BEYOND THE NOTES
Photo by Anna Vasquez
May 15, 2025 | Katherine Cruz-Alvarez
Pop music may look like a world of catchy hooks and choreographed dance breaks, but it's also a high-stakes, billion-dollar puzzle people spend their whole lives trying to solve. It takes more than talent. You need strategy, charm, vision, and a killer work ethic to even earn 15 minutes of fame.
At the center of it all are the "Main Pop Girls": the women who run the industry, dominate the charts, headlines, and cultural conversations. There's no single definition, but as the New York Times podcast Popcast puts it, a Main Pop Girl is someone who commands both the music industry and public imagination. They bring authenticity, narrative control, and a willingness to play the game, including the drama, the gimmicks, and the mess that comes with it.
With that in mind, here's my subjective, debatable breakdown of the current tiers of pop girls.
The Untouchables
Members: Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Taylor Swift
These women invented the game. Beyoncé and Taylor Swift operate on a level of global influence that's hard to match, with each release transforming into a full-blown era of world tours, internet-breaking fan theories, and cultural moments that stretch for months. Britney may not be as active now, but her blueprint for pop stardom, including performance style and charisma, remains a guiding light for today's pop stars, whose choreographed routines, glittery outfits, and eccentric personas all have a touch of Britney that can't go unnoticed. Longevity, impact, and cultural legacy put these iconic women in a league of their own.
The Veterans
Members: Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Rihanna
These artists defined the 2010s pop boom where spectacle, camp, and bold experimentation was all the rage. They knew how to own a moment, dominate the charts, and spark controversy, all while reinventing themselves over and over again.
Lady Gaga, in particular, still flirts with "Untouchable" status, with her recent Coachella performance and Mayhem Ball tour suggesting her story is far from over. At the same time, Rihanna's pivot to her billion-dollar beauty empire hasn't dulled her musical influence. Katy Perry may not command headlines as she once did, but her string of hits and iconic visuals have left a permanent mark on pop history. These women may not be "it" girls, but they've earned their places in pop history, and any new project feels like a victory lap.
Pop Princesses
Members: Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, SZA
These are today's chart leaders. Each brings something distinct: Ariana's vocal acrobatics, Billie's genre-defying coolness, Olivia's heart-on-sleeve lyricism, and SZA's poetic vulnerability. They grew up listening to the Veterans and Untouchables and are now adding something entirely of their own. Each has a narrative that fans are invested in, keeping them at the center of pop's evolution.
The Moment
Members: Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX
These artists are making pop fun again. What sets them apart is their humor, self-awareness, and total rejection of pop perfectionism. Sabrina's cheeky lyrics, Chappell's theatricality, and Charli XCX's party-girl energy all show an understanding of today's viral landscape.
In an age where attention is everything, these artists are building loyal fan bases by fully embracing who they are. Unafraid to be bold, strange, or brutally honest, they reflect a generation that values authenticity over polish. They're not trying to appeal to everyone, but are carving out powerful niches on their terms.
Getting There
Members: Tate McRae, Tyla, LISA, JENNIE
This tier is full of rising stars on the cusp of a breakthrough. They have the talent, style, and work ethic, but are still developing the narratives that will define them beyond their viral hits. Tate McRae pairs Britney-like dancing with angsty lyrics, though her persona still feels like it's taking shape. Tyla blends Afropop with Western pop in exciting ways, but with much potential for evolution. LISA and JENNIE have BLACKPINK's global reach, but need to strengthen their solo identities.
What's especially notable about this group is how global the pop landscape has become. These rising stars reflect a new era where the next Main Pop Girl might not come from the U.S. at all — a shift that is long overdue.
OUTSIDE OF THE LIST:
Something's Missing
Members: Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez
These artists exist in a strange space where they have the hits, fanbase, and staying power, yet haven't quite captured that elusive Main Pop Girl status. Dua Lipa comes closest with her chart success and fashion credibility. Still, her lack of narrative depth leaves fans feeling distant. Miley Cyrus pushes boundaries but lacks consistent relevance in the pop world. Selena Gomez's celebrity status remains strong, but her music is rarely the center of the cultural conversation. They're essential to pop, but something keeps them just shy of the core.
***
This isn't about tearing anyone down. It's about recognizing the sheer difficulty of standing out in today's music landscape. Being a pop star is hard enough. Becoming a Main Pop Girl is nearly impossible. These women navigate constant reinvention, public scrutiny, and the pressure to stay relevant, all while creating music that's meant to feel effortless.
So, what's your tier list? Who did I miss? Pop music is personal, and everyone has their icons. No matter what it may look like, one thing is clear: women don't just participate in pop — they dominate it.
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