The 2000s were a decade of significant musical evolution, with the emergence of new genres and styles that set the stage for the future of music. The decade saw the rise of many famous singers who left an indelible mark on the music industry with their unique voices, styles, and personas.
From powerhouse vocalists to iconic pop stars and R&B crooners, the 2000s produced a diverse range of talented artists who captured the hearts of fans worldwide. These singers were not only successful in terms of their chart-topping hits and record-breaking sales but also in terms of their influence on fashion, culture, and societal norms. Their music shaped the soundtrack of the decade, reflecting the changing attitudes and values of the time.
In this article, we will explore some of the most famous singers of the 2000s and examine their contributions to music and popular culture.
1. Eminem
Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer known for his raw and often controversial lyrics. Born in Missouri in 1972, Eminem rose to fame in the late 1990s with his debut album, “The Slim Shady LP,” which featured hit singles like “My Name Is” and “The Real Slim Shady.”
Eminem’s music often explores themes of poverty, drug addiction, and personal struggles, drawing on his own experiences growing up in Detroit. He has been praised for his technical skill as a rapper, including his ability to rhyme complex syllables and words.
Throughout his career, Eminem has been the subject of controversy due to his use of offensive language and his portrayal of violence against women. However, he has also been recognized for his honest and vulnerable lyrics, which have touched on subjects like mental health, addiction, and the struggles of fame.
Eminem has won numerous awards throughout his career, including 15 Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Lose Yourself” from the film “8 Mile.” He remains one of the most successful and influential rappers of all time, with a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge audiences around the world.
2. Chester Bennington
Chester Bennington was an American singer and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Linkin Park. Born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1976, Bennington struggled with substance abuse and trauma throughout his life, which often found expression in his music.
Bennington’s powerful and emotional vocals became a hallmark of Linkin Park’s music, which combined elements of rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. The band’s debut album, “Hybrid Theory,” released in 2000, became an instant commercial success and is widely regarded as a modern rock classic.
Throughout his career, Bennington also collaborated with other artists and bands, including Stone Temple Pilots and Dead by Sunrise, and was known for his passionate and energetic live performances.
Despite his success, Bennington continued to struggle with addiction and mental health issues. Tragically, he died by suicide in 2017 at the age of 41, leaving behind a legacy of powerful and emotionally charged music that has touched countless fans around the world.
3. Chris Martin
Chris Martin is a British singer, songwriter, and musician who is best known as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the band Coldplay. Born in Devon, England in 1977, Martin began playing music at a young age and formed Coldplay with his college friends in 1996.
Martin’s distinctive tenor vocals and introspective lyrics have been a hallmark of Coldplay’s music, which often combines elements of alternative rock, pop, and electronic music. The band’s debut album, “Parachutes,” released in 2000, was a critical and commercial success and helped establish them as one of the biggest bands of the 21st century.
Martin has also collaborated with other artists throughout his career, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and The Chainsmokers. In addition to his work with Coldplay, he has also been involved in philanthropic efforts and activism, including supporting organizations like Oxfam and advocating for environmental causes.
Martin’s music and creative vision have inspired countless fans around the world, and his influence on popular music is undeniable. He continues to be an active musician and artist, pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds and ideas with Coldplay and beyond.
4. Britney Spears
Britney Spears is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a pop icon. Born in Mississippi in 1981, Spears began her career as a child performer, appearing on television shows like “The Mickey Mouse Club” before releasing her debut album, “Baby One More Time,” in 1999.
Spears quickly became a global superstar, known for her catchy pop songs, energetic dance routines, and provocative image. Over the years, she has released multiple hit albums, including “Oops!… I Did It Again” and “Blackout,” and has won numerous awards for her music and performances.
In addition to her music career, Spears has also dabbled in acting, appearing in films like “Crossroads” and “Austin Powers in Goldmember.” However, she has also faced personal struggles in the public eye, including mental health issues and a highly publicized conservatorship battle.
Despite the ups and downs of her personal life, Spears remains an influential figure in pop culture and has inspired a generation of fans with her music and iconic performances.
5. Beyoncé
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, known simply as Beyoncé, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who first rose to fame in the late 1990s as a member of the R&B group Destiny’s Child. Born in Texas in 1981, Beyoncé began her solo career in 2003 with her debut album, “Dangerously in Love,” which earned her five Grammy Awards.
Over the years, Beyoncé has established herself as one of the most iconic and influential figures in music, known for her powerful vocals, dynamic performances, and bold sense of style. She has released multiple critically acclaimed albums, including “B’Day,” “4,” and “Lemonade,” and has won numerous awards for her music, including 28 Grammy Awards.
In addition to her music career, Beyoncé has also ventured into acting, starring in films such as “Dreamgirls” and “The Lion King.” She is also a savvy businesswoman, with successful ventures in fashion, beauty, and philanthropy.
Known for her fierce independence and empowering messages, Beyoncé has become a role model for women around the world, using her platform to advocate for social justice and equality. Her influence on pop culture and music is undeniable, and she continues to push boundaries and break barriers in everything she does.
6. Pink
Pink, also known as P!nk, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her powerful vocals, electrifying performances, and outspoken personality. Born in Pennsylvania in 1979, Pink began her music career in the late 1990s with her debut album “Can’t Take Me Home,” which included hit singles like “There You Go” and “Most Girls.”
Over the years, Pink has released numerous successful albums, including “M!ssundaztood,” “Try This,” and “The Truth About Love.” She has won multiple awards for her music, including three Grammy Awards, and has become known for her genre-bending style that incorporates elements of pop, rock, and R&B.
In addition to her music career, Pink has also ventured into acting and has appeared in films like “Thanks for Sharing” and “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” She is also known for her activism and advocacy work, particularly in support of LGBTQ+ rights and environmental issues.
With her powerful voice and dynamic performances, Pink has become one of the most successful and influential female artists of her generation, inspiring fans with her message of self-acceptance and empowerment.
7. Norah Jones
Norah Jones is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist, known for her soulful voice, jazz-influenced music, and successful career spanning over two decades. Born in New York City in 1979, Jones grew up surrounded by music, with her father being the legendary sitar player Ravi Shankar.
Jones released her debut album “Come Away With Me” in 2002, which became a massive commercial success, winning eight Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. The album showcased her smooth, sultry vocals and fusion of jazz, pop, and country elements, and included hit songs like “Don’t Know Why” and “Come Away With Me.”
Jones continued to release successful albums throughout the 2000s and 2010s, including “Feels Like Home,” “Not Too Late,” and “Day Breaks.” She has collaborated with various artists and bands, including Outkast and the Foo Fighters, and has won a total of nine Grammy Awards.
With her unique blend of genres and soulful voice, Norah Jones has become one of the most respected and influential female artists of her generation, inspiring a new wave of singer-songwriters and leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.
8. Chad Kroeger
Chad Kroeger is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Nickelback. Born in 1974 in Alberta, Canada, Kroeger formed Nickelback in 1995 with his brother Mike and two other musicians.
Nickelback gained worldwide success in the early 2000s with hit songs like “How You Remind Me,” “Photograph,” and “Rockstar,” all featuring Kroeger’s distinctive raspy voice and guitar riffs. The band has sold over 50 million records worldwide and received numerous awards and nominations, including several Grammy Awards.
Apart from his work with Nickelback, Kroeger has collaborated with various artists, including Santana, Avril Lavigne, and Daughtry, among others. He has also produced and co-written songs for other artists.
Kroeger has been recognized for his contributions to the music industry, receiving awards such as the Juno Award for Songwriter of the Year and the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award. He is known for his dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals, and continues to be a prominent figure in the rock music scene.
9. will.i.am
will.i.am, born William James Adams Jr., is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He first gained fame as a member of the hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas, which he co-founded in 1995. The group’s fusion of hip-hop, pop, and electronic music brought them global success, with hit songs like “I Gotta Feeling,” “Boom Boom Pow,” and “Where Is the Love?”
In addition to his work with Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am has released several solo albums, including “Songs About Girls” and “Willpower,” and has collaborated with various artists, such as Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, and U2. He has also produced and written songs for other artists, including Michael Jackson, Rihanna, and Nicki Minaj.
will.i.am is known for his unique style, both in music and fashion, and for his use of technology and innovation in his work. He has won numerous awards, including seven Grammy Awards, and has also ventured into other industries, such as technology and fashion. He is regarded as one of the most influential and innovative figures in contemporary music.
10. Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist known for her soulful voice and poignant lyrics. Born and raised in New York City, Keys began playing piano at a young age and wrote her first song at 14. She attended the Professional Performing Arts School and later Columbia University before launching her music career.
Her debut album, “Songs in A Minor,” was released in 2001 and immediately garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. The album went on to win five Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Song of the Year, and Best R&B Album. Keys has since released several more albums, including “The Diary of Alicia Keys” and “As I Am,” and has become known for her socially conscious and empowering lyrics.
In addition to her music career, Keys has acted in several films and television shows, and is also a philanthropist and activist. She is a co-founder of the Keep a Child Alive organization, which provides resources and support to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS, and has been an advocate for various social and political causes. Keys is considered one of the most influential and respected artists in contemporary music.
11. Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and actor known for his contemporary take on classic jazz and pop standards. Born on September 9, 1975, in Burnaby, British Columbia, Bublé grew up listening to his grandfather’s record collection, which included artists like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Ella Fitzgerald. He began performing in local nightclubs at the age of 16 and eventually caught the attention of music executives who helped him release his debut album in 2003.
Bublé’s smooth vocals and charming stage presence quickly earned him a loyal following. He has since released several successful albums, including “It’s Time,” “Call Me Irresponsible,” and “Crazy Love.” Bublé’s music often pays homage to the classic jazz and pop standards of the 1940s and 1950s, but he also incorporates elements of contemporary pop and rock into his songs.
In addition to his music career, Bublé has also dabbled in acting, appearing in films like “Duets” and “Totally Blonde” and TV shows like “The X-Files” and “Las Vegas.” He has also hosted several television specials and served as a judge on the Canadian version of “The Voice.”
Bublé has won several awards throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards and Juno Awards. He is known for his engaging live performances and has sold out arenas around the world. Bublé is also an advocate for various charitable causes, including children’s hospitals and cancer research organizations.
12. Bono
Bono, whose real name is Paul David Hewson, is an Irish singer, songwriter, and philanthropist. Born on May 10, 1960, in Dublin, Ireland, Bono is best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band U2. He has also been heavily involved in humanitarian and political causes throughout his career.
Bono formed U2 in 1976 with his schoolmates, and the band quickly gained a following for their socially conscious lyrics and powerful live performances. Their breakthrough album, “The Joshua Tree,” released in 1987, catapulted them to worldwide fame and critical acclaim. Over the years, U2 has released numerous successful albums and singles, including hits like “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “Pride (In the Name of Love),” and “With or Without You.”
Bono is also known for his activism and philanthropy. He has been involved in various causes, including the fight against poverty and AIDS in Africa, debt relief, and human rights. Bono co-founded the ONE Campaign and RED, two organizations that aim to fight extreme poverty and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa. He has also been an outspoken advocate for climate change action.
Bono has won multiple awards for his music and activism, including numerous Grammy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation, and his contributions to the world of music and humanitarianism have been widely celebrated.
13. Madonna
Madonna, whose full name is Madonna Louise Ciccone, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur. Born on August 16, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan, Madonna rose to fame in the 1980s with her provocative image and groundbreaking music.
Madonna’s music career spans over four decades, during which she has released numerous successful albums and singles, including hits like “Like a Virgin,” “Material Girl,” “Vogue,” and “Hung Up.” She is known for her ability to constantly reinvent herself and push boundaries in terms of fashion, music, and culture. Madonna’s music often explores themes of sexuality, feminism, and religious imagery.
In addition to her music career, Madonna has also had a successful acting career, appearing in films like “Desperately Seeking Susan,” “A League of Their Own,” and “Evita.” She has also ventured into entrepreneurship, launching her own clothing line, fragrance line, and health club chain.
Madonna is widely regarded as one of the most influential pop icons of all time. She has won numerous awards for her music, including multiple Grammy Awards, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Madonna’s impact on popular culture extends beyond her music, as she has been credited with paving the way for other female pop stars and pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable in terms of sexuality and gender roles.
14. Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the early 2000s with her unique blend of pop punk and alternative rock. Born on September 27, 1984, in Belleville, Ontario, Lavigne began singing and playing guitar at a young age, and by the age of 15, she had signed a recording contract with Arista Records.
Lavigne’s debut album, “Let Go,” released in 2002, was a critical and commercial success, featuring hits like “Complicated,” “Sk8er Boi,” and “I’m with You.” Her music often explores themes of teenage angst and rebellion, and she has been credited with helping to popularize the pop punk genre in the early 2000s.
In addition to her music career, Lavigne has also ventured into acting, appearing in films like “Fast Food Nation” and “Over the Hedge.” She has also been involved in various philanthropic causes, including the fight against Lyme disease, from which she has personally suffered.
Lavigne has won multiple awards throughout her career, including four Juno Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards. She continues to release music and tour, and her influence on the pop punk genre can still be seen in the work of many contemporary artists.
15. Rihanna
Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, is a Barbadian singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. Born on February 20, 1988, in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna rose to fame in the mid-2000s with her unique blend of pop, R&B, and Caribbean music.
Rihanna has released numerous successful albums and singles, including hits like “Umbrella,” “Disturbia,” and “Diamonds.” Her music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and empowerment, and she has been credited with helping to redefine the sound of pop music in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
In addition to her music career, Rihanna has also had success as an actress, appearing in films like “Battleship” and “Ocean’s 8.” She has also ventured into entrepreneurship, launching her own fashion and beauty brands, including Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty.
Rihanna has won numerous awards throughout her career, including nine Grammy Awards and multiple MTV Video Music Awards. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential pop stars of her generation, and her impact on fashion and beauty has also been widely celebrated. Rihanna’s music and style continue to inspire fans around the world, and she remains a powerful force in the entertainment industry.
16. Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Born on March 28, 1986, in New York City, Lady Gaga rose to fame in the late 2000s with her unconventional fashion sense and unique blend of pop, electronic, and dance music.
Lady Gaga’s music career spans over a decade, during which she has released numerous successful albums and singles, including hits like “Just Dance,” “Poker Face,” and “Bad Romance.” Her music often explores themes of love, empowerment, and individuality, and she has been credited with breaking down barriers in terms of gender, sexuality, and expression.
In addition to her music career, Lady Gaga has also had success as an actress, appearing in films like “A Star is Born” and “American Horror Story.” She is known for her extravagant live performances and visually stunning music videos.
Lady Gaga has won numerous awards throughout her career, including multiple Grammy Awards, and has been recognized for her philanthropic work and advocacy for mental health awareness. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential pop stars of her generation, and her impact on fashion, music, and culture continues to be felt around the world.
17. Usher
Usher, whose full name is Usher Raymond IV, is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. Born on October 14, 1978, in Dallas, Texas, Usher rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with his smooth vocals and R&B-pop sound.
Usher’s music career spans over two decades, during which he has released numerous successful albums and singles, including hits like “U Remind Me,” “Yeah!,” and “Love in This Club.” His music often explores themes of love, romance, and heartbreak, and he has been credited with helping to shape the sound of contemporary R&B.
In addition to his music career, Usher has also had success as an actor, appearing in films like “In the Mix” and “Hands of Stone.” He is also known for his choreography and dance skills, which have been featured in his music videos and live performances.
Usher has won numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards and BET Awards. He has also been recognized for his philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and youth development. Usher’s influence on R&B and pop music continues to be felt, and he remains one of the most successful and respected artists of his generation.
18. Shakira
Shakira is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with her unique blend of Latin, pop, and rock music.
Shakira’s music career spans over three decades, during which she has released numerous successful albums and singles, including hits like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Whenever, Wherever,” and “La Tortura.” Her music often explores themes of love, empowerment, and social justice, and she has been credited with helping to popularize Latin music around the world.
In addition to her music career, Shakira is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and child development. She founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation, which provides education and healthcare to children in impoverished areas of Colombia.
Shakira has won numerous awards throughout her career, including multiple Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards. She has also been recognized for her humanitarian work, receiving honors such as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund’s Goodwill Ambassador and the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. Shakira’s influence on Latin and pop music continues to be felt, and she remains a respected artist and philanthropist.
19. Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and producer. Born on January 31, 1981, in Memphis, Tennessee, Timberlake rose to fame in the late 1990s as a member of the boy band *NSYNC before transitioning to a successful solo career.
Timberlake’s music career spans over two decades, during which he has released numerous successful albums and singles, including hits like “Cry Me a River,” “SexyBack,” and “Mirrors.” His music often explores themes of love, relationships, and personal growth, and he has been credited with helping to shape the sound of contemporary pop and R&B.
In addition to his music career, Timberlake has also had success as an actor, appearing in films like “The Social Network” and “Trolls.” He has also produced television shows and documentaries and has been involved in various business ventures.
Timberlake has won numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards and Emmy Awards. He is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of music education and disaster relief. Timberlake’s influence on pop and R&B music continues to be felt, and he remains a respected and influential artist in the entertainment industry.
20. Billie Joe Armstrong
Billie Joe Armstrong is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor. Born on February 17, 1972, in Oakland, California, Armstrong is best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the punk rock band Green Day.
Armstrong’s music career spans over three decades, during which he has released numerous successful albums and singles with Green Day, including hits like “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),” “American Idiot,” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” He is known for his powerful and emotive vocals, as well as his politically charged and socially conscious lyrics.
In addition to his work with Green Day, Armstrong has also been involved in various side projects and collaborations, including the band The Longshot and the musical “American Idiot.” He has also acted in films like “This is 40” and “Ordinary World.”
Armstrong has won numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards and MTV Video Music Awards. He is also known for his activism and advocacy work, particularly in the areas of environmentalism and LGBTQ+ rights. Armstrong’s influence on punk and rock music continues to be felt, and he remains a respected and influential artist in the music industry.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
