Greatest female vocalists have this magical power to perfectly blend raw talent with sheer emotion, leaving listeners absolutely spellbound. Now, if you've ever found yourself belting your heart out in the shower, hoping to hit those high notes without shattering any mirrors, you're in good company. Welcome to 2024, where the debate on who deserves the crown of the greatest female vocalist is hotter than ever—and no, your cat-like screeches do not make the list!
With so many incredible voices, picking just seven feels like choosing between pizza toppings—impossible! But fret not, because you’re about to embark on a melodious journey through time, celebrating the legends who made us laugh, cry, and sometimes dance like nobody’s watching. From the sultry tones of the past to the electrifying beats of the present, we'll cover it all.
Our first stop takes us back to the golden era of music, where the queen of soul reigned supreme. Her timeless voice wasn’t just a gift; it was a revolution. You guessed it—Aretha Franklin is none other than that magnificent diva. Her hits aren’t just songs; they’re anthems that resonate even in 2024.
And let’s not forget the powerhouse voices that followed. Enter the era of pop divas and rock goddesses. Can we have a moment of silence for the rock goddess herself, Stevie Nicks? Her raspy, hypnotic voice not only defined a generation but also worked wonders on hair curlers worldwide. Plus, who can resist those gypsy vibes?
Then there's the pop princess turned queen, who made dancing with someone else’s boyfriend look glamorous. Yes, I'm talking about the effervescent Whitney Houston, whose voice could probably make your toast pop out golden brown.
But wait, the journey doesn’t stop there! Leapfrogging into modern times, imagine a voice so powerful it could probably halt traffic. Talking about Adele seems almost obligatory because let’s face it, the lady could sing the contents of your grocery list and still make you tear up.
As we hopscotch through this melodic timeline, prepare yourself for a flood of goosebumps and maybe a sing-along or two. Honestly, can you even talk about these divas without singing a few lines? No? Then you're in the right place. Grab your popcorn and get ready because these vocal queens are about to rock your world.
Stay tuned as we navigate through each epoch, tipping our hats (and hitting those high notes) to the phenomenal women who forever etched their voices into the soundtracks of our lives.
1. Whitney Houston
When it comes to the greatest female vocalists, it doesn’t get much better than Whitney Houston. The world lost Whitney too soon just two short years ago, but her remarkable talent will forever live on through her music. In 2009, Whitney was named the Most Awarded Female Act of all Time by Guinness World Records. Her range is phenomenal, and most artists fall short trying to cover her songs. The video here shows her performing the classic “I Will Always Love You.”
2. Aretha Franklin
Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is a gospel and R&B singer who is one of the greatest vocalists of all time. She inspired other singers, such as Whitney Houston, with her music. She is the most charted singer on the Billboard Charts and has won countless awards. This video is a performance of her singing “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman.”
3. Etta James
Etta James’ style is a mix between jazz and rock and roll. Her soulful voice will give you chills. This video really showcases her talent, as even in her later years, she was still able to perform her classic “At Last” flawlessly. Etta James has been inducted in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Blues Hall of Fame.
4. Céline Dion
Céline Dion started out as a Canadian performer singing in French then went on to release an album in English that made her one of the biggest pop stars in the US and other English-speaking countries. What’s even more impressive is that Céline has also sings in Italian, German, Spanish, Latin, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese. Wow! She is also known as one of the most technical and skilled vocalists of all time. Here is Céline performing her smash hit, “The Power of Love.”
5. Diana Ross
Diana Ross is fabulous as the lead singer of The Supremes and in her solo career. Her vocals and charm make her one of the most memorable performers of all time. Her voice is smooth and soulful, winning her many awards. Diana Ross has sold over 100 million records and has released 70 singles! Here is a video of her performing the song “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”
6. Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey has been performing for over twenty years, and in that time, she has become one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Mariah Carey has 18 number one’s to her name, more than any other solo artist. She has a five-octave vocal range as well as a powerful voice, making her one of the greatest female vocalists of all time. This video is Mariah Carey’s 2006 Grammy performance of her hit “We Belong Together” as well as the song “Fly Like a Bird.”
7. Christina Aguilera
Princess of Pop, Christina Aguilera, is already known as a classic for her vocals, at just 33 years old. Even though she is most known for her pop performances, she can also give soulful performances such as the video here for her song “Hurt.” Christina’s beautiful voice is among the best on radio right now.
These 7 ladies have changed the world through their music. Some of the women on the list shaped music in the past, while others are continuing to inspire and change the music industry today. Who are your favorite female vocalists? Give us your input in the comments section!
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