The evolution of pop divas: from Barbra Streisand to Black Pink -

The word "diva" has at times conjured a particular kind of woman, and it’s almost always used pejoratively. However, originally, to be a diva meant to be a female opera singer, and its etymology comes from a Latin word for "goddess." And all of these women are pop goddesses in their own right. Having taken the music world by storm, these women have topped the charts, becoming some of the most relevant figures in cultural history.

From today to the '60s, click on to discover the evolution of the most successful of pop divas of all time. 

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Blackpink -

The first K-pop girl group to play at Coachella, Blackpink's undeniable stage presence, songs, and bilingual lyrics have taken the world by storm. Regarded as the most successful Korean girl group internationally and one of the leaders of the Korean Wave, these girls are modern-day pop divas. 

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Dua Lipa -

The British-Albanian singer has become one of the biggest pop stars in the world since her debut album 'Dua Lipa' was released in 2017. Having received critical acclaim, Lipa's disco-influenced album 'Future Nostalgia' became her first UK number-one album in 2020. 

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Ariana Grande -

A powerhouse performer, Ariana Grande is often regarded as a pop culture icon. She has captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful voice and unique vocal range. 

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Taylor Swift -

Although she started her career as a country singer, Taylor Swift has reinvented herself multiple times, becoming pure pop perfection. 

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Katy Perry -

Katy Perry dominated the 2010s with chart-topping hit after hit. Known for her camp style, she's recognized for her influence on modern pop music. 

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Rihanna -

Born and raised in Barbados, this Caribbean queen has provided exceptional hits to the world. The single 'Umbrella' earned Rihanna her first Grammy Award and catapulted her to global fame.

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Adele -

One of the most powerful vocalists out there, Adele isn't just know for her voice, but also her emotional and evocative songwriting. With sales of over 120 million records worldwide, Adele is one of the best-selling female artists of the 21st century in the UK.

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Lady Gaga -

Gaga's popularity is a result of her unique style, powerful voice, authenticity, and evolution as an artist. Her single 'Shallow' for 'A Star Is Born' (2018) made her the first woman to win an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award, and Grammy Award in one year.

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Jennifer Lopez -

One of the highest-paid Latina actresses in Hollywood, Lopez has also found crossover success in the music industry with a series of pop albums.

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Pink -

Known for her distinctive raspy voice and acrobatic stage presence, Pink is one of the biggest pop stars in the world. Her second studio album, 'Missundaztood' (2001), yielded international hits like 'Get the Party Started,' 'Don't Let Me Get Me,' and 'Just Like a Pill.'

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Britney Spears -

The princess of pop has struggled with various personal issues in the last decade, however, her career started with a bang thanks to 'Baby One More Time.' Spears has sold about 150 million records worldwide, making her one of the world's best-selling music artists.

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Gwen Stefani -

Having started out as singer and songwriter for the rock band No Doubt, Stefani embarked on a solo pop career in 2004 with her debut studio album 'Love. Angel. Music. Baby.' Including her work with No Doubt, Stefani has sold more than 60 million records worldwide. 

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Shakira -

Praised for her musical versatility, Shakira is known for mixing her national Colombian and Latin American sounds with Middle Eastern music. Billboard reported that as of 2023, Shakira is the best-selling female Latin artist of all time. 

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Christina Aguilera -

Recognized as an influential figure in pop music, Christina Aguilera been credited with paving the way for pop artists to incorporate themes such as feminism, sexuality, and LGBT culture into their music.

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Beyoncé -

Queen B has become one of the most influential artists ever. Starting with the girl group Destiny's Child, she made her solo debut in 2003. Beyoncé has since become a cultural figure thanks to her music, visuals, performances, and image.

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Mariah Carey -

The Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey's five-octave vocal range crowns her as one of the biggest pop divas in the world. She's credited for impacting the vocal style of contemporary music, merging hip-hop with pop music through her collaborations.

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Kylie Minogue -

The highest-selling female Australian artist of all time, Kylie Minogue has sold over 80 million records worldwide. Having begun her music career in the late '80s, she's been recognized for reinventing herself in music as well as in fashion. 

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Celine Dion -

Known as the "Queen of Power Ballads," Celine Dion is one of the hardest working divas in the business. She's successfully conducted two fully-fledged recording careers, in English and in French. The Canadian diva has sold over 200 million records worldwide. 

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Janet Jackson -

The tenth and youngest child of the Jackson family, Janet is noted for her innovative, socially conscious, and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate performances. With over 100 million records sold, she's one of the world's best-selling music artists. 

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Shania Twain -

Shania has been dubbed "The Queen of Country Pop," thanks to her massive success. With over 100 million records sold, the Canadian singer is one of the best-selling female artist in country music history. 

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Madonna -

A prominent cultural figure, the "Queen of Pop" has been a force to be reckoned with for over 40 years. Recognized for her continual reinvention and versatility, Madonna pushes the boundaries of artistic expression in mainstream music, while maintaining control over her career. 

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Whitney Houston (1963-2012) -

Nicknamed "The Voice," Whitney Houston sold over 220 million records worldwide. She was known for her powerful vocals, improvisation skills, and her use of gospel singing techniques in pop music.

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Gloria Estefan -

Cuban-American superstar Gloria Estefan rose to stardom in the '80s as the lead vocalist for the Miami Sound Machine. She helped infuse Latino rhythms into English-language pop music, breaking barriers with hits like "Conga" and "Rhythm is Gonna Get You." 

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Tina Turner (1939-2023) -

Although she was known as the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," Tina Turner wrote herself into pop history again and again. She rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue before launching an even more successful solo career. 

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Diana Ross -

Diana Ross began her career in the '60s as a member of the Supremes. She then went solo in the '70s, becoming one of the most successful female solo artists of all time. Ross was the first female solo artist in the US to release six number one pop singles. 

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Cher -

With a career dating back to 1963, Cher is one of the most iconic pop divas in music history. Often referred to by the media as the "Goddess of Pop," she has worked in numerous areas of entertainment, as well as adopting a variety of styles and appearances. 

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Dolly Parton -

The "Queen of Country Music" had a monumental shift with her song, 'Here You Come Again.' Parton had shown potential as a pop singer on previous albums, but this 1977 hit cemented her as a pop sensation. It also helped pave the way for hits like "9 to 5." 

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Olivia Newton-John (1948-2022) -

Olivia Newton-John was another famous country diva who became a trailblazer in the art of pop reinvention. In 1978, the Aussie singer starred in the musical film 'Grease.' It became the highest-grossing musical film at the time of its release, while the soundtrack remains one of the world's best-selling albums.

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Barbra Streisand -

In her career of over 60s years, the Diva of Divas, Barbra Streisand, has explored the world of Broadway, movies, and music. She is one of 18 performers awarded an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT).

Sources: (Live About) (Insider) (Society19)

See also: The biggest hit songs from your childhood

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