievements: 1 Grammy Award, Tony Award for Best Actress for The Color Purple, over 3 million albums sold in the U.S.

30. Jordin Sparks

The youngest winner of American Idol at 17, Jordin Sparks has achieved success in pop and R&B with her strong vocal abilities and catchy tunes.

• Birth Date: December 22, 1989
• Major Albums: Jordin Sparks, Battlefield
• Major Achievements: 1 Grammy nomination, chart-topping single “No Air,” over 10 million records sold worldwide

31. SZA

SZA is an R&B singer-songwriter known for her vulnerable and relatable lyrics, blending elements of alternative R&B, neo-soul, and pop.

• Birth Date: November 8, 1989
• Major Albums: Ctrl, SOS
• Major Achievements: 1 Grammy Award, over 20 Grammy nominations, critical acclaim for her innovative music and storytelling

32. Willow Smith

Willow, the daughter of Will Smith, became known for her debut single “Whip My Hair,” and has since evolved her sound into a mix of pop, alternative rock, and R&B.

• Birth Date: October 31, 2000
• Major Albums: Ardipithecus, Lately I Feel Everything
• Major Achievements: NAACP Image Award, known for genre-bending music and influence in pop culture

33. Keri Hilson

Keri Hilson is a pop and R&B singer-songwriter known for hits in the late 2000s and her collaborations with major artists like Kanye West and Timbaland.

• Birth Date: December 5, 1982
• Major Albums: In a Perfect World…, No Boys Allowed
• Major Achievements: 2 Grammy nominations, Billboard Hot 100 charting singles, prominent songwriter for other artists

34. Sevyn Streeter

A singer-songwriter, Sevyn Streeter has written for major artists and released her own pop and R&B hits, known for her catchy hooks and smooth voice.

• Birth Date: July 7, 1986
• Major Albums: Girl Disrupted, Drunken Wordz Sober Thoughtz
• Major Achievements: Several chart-topping singles, notable songwriter for artists like Chris Brown and Ariana Grande

35. Corinne Bailey Rae

A British singer-songwriter, Corinne Bailey Rae is known for her soothing voice and blend of pop, soul, and jazz. Her music is often characterized by its warmth and emotional depth.

• Birth Date: February 26, 1979
• Major Albums: Corinne Bailey Rae, The Sea
• Major Achievements: 2 Grammy Awards, over 5 million records sold globally, known for hits like “Put Your Records On”

36. Kehlani

Kehlani is a singer-songwriter blending R&B, pop, and hip hop, known for her smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics. Her music often explores themes of love, personal growth, and resilience.

• Birth Date: April 24, 1995
• Major Albums: SweetSexySavage, It Was Good Until It Wasn’t
• Major Achievements: Grammy nominations, known for her breakout success in modern R&B

37. Tiwa Savage

A Nigerian singer-songwriter, Tiwa Savage blends Afrobeats, pop, and R&B, becoming one of the most prominent African artists worldwide.

• Birth Date: February 5, 1980
• Major Albums: Once Upon a Time, Celia
• Major Achievements: MTV Europe Music Award, over 10 million records sold globally

Wrapping It Up

As we wrap up our journey through the world of Black female pop singers, it’s clear that their influence on music is immeasurable.

Their voices, stories, and artistic contributions have not only shaped pop music but have also broken barriers and inspired generations.

By exploring these singers, we’ve uncovered a wealth of musical diversity that often goes unnoticed in mainstream media. 

Take time to listen to their music, learn their stories, and share their art with others. 

Which of these singers connects with you the most? Are there other Black female pop artists you think deserve recognition?

Share your thoughts and keep the conversation going. Let’s continue to celebrate and support these amazing artists.