This blog will explore 34 British female singers who left their mark on the 2000s music scene.

From chart-topping pop stars to soulful vocalists, these women shaped the sound of a decade. Their voices and songs became the soundtrack to millions of lives, influencing fashion, culture, and future generations of artists.

With over 100 million records sold worldwide and numerous awards between them, these singers proved the UK was a powerhouse of female musical talent.

Some launched successful international careers, while others became beloved national treasures.

Whether you’re feeling nostalgic or curious about the roots of today’s music, this list will take you on a musical journey through one of British pop’s most exciting eras.

Let’s plunge into the stories and songs of these remarkable artists.

Solo Pop Artists of The 2000s

1. Kylie Minogue

An Australian-British pop icon, Kylie reinvented herself in the 2000s with hits like “Can’t Get You Out of My Head.” Her upbeat dance-pop tracks and glamorous image made her a global superstar.

• Birth Date: May 28, 1968
• Major Albums: “Fever” (2001), “Body Language” (2003)
• Major Achievements: Grammy Award, multiple ARIA Awards, Brit Awards

2. Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Known for her unique voice and disco-inspired sound, Sophie burst onto the scene with “Murder on the Dancefloor.” Her blend of pop and electronica created a distinctive niche in British music.

• Birth Date: April 10, 1979
• Major Albums: “Read My Lips” (2001), “Shoot from the Hip” (2003)
• Major Achievements: Brit Award nominations, multiple Top 10 UK singles

3. Natasha Bedingfield

With her uplifting pop anthems like “Unwritten,” Natasha brought a fresh, positive energy to the charts. Her soulful voice and songwriting skills set her apart in the pop landscape.

• Birth Date: November 26, 1981
• Major Albums: “Unwritten” (2004), “N.B.” (2007)
• Major Achievements: Grammy Award nomination, multiple BRIT Award nominations

4. Rachel Stevens

Former S Club 7 member Rachel Stevens launched a successful solo career in the 2000s. Her sultry pop tracks and stylish image made her a fixture in the UK charts.

• Birth Date: April 9, 1978
• Major Albums: “Funky Dory” (2003), “Come and Get It” (2005)
• Major Achievements: BRIT Award nominations, multiple Top 10 UK singles

5. Lily Allen

Lily Allen burst onto the scene with her witty, observational lyrics and unique blend of pop and ska. Her honest, sometimes controversial approach to songwriting made her a standout artist of the decade.

• Birth Date: May 2, 1985
• Major Albums: “Alright, Still” (2006), “It’s Not Me, It’s You” (2009)
• Major Achievements: Brit Award, Ivor Novello Award, Grammy Award nominations

6. Pixie Lott

Emerging towards the end of the 2000s, Pixie Lott brought a retro-inspired pop sound to the charts. Her powerful voice and catchy tunes made her a rising British pop star.

• Birth Date: January 12, 1991
• Major Albums: “Turn It Up” (2009)
• Major Achievements: Multiple UK number-one singles, BRIT Award nominations

Soul and R&B Queens of 2000s

7. Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse revolutionized the soul scene with her deep, expressive voice and brutally honest lyrics. Her unique blend of jazz, soul, and R&B, her distinctive beehive hairdo, and winged eyeliner made her an iconic figure of the 2000s.

• Birth Date: September 14, 1983
• Major Albums: “Frank” (2003), “Back to Black” (2006)
• Major Achievements: Multiple Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, and critical acclaim for “Back to Black”

8. Joss Stone

Bursting onto the scene as a teenager, Joss Stone’s powerful, soulful voice belied her young age. Her retro sound and barefoot performances brought a fresh take on classic soul to a new generation.

• Birth Date: April 11, 1987
• Major Albums: “The Soul Sessions” (2003), “Mind Body & Soul” (2004)
• Major Achievements: Grammy Award, Brit Awards, and numerous chart-topping singles

9. Leona Lewis

Winner of The X Factor in 2006, Leona Lewis quickly became known for her incredible vocal range and emotive ballads. Her hit “Bleeding Love” showcased her powerful voice and cemented her status as a global star.

• Birth Date: April 3, 1985
• Major Albums: “Spirit” (2007), “Echo” (2009)
• Major Achievements: Multiple Brit Awards, Grammy Award nominations, and global success with “Bleeding Love”

10. Beverley Knight

Often called the “Queen of British Soul,” Beverley Knight’s powerful vocals and energetic performances made her a respected figure in the UK music scene. Her mix of R&B, soul, and pop earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.

• Birth Date: March 22, 1973
• Major Albums: “Who I Am” (2002), “Affirmation” (2004)
• Major Achievements: Multiple MOBO Awards, Brit Award nominations, and significant contributions to UK soul music

11. Estelle

Blending R&B, hip-hop, and pop, Estelle brought a unique flavor to the British music scene. Her collaboration with Kanye West, “American Boy,” became an international hit and showcased her versatility as an artist.

• Birth Date: January 18, 1980
• Major Albums: “Shine” (2008), “All of Me” (2012)
• Major Achievements: Grammy Award for “American Boy,” Brit Award, and international success

Rock and Alternative Icons of the 2000s

12. Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine)

Florence Welch’s powerful voice and theatrical performances set Florence + The Machine apart. Her blend of art rock, indie pop, and soul, combined with poetic lyrics, created a unique sound that defined alternative music in the late 2000s.

• Birth Date: August 28, 1986
• Major Albums: “Lungs” (2009), “Ceremonials” (2011)
• Major Achievements: Brit Awards, Grammy Award nominations, and critical acclaim

13. KT Tunstall

Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall burst onto the scene with her folksy pop-rock sound. Her innovative use of loop pedals in live performances and catchy hits like “Suddenly I See” made her stand out in the indie rock scene.

• Birth Date: June 23, 1975
• Major Albums: “Eye to the Telescope” (2004), “Drastic Fantastic” (2007)
• Major Achievements: Brit Award, Grammy Award nomination, and success in the UK and US

14. Dido

Dido’s ethereal voice and mellow electronic folk-pop gained her international fame. Her debut album “No Angel” became one of the best-selling albums of the 2000s, with hits like “Thank You” and “White Flag” becoming instant classics.

• Birth Date: December 25, 1971
• Major Albums: “No Angel” (1999), “Life for Rent” (2003)
• Major Achievements: Brit Awards, multiple Grammy Award nominations, and worldwide album sales

15. Alison Goldfrapp (Goldfrapp)

As the lead singer of Goldfrapp, Alison brought a unique blend of electronic, glam rock, and ambient pop to the forefront. Her versatile voice and the band’s ever-evolving sound kept them at the cutting edge of alternative music.

• Birth Date: May 13, 1966
• Major Albums: “Felt Mountain” (2000), “Supernature” (2005)
• Major Achievements: Mercury Prize nomination, multiple Brit Award nominations, and a strong cult following

16. Beth Orton

Beth Orton’s folk-tronica sound carved out a unique niche in the British music scene. Her melancholic vocals and introspective lyrics, combined with electronic elements, created a distinctive sound that influenced many artists.

• Birth Date: December 14, 1970
• Major Albums: “Central Reservation” (1999), “Daybreaker” (2002)
• Major Achievements: Brit Award for Best British Female, Mercury Prize nomination, and critical acclaim

Rising Stars and One-Hit Wonders

17. Duffy

Duffy’s retro-soul sound and powerful voice drew comparisons to Amy Winehouse. Her hit “Mercy” dominated the charts, but her career was shorter-lived than many expected.

• Birth Date: June 23, 1984
• Major Albums: “Rockferry” (2008), “Endlessly” (2010)
• Major Achievements: Grammy Award, Brit Awards, and international success with “Mercy”

18. Kate Nash

With her conversational singing style and piano-driven pop, Kate Nash brought a quirky, relatable voice to the indie scene. Her debut album, “Made of Bricks,” was a commercial success.

• Birth Date: July 6, 1987
• Major Albums: “Made of Bricks” (2007), “My Best Friend Is You” (2010)
• Major Achievements: Brit Award, multiple UK chart-topping singles, and a strong indie following

19. Gabrielle

While Gabrielle had been around since the 90s, she continued to have success in the 2000s with her soulful R&B sound. Her distinctive eye patch and warm vocals made her instantly recognizable.

• Birth Date: April 16, 1969
• Major Albums: “Rise” (1999), “Play to Win” (2004)
• Major Achievements: Brit Awards, Ivor Novello Awards, and continued chart success

20. Lianne La Havas

Emerging towards the end of the decade, Lianne La Havas brought a fresh blend of soul, folk, and jazz. Her unique guitar style and rich vocals marked her as one to watch.

• Birth Date: August 23, 1989
• Major Albums: “Is Your Love Big Enough?” (2012), “Blood” (2015)
• Major Achievements: Mercury Prize nominations, Brit Award nominations, and critical acclaim

21. Imogen Heap

Known for her innovative use of vocoder and electronic production, Imogen Heap created a unique sound that blended pop, electronica, and art rock. Her song “Hide and Seek” became an unexpected hit.

• Birth Date: December 9, 1977
• Major Albums: “Speak for Yourself” (2005), “Ellipse” (2009)
• Major Achievements: Grammy Award, Ivor Novello Award, and significant influence in electronic music

22. Sandi Thom

Sandi Thom’s folk-pop hit “I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in My Hair)” propelled her to brief fame. Her nostalgic lyrics and acoustic sound resonated with many listeners.

• Birth Date: August 11, 1981
• Major Albums: “Smile… It Confuses People” (2006), “The Pink & The Lily” (2008)
• Major Achievements: Ivor Novello Award nomination, multiple chart-topping singles

23. La Roux (Elly Jackson)

La Roux, fronted by Elly Jackson, brought 80s-inspired synth-pop back into the mainstream. Their hit “Bulletproof” became an international success, defining the electropop revival of the late 2000s.

• Birth Date: March 12, 1988
• Major Albums: “La Roux” (2009), “Trouble in Paradise” (2014)
• Major Achievements: Grammy Award, Brit Award, and global chart success with “Bulletproof”

24. Little Boots (Victoria Hesketh)

Victoria Hesketh, known as Little Boots, combined electropop with dance music to create catchy, synth-driven tracks. Her use of unique instruments like the Tenori-on gained her attention in the indie electronic scene.

• Birth Date: May 4, 1984
• Major Albums: “Hands” (2009), “Nocturnes” (2013)
• Major Achievements: Brit Award nomination, multiple chart-topping singles, and significant influence in electropop

Singer-Songwriters and Indie Artists

25. Adele

Adele’s powerful, soulful voice and emotionally charged ballads made her one of the most successful artists of the late 2000s and beyond.

Her debut album “19” showcased her incredible vocal range and songwriting skills, setting the stage for her future global domination.

• Birth Date: May 5, 1988
• Major Albums: “19” (2008), “21” (2011)
• Major Achievements: Multiple Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, global chart-topping hits

26. Laura Marling

Emerging as a teenage prodigy, Laura Marling’s folk-inspired sound and mature, poetic lyrics quickly earned her critical acclaim. Her debut album “Alas, I Cannot Swim” established her as a leading figure in the British folk revival.

• Birth Date: February 1, 1990
• Major Albums: “Alas, I Cannot Swim” (2008), “I Speak Because I Can” (2010)
• Major Achievements: Mercury Prize nominations, Brit Award for Best British Female Solo Artist

27. Corinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae’s gentle, soulful voice and jazz-influenced pop gained international recognition. Her self-titled debut album, featuring the hit “Put Your Records On,” showcased her warm, melodic style and thoughtful songwriting.

• Birth Date: February 26, 1979
• Major Albums: “Corinne Bailey Rae” (2006), “The Sea” (2010)
• Major Achievements: Grammy Award nominations, multiple Brit Awards, global success with “Put Your Records On”

28. Emeli Sandé

Emeli Sandé’s powerful voice and dynamic songwriting made her a standout artist towards the end of the 2000s. Her ability to blend soul, R&B, and pop created a distinctive sound that resonated with a wide audience.

• Birth Date: March 10, 1987
• Major Albums: “Our Version of Events” (2012)
• Major Achievements: Multiple Brit Awards, Ivor Novello Award, critical acclaim

29. Marina Diamandis (Marina and the Diamonds)

Marina’s quirky pop sound and theatrical performances set her apart in the indie pop scene. Her conceptual approach to albums and distinctive vocal style gained her a dedicated fanbase and critical appreciation.

• Birth Date: October 10, 1985
• Major Albums: “The Family Jewels” (2010), “Electra Heart” (2012)
• Major Achievements: NME Awards, strong indie following, critical acclaim

30. Paloma Faith

Known for her retro-soul sound and eccentric style, Paloma Faith brought a unique energy to the British music scene. Her powerful voice and theatrical performances made her stand out among her peers.

• Birth Date: July 21, 1981
• Major Albums: “Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?” (2009)
• Major Achievements: Brit Award, numerous Top 10 UK singles, critical acclaim

31. Rumer

Rumer’s smooth, velvety voice and 1970s-inspired sound drew comparisons to Karen Carpenter. Her debut album “Seasons of My Soul” showcased her talent for crafting mellow, introspective pop songs with a timeless quality.

• Birth Date: June 3, 1979
• Major Albums: “Seasons of My Soul” (2010)
• Major Achievements: Brit Award nomination, strong critical acclaim, MOJO Award

32. Kate Bush (Legacy Continuation)

Though her breakthrough came in the late 1970s, Kate Bush’s influence continued strongly into the 2000s. Her unique blend of art rock, avant-garde pop, and literary references inspired a new generation of artists.

Her 2005 album “Aerial” marked a triumphant return after a 12-year hiatus, showcasing her enduring creativity and musical innovation.

• Birth Date: July 30, 1958
• Major Albums: “Aerial” (2005)
• Major Achievements: Brit Awards, Ivor Novello Awards, influential legacy in music

33. Bat for Lashes (Natasha Khan)

Natasha Khan, performing as Bat for Lashes, brought a haunting, ethereal quality to the indie music scene—her music combined elements of art pop, indie rock, and electronic with folk influences.

Khan’s rich, passionate vocals and visually striking performances set her apart as a unique artist of the late 2000s.

• Birth Date: October 25, 1979
• Major Albums: “Fur and Gold” (2006), “Two Suns” (2009)
• Major Achievements: Mercury Prize nominations, Brit Award nominations, strong critical acclaim

34. Imelda May

Irish singer Imelda May revived rockabilly and blues for a new era. Her powerful voice, retro style, and energetic performances breathed new life into classic genres.

May’s ability to blend vintage sounds with contemporary sensibilities made her a standout figure in the roots revival movement of the late 2000s.

• Birth Date: July 10, 1974
• Major Albums: “Love Tattoo” (2008), “Mayhem” (2010)
• Major Achievements: Meteor Music Awards, strong critical acclaim, successful international tours

Wrapping It Up

As we wrap up our expedition through the 2000s British female music scene, it’s clear these 34 artists left a tremendous mark on pop culture.

From Rachel Stevens’ power to Adele’s soul-stirring ballads, each woman brought her unique talent to the world stage.

These singers dominated charts and inspired countless fans and future artists. Their music became a generation’s soundtrack, capturing an era’s spirit.

Looking back, we can appreciate how these women shaped the music industry and paved the way for today’s artists. What’s your favorite memory of these British songstresses?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.