Top 10 Female Pop Artists with the Most Enduring Careers

#10: Janet Jackson

It can be hard coming from the same family as one of the biggest stars in history. Yet, Janet Jackson has found a way to differentiate herself throughout her fifty-one year long career. She’s mastered several genres, from her early days of classic pop to her more experimental R&B fusion albums throughout the end of the 20th century. Though she hasn’t released an album since 2015, her impact hasn’t lessened. She’s headlined tours, with 2023’s Together Again Tour becoming her highest-earning yet, as well as festivals and multiple Las Vegas residencies. She’s proven that success doesn’t have to be measured by continued output. When she does release her next full-length project, it will no doubt have a significant impact.

#9: Kylie Minogue

Her staying power should be studied by every up-and-coming star. Kylie Minogue has charted in the top ten worldwide since she broke out onto the scene in 1987. Even more impressive than that is her ability to reach new generations of fans. From “The Loco-Motion” to “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” she’s been able to perfectly capture each era’s specific essence of dance-pop. “Padam Padam” launched her back into the stratosphere in 2023, and since then she’s been unstoppable. She released her 17th album, received multiple awards acknowledging her legend status, and embarked on a five-continent world tour – her longest in almost fifteen years.

#8: Celine Dion

After more than four decades, she continues to inspire people to chase their dreams no matter their circumstances. Celine Dion’s powerful voice has lent itself to some of the most popular ballads in music history, with several immortalized in television and film. One of the most successful artists of her generation, she’s managed to maintain that status even after a mid-career hiatus. After being diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder in the early 2020s, she still hasn’t slowed down. She made her official feature film acting debut in 2023’s “Love Again”– which she also recorded multiple songs for. She even had the honor of closing out the 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, her first major public showing in years.

#7: Loretta Lynn

She truly dedicated her life to her craft. With a career spanning over sixty years, Loretta Lynn was one of the most significant singers in her genre. She released fifty studio albums throughout her tenure, and is still the only female country star to have charted in six different decades. Though her output was heaviest throughout the 20th-century, she maintained her widespread popularity in the modern era with multiple Grammy nominations. Her final album, 2021’s “Still Woman Enough” closed out her illustrious time in the spotlight and her life on a high note. She passed in 2022, but still continues to inspire other artists to this day.

#6: Barbra Streisand

From the stage to the screen to the recording studio, she’s remained one of the most iconic performers in the entertainment industry. After a humble beginning, she made her debut on Broadway in 1962. Since then, she’s been unstoppable. She’s released dozens of albums, from covers of show-tunes classics to stunning original work. What’s even more impressive than her output is the public response to it. Everything she touches seems to turn to gold, with a staggering 34 albums easily reaching the top ten. Not only is she the only woman to achieve this, she’s also the only musician in history to have an album hit #1 in six consecutive decades – with the capability to make it seven in the next few years.

#5: Stevie Nicks

Whether as a band member or a solo act, she’s a force to be reckoned with. Stevie Nicks first gained recognition as a member of Fleetwood Mac, one of the most successful groups in music history. Most would be satisfied with that, but not Nicks. She’s also enjoyed an extremely successful solo act, with five albums and multiple singles easily reaching the top ten across several different charts. Though she hasn’t released a studio album since 2014, she’s still kept busy with a collection of song features, a single in late 2024, and a global tour in the late 2010s. She was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the second time in 2019 – the first woman to be so honored.

#4: Madonna

There’s a reason she’s known as the Queen of Pop. Since first hitting the scene in 1979, Madonna has made it a point to not only reinvent her sound, but herself. This has allowed her to maintain her status as one of the most culturally relevant stars in the game. Whether it's on her own or as a featured artist, she has maintained a chart presence throughout her multi-decade tenure, ensuring that each generation is introduced to her. With a follow-up to one of her most iconic albums, “Confessions on a Dance Floor,” and a biographical work in the pipeline, it’s clear she’s not even close to slowing down.

#3: Diana Ross

Not many others can boast being a household name for over sixty years. From her days leading The Supremes to her own iconic solo career, Diana Ross is by far one of the most successful women in the music business. In the 20th-century, she was lauded as one of the best female entertainers of all time, with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and membership in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to show for it. Her modern-day output is also nothing to sneeze at. In the 2020s alone, she released the Grammy-nominated album “Thank You” and toured several times. It’s clear she still has more to show — and we can’t wait to see what she does next.

#2: Dolly Parton

As one of the most famous country artists and celebrities in general, Dolly Parton is practically synonymous with pop culture. Her philanthropy alone has secured her legacy, but it's her music that allowed her to reach that status. Since the 1960s, she’s been a constant presence on the country-specific charts, and has had immense crossover success. Her 2022 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inspired her to make a full-length rock project – which ended up reaching #3 on the Billboard 200. She’s recently been featured singing with the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Lizzo and Miley Cyrus and announced a Vegas residency, ensuring she won’t be leaving the zeitgeist any time soon.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Shakira

After 35 Years, She Continues to Dominate Global Album & Singles Charts

Shania Twain

Her 2023 Comeback Album Cemented Her Status as the Queen of Country Pop

Mariah Carey

The Queen of Christmas Maintains Her Pop Legacy

Gloria Estefan

She Became the First Hispanic Artist to Join the Songwriters Hall of Fame

Annie Lennox

Has Maintained her Icon Status in Both Music & Political Spheres

#1: Cher

Through constant reinvention and career pivots, she has maintained her place in the spotlight since 1964. Cher got her start with Sonny Bono in the 1960s, and from there, the rest is history. She’s the only solo artist to have #1 singles on various charts in seven different decades, and more than 20 top 40 solo hits. In recent years, she’s cemented her status as a cultural icon and helped lessen ageism in the pop sphere. Between multiple tours, movie appearances, and a best-selling book, it’s clear people will never get enough. She’s proof that adapting to the times while maintaining your authenticity isn’t just possible – it's the best way to continue thriving.

Which of these stars do you think has had the most impressive career? Let us know in the comments below!