MUSIC ICONS IN THE 2000s

The 2000s were a defining decade for pop music, with artists who shaped the music, fashion, and popular culture of the time. Several icons emerged and solidified their place in history. Here are some of the biggest pop icons of the 2000s:

1. Britney Spears

Britney was truly the princess of pop in the 2000s. After the massive success of her debut album ...Baby One More Time (1999), she continued to dominate the charts throughout the decade, with albums like Oops!... I Did It Again (2000) and In the Zone (2003). Her music, stage presence, and personal life made her one of the biggest icons of the decade. Besides music, Britney influenced fashion with her youthful and rebellious style, becoming a central figure in the media and pop culture.

2. Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera was one of Britney's biggest rivals at the time but also stood out for her powerful voice and vocal ability. With the success of her debut album Christina Aguilera (1999), she continued her career with hits like Genie in a Bottle and What a Girl Wants. In the 2000s, Aguilera reinvented herself with the album Stripped (2002), bringing a bolder look and songs like Dirrty, which solidified her as one of the greatest voices of her generation.

3. Beyoncé

Before becoming the global superstar she is today, Beyoncé was the lead vocalist of Destiny's Child, one of the most successful girl groups of the decade. However, it was with her solo career, starting in 2003 with the album Dangerously in Love, that she truly became an icon. With hits like Crazy in Love and Baby Boy, she became one of the biggest names in pop, known for her incredible stage presence, style, and powerful vocals.

4. Rihanna

Rihanna also began her career in the 2000s, debuting in 2005 with the album Music of the Sun and quickly conquering the world with her unique sound that mixed pop, R&B, and reggae. Hits like Umbrella (2007) transformed her into one of the biggest stars of the decade. Rihanna also stood out for her constant evolution in style and image, always at the forefront of fashion trends.

5. Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga emerged in the late 2000s but quickly became a global icon with her album The Fame (2008), which produced hits like Just Dance and Poker Face. Her eccentric style, innovative performances, and provocative lyrics redefined pop and pop culture at the time, making her one of the most influential artists of the 2000s and beyond.

6. Justin Timberlake

After leaving NSYNC, Justin Timberlake began his solo career in the 2000s and quickly became one of the biggest artists of the decade. His album Justified (2002), with hits like Cry Me a River, made him a pop and R&B icon. With the success of FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006), he solidified his place as one of the biggest male stars in pop music.

7. Nelly Furtado

Nelly Furtado emerged at the beginning of the decade with a pop and alternative style, but it was in 2006, with the album Loose, that she became a global phenomenon. With hits like Promiscuous and Maneater, she blended pop, R&B, and Latin music, creating a unique sound that was hugely successful throughout the decade.

8. Eminem

Though more associated with rap, Eminem had a massive influence on pop in the 2000s. His album The Marshall Mathers LP (2000) and The Eminem Show (2002) not only dominated rap charts but also reached the mainstream, making him one of the most controversial and popular artists of the decade.

9. Kanye West

Kanye West emerged in the early 2000s as a producer and rapper, but he quickly established himself as one of the biggest icons in pop and music in general. His album The College Dropout (2004) and Late Registration (2005) marked the decade with a unique mix of hip-hop, soul, and electronic music. He also stood out for his innovative style, both in music and fashion.

10. Shakira

Shakira was one of the international artists who dominated pop charts in the 2000s, especially after the release of the album Laundry Service (2001), which included hits like Whenever, Wherever and Underneath Your Clothes. Her fusion of pop with Latin rhythms and her sensual dancing (notably her famous hip movement) made her a global figure.

Other Important Icons:

• Amy Winehouse: With her unique style and the album Back to Black (2006), Amy stood out in pop, soul, and jazz.

• Usher: With hits like Yeah! (2004), he was one of the biggest names in R&B in the 2000s.

• Pink: With her rebellious attitude and hits like Just Like a Pill, she became one of the most authentic figures in pop.

The 2000s were a decade of great innovation in pop, with artists who not only dominated the music charts but also influenced fashion, music videos, and youth culture in general. Each of these icons brought something unique to music, and they continue to be references today