The Greatest Pop Star By Year: 1981-2023 (Updated Staff Picks)

This retrospective by Billboard offers a comprehensive exploration of pop stardom's evolution, charting the trajectory of the greatest pop stars from 1981 to 2023. It examines not just the numerical dominance of chart-topping hits but also the intangible qualities that define cultural impact, ubiquity, and artistry.

The starting point of 1981, marked by the advent of MTV, highlights how music videos revolutionized pop stardom by adding a three-dimensional element to artists. This transition made stars like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince synonymous with the broader cultural zeitgeist of their eras, blending music, visuals, and performance into an iconic whole.

Key Highlights:

• Pop Stardom as Competition: The article likens the journey of pop stars to a competitive sport where the goal isn't just chart supremacy but also dominance in live performances, cultural relevance, and headline-making ability.
• Broad Definition of Pop Star: This list acknowledges that pop stardom transcends genres, including rock bands, R&B groups, rappers, and singer-songwriters.
• Impact of MTV: The platform reshaped pop music, making artists visually present in the lives of fans and creating a new standard for stardom.
• Subjective and Cultural Perspective: While Billboard relies on stats and cultural impact to justify its choices, it also admits a North American bias and acknowledges the subjectivity of its selections.

Highlights of Specific Years:

1. 1983 - Michael Jackson: A monumental year for the King of Pop, cementing his place as a cultural icon with Thriller, his groundbreaking music videos, and industry-shaking moments like his Motown 25 moonwalk.
2. 1984 - Prince: The release of Purple Rain demonstrated Prince’s virtuosity and creativity, solidifying his legacy with genre-defying music and a tight-knit backing band, The Revolution.
3. 1984 - Madonna: Emerging as a trailblazer for women in pop, she began crafting her legacy with bold, boundary-pushing artistry.
4. Recent Updates (2023): The list extends to the modern era, reflecting on artists’ relevance in today’s competitive landscape, including trends like streaming dominance and social media influence.

Why This Matters:

The evolution of pop stardom reflects broader societal and technological changes, from MTV to streaming platforms, shaping how we consume and experience music. By examining these shifts, the list not only celebrates individual achievements but also captures the cultural pulse of each year.

This annual update is both a time capsule and a conversation starter, inviting fans to reflect on their favorite artists’ influence and speculate on who might define future years of pop stardom.