Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter has been shaping the music industry since her debut back in 1997. From her time with Destiny’s Child to her illustrious solo career, Beyoncé’s R&B and pop sound have become benchmarks for aspiring artists.
Her dynamic range, emotive delivery, and captivating performances have created a legacy that many artists strive to emulate. But who are these gems that echo the Queen Bey’s style?
Join us as we journey through a curated list of 15 of the best singers like Beyoncé. Ready? Let’s get started!
1. Rihanna
At just 15, the Barbados-born Rihanna showcased her amazing vocals by winning a talent show in 2003 with Mariah Carey’s song “Hero.” A year later, she grabbed the attention of JayZ during an audition that set her music career into motion.
Rising to fame quickly in the music industry, Rihanna has produced numerous chart-topping R&B/pop hits like “Umbrella,” “Only Girl (In the World),” and “Diamonds.”
Having sold over 250 million records, Rihanna stands tall as the second highest-selling female artist in music’s annals. Her receipt of numerous awards, inclusive of the 2006 Billboard Female Artist of the Year, speaks volumes about her talent and influence in the industry.
2. Ariana Grande
Singer-songwriter Ariana Grande made an early entrance into the music world, securing her first role in a Broadway musical at the tender age of 15. With the unveiling of her talents at such a young age, she quickly captured industry attention with her high-energy pop anthems.
Her discography includes hits like “7 rings” and “thank u, next,” which have won her awards from MTV and ASCAP Pop Music, among many others. Her influence extends to the acting world as well, where she’s known for her role as Cat Valentine in the TV series Victorious.
A remarkable songwriter and music producer, Ariana has demonstrated her versatile talent in the entertainment industry. Her music has resonated with millions worldwide, amassing a staggering following of over 375 million on Instagram alone.
3. Nicki Minaj
Onika Tanya Maraj, known globally as Nicki Minaj, is a trailblazer in the world of hip-hop. She burst onto the music scene with her debut mixtape, Playtime Is Over, in 2007.
Her debut album, Pink Friday (2010), reached #1 on Billboard 200 and was certified triple Platinum. It spawned the hit single “Super Bass,” which became a commercial success and solidified Minaj’s status in the industry.
Known for her flamboyant style and distinctive voice, Minaj has since released several successful albums, including Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, The Pinkprint, and Queen.
As of 2023, Minaj continues to reign supreme in the world of rap, consistently delivering music that resonates with her fans while challenging the status quo.
4. Solange
This list is not complete without Solange. As Queen Bey’s sister and a talented singer-songwriter in her own right, Solange deserves to be on this list.
Solange’s musical journey began early, performing as a backup dancer for Destiny’s Child before embarking on her solo career. Her debut album, Solo Star, was released in 2002 when she was just 16.
However, it was her third studio album, A Seat at the Table, released in 2016, that truly established Solange as a powerful creative force. The album debuted at #1 on Billboard 200 and included the hit single “Cranes in the Sky,” which won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance.
As of 2023, Solange continues to push musical boundaries, creating work that is not only sonically intriguing but also culturally significant. Her dedication to authenticity and artistic integrity make her one of the most respected figures in contemporary music.
5. Alicia Keys
Another multi-faceted artist similar to Beyoncé is Alicia Keys. This singer-songwriter has made a name for herself in the music industry since 1997, capturing audiences worldwide with her soulful R&B sound.
Not only is Alicia an incredible singer with a powerful voice, but she is also an accomplished songwriter and musician who can play the piano like no other. Her talent has been recognized with an impressive 15 Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist in 2002 and Best R&B Album for Girl on Fire.
In addition to her solo success, Alicia has collaborated with big names like Usher, Drake, and Jay-Z. Notably, her collaboration with Jay-Z on “Empire State of Mind” became a cultural anthem for their hometown, New York City, and won them a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
6. Lady Gaga
Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, Lady Gaga is a singer and songwriter known for her distinct style and extravagant performances. She rose to fame with hits like “Just Dance” and “Poker Face,” establishing herself as a pop icon in the entertainment industry.
Lady Gaga has collaborated with several artists throughout her career, including Beyoncé, on their smash hit song “Telephone.”
In acknowledgment of her musical prowess, Lady Gaga has received over 300 awards and accolades, including 13 Grammys and Billboard Woman of the Year in 2015.
She remains active in pop culture and uses her platform to advocate for important causes, creating the Born This Way Foundation.
7. Kelly Clarkson
American singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson gained fame by winning the first season of American Idol. Since then, she has become a well-known musician and performer in pop culture.
As a Grammy winner, Clarkson’s vocal talent is undeniable. Selling over 45 million singles worldwide, she’s one of the best-selling artists of her generation. With a voice that spans multiple octaves and a style that ranges from pop and rock to country, her versatility is one of her greatest strengths.
Clarkson won the hearts of fans with hits such as “My Life Would Suck Without You” and “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).” These songs, along with others like “Since U Been Gone” and “Because of You,” have become anthems for many.
8. Shakira
Born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, Colombian superstar Shakira has become known for her distinctive voice, killer dance moves, and philanthropic work.
Since her career debut at just 13 years old, Shakira has given us some of the most iconic hits of the past two decades. Songs like “Whenever, Wherever,” “Hips Don’t Lie,” and “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” have topped charts worldwide and become cultural touchstones.
Her collaborations with other artists, such as Beyoncé, Alejandro Sanz, and Rihanna, showcase her versatility and ability to cross musical boundaries.
Aside from her musical career, Shakira is known for her acting roles, including her voice work in Disney’s Zootopia. She’s also made a name for herself as a coach on the popular reality TV show The Voice.
9. Katy Perry
The name Katy Perry is one that probably does not need any introduction in the pop music world. Since her debut in 2001, she’s made a name for herself with her catchy pop music and energetic performances.
Perry’s music career has been filled with chart-topping hits, sold-out concerts, and award-winning music videos. She is famous worldwide for her hit songs, like “Firework,” “Teenage Dream,” and “Roar,” earning her celebrity status and a loyal fan base.
In addition to her music career, Perry has dabbled in acting and television, including serving as a judge on the popular singing competition show American Idol.
10. Demi Lovato
Next up is Demi Lovato. This talented singer draws inspiration from influential artists such as Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, and Beyoncé. In fact, her tour Neon Lights was inspired by Queen Bey.
Since Lovato’s success with Disney’s Camp Rock, her fame has reached new heights. Though her singles have not topped the charts, the majority have reached Platinum or multi-platinum status, like “Sorry Not Sorry,” “Heart Attack,” and “Let It Go.”
Lovato has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors. Her commitment to these causes has earned her accolades beyond her musical achievements.
11. Jennifer Lopez
Next up is Jennifer Lopez, known to most as J.Lo. A multitalented Hollywood actress, singer, and dancer, she has carved her path to fame with her talent in the entertainment industry.
Similar to Beyoncé, J.Lo is known for her energetic performances and dance abilities. She has also acted in films and has a significant influence on popular culture.
J.Lo’s versatility crosses multiple genres, including pop, R&B, Latin, hip-hop, and dance. Her striking performances showcase her vocal prowess and intricate choreography that reaffirm her status as a true entertainer on stage.
Readers interested in exploring J.Lo’s discography should check out some of her chart-topping hits, like “If You Had My Love,” “On the Floor,” and “I’m Real.”
12. Ciara
The multi-talented Ciara is not just a singer but also a songwriter, dancer, model, and actress, showcasing her diverse range of talents. She has often been likened to Beyoncé due to her successful career spanning both the pop and R&B genres.
Ciara’s musical journey started with a bang with her debut studio album, Goodies. It was an instant success, ranking #3 on the Billboard 200 chart and clinching the top spot on the R&B Albums chart. This marked the beginning of Ciara’s meteoric rise to fame.
Over the years, Ciara has consistently delivered hits, earning herself a solid fan base, critical acclaim, and several accolades, including Billboard Woman of the Year in 2008.
13. Janet Jackson
A trailblazer in the music industry, Janet Jackson has had an immense impact on popular culture and paved the way for black female artists like Beyoncé and Rihanna.
Her career took off when she released her breakthrough album Control in 1986. A chart-topper that has been certified 5x Platinum, it features singles that took the top five spots on Billboard Hot 100: “When I Think of You,” “Let’s Wait Awhile,” “Nasty,” “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” and “Control.”
But Jackson’s talents are not limited to singing. She is also an accomplished actress, appearing in films such as Nutty Professor II: The Klumps and Why Did I Get Married?
14. Janelle Monáe
Like Beyoncé, Kansas City-native R&B/pop singer Janelle Monáe is known for her powerful vocals, captivating stage presence, and dynamic live performances.
One of Monáe’s most well-known albums is The Electric Lady, released in 2013. Taking the fifth spot on Billboard 200, this album showcases her incredible vocal abilities and highlights her creativity as an artist and visionary.
Another notable release is the 2018 Dirty Computer. Number six on the Billboard 200, it also received a Grammy nod for Album of the Year.
An outspoken activist, Monáe is committed to fighting for equality and justice. She has been particularly vocal about supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and her song “Hell You Talmbout” is a powerful protest song against police brutality.
15. Tinashe
Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe, better known as Tinashe, is a force of nature in the music industry. Embodying the true essence of an all-around performer, her musical journey is a testament to determination, passion, and raw talent.
This American artist has been captivating audiences with her impressive vocal range that effortlessly oscillates between pop and R&B.
Her debut single, “2 On,” became an instant hit, reaching #3 on the R&B charts, solidifying her place in the music industry. This success led to Tinashe signing with RCA Records, under which she released more music.
As an African-American artist, Tinashe has become a role model for many aspiring musicians. Despite facing challenges in the industry, such as colorism and sexism, she continues to thrive and inspire others
Summing Up Our List Of Artists Like Beyoncé
In wrapping up, we’ve explored the talents of singers who share a similar vibrancy and passion with Beyoncé.
From Rihanna and Ariana Grande to Lady Gaga and Demi Lovato, each one brings a fresh and unique flavor to the music world, giving fans of Beyoncé plenty of fantastic music to dive into.
We really hope you found it useful and maybe even discovered a few new favorite artists. If you think there’s a singer we’ve missed who deserves a mention, please do let us know so we can add them here for you!
