Top 10 Greatest Entertainers of All Time

#10: David Bowie

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This legendary vocalist once said “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring,” and we can agree he was one of the least boring people on the planet. David Bowie revolutionized music by creating songs that make you feel like you’re floating on a cloud, and his musical prowess led him to be named “the greatest rock star ever” by Rolling Stone magazine. Aside from having made several number-one albums, his appearances in movies like “Labyrinth” and “The Man Who Fell to Earth” cemented him as one of the greats.

#9: Johnny Carson

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Here’s our next pick! Johnny Carson was the host of “The Tonight Show” for thirty years, and there were countless memorable moments on the program throughout its run. We wouldn’t have gotten other notable late-night talk show hosts like Jay Leno or Jimmy Fallon had Carson not done it flawlessly first. It’s rare to see a talk show host that’s just as entertaining to watch as any of the guests, but that’s exactly what we got with Carson. Whether he was playing Carnac the Magnificent, impersonating presidents, or giving a side-splitting opening monologue, he never failed to amuse us.

Some of the best entertainers in the world are those who show off their craft on stage, and Bernadette Peters is a classic example of that. Her vocal chops are what made her famous, but her array of talent has earned her nominations for Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe awards. She starred in some of the biggest Broadway musicals in the world, like “Into the Woods” and “Hello, Dolly!,” and you can also find her on “The Carol Burnett Show” and in films like “The Jerk” and “Annie.” Not many entertainers can hop from dramatic musical theater to comedy films with such grace, and this has given her one of the most diverse résumés in the entertainment industry.

As much as we’re amused by modern-day comediennes, no one can beat the original funny lady herself. Lucille Ball started out as a Broadway actor before working in film, but it was her transition to the small screen that paved the way for future female comedians. Alongside her onscreen and real-life husband Desi Arnaz, Ball would crack up every viewer tuning in to “I Love Lucy” on Monday nights. Whether she was working in a chocolate factory or stomping grapes, she made mundane scenarios absolutely hilarious. Her show came before Carol Burnett starred in her own groundbreaking and ridiculously funny program. (xref) But Lucille Ball stands as a pioneer whose brand of physical comedy really takes the cake.

#6: Whitney Houston

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Singer, actor, and even movie producer? What couldn’t Whitney Houston do? Not only did she have a five-octave vocal range, she sold over 200 million records in her thirty-some years in the music industry. Everything she touched turned to gold, as her films were wildly successful as well. But, what she will undoubtedly be remembered for is her iconic hit “I Will Always Love You.” Her performance of this Dolly Parton original will always sound shivers down our spines, and one thing is for sure - we will always love her.

Madonna’s been one of the most iconic singer-songwriters over several generations, which has rightfully earned her the title of “Queen of Pop.” What makes her so fun to watch is her ability to push boundaries through her lyrics, music videos, and performances, many of which were way ahead of her time. To this day, she’s the best-selling solo female recording artist in music history, and she still found time to branch out into film as both an actor and a director. Between the “Vogue” music video, which has been endlessly recreated, and that unforgettable “Like a Virgin” performance, to name a few, she has never failed to beguile us.

#4: Beyoncé

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It’s hard to believe that Beyoncé has been making music for over two decades, since her songs and music videos are timeless and have had a lasting impact. Pretty much everything Beyoncé does is flawless, whether it be a Super Bowl Halftime Show performance or a pregnancy announcement. We can’t even pick a favorite amongst her iconic tunes, from as far back as “Crazy in Love” to just as recently as “Formation,” Queen Bey never misses. We can even credit the term “bootylicious” to her, and with all of these accomplishments, it’s no wonder she takes her own name as a compliment.

#3: Prince

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The accolades for this “Purple Rain” singer are seemingly endless. He won several Grammys, but he earned a Golden Globe and even an Academy Award, putting to rest any doubt he was a master of his craft. He was a music-making machine, with nearly forty albums being released throughout his career. One of the reasons he was such a memorable entertainer is because his musical stylings and performances were so unique. His eccentric wardrobe paired with hits like “Kiss” and “When Doves Cry” made him an absolutely dreamy performer. While he stood at only 5’2”, his electric stage presence made him larger than life, and his legacy has endured even after his untimely death in 2016.

“Groundbreaking” and “legendary” are just a couple words that come to mind when describing the King. Several generations after Elvis’s death, people are still familiar with his music, and most would still recognize his provocative and swoon-worthy dance moves. Not many entertainers who started in the ‘50s would have such a lasting impact on society today, as his songs have stood the test of time, a testament to how amazing he was. From songs that make you want to dance like “Hound Dog” or “Burning Love,” to songs that make you want to cry like “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and “Love me Tender,” his discography has something for everyone. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Robin Williams From an Extraterrestrial, to a Genie, to Peter Pan, It Was Never a Dull Moment With Our Captain Elton John Performing for Over Half a Century, the Rocket Man Always Puts on a Show Richard Pryor This Stand-Up Comedian Never Held Back & Always Left Us in Stitches Laurence Olivier With Olivier Acting in Over Sixty Films, Audiences Were Entertained for Nearly Sixty Years Freddie Mercury The Legendary Frontman of Queen Was a Songwriting & Performing Genius

#1: Michael Jackson

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Who’s bad? Certainly not him. And if you don’t like him? Beat it. But seriously, we can’t think of anyone more entertaining than the King of Pop. We’ve been throwing around a lot of record sales numbers throughout this list, but this one is extra noteworthy. Michael Jackson is estimated to have sold over 400 million records to date, so it’s safe to say that his career was leaps and bounds ahead of most people’s. From the Jackson 5, to the iconic “Thriller” music video, to his final album “This Is It,” Michael Jackson created art that’s nearly impossible not to love.