12 Greatest Female Vocalists Of All Time, Ranked

Throughout history, the world has been blessed with an array of talented female vocalists – who have graced us with their unique voices. These women have captivated audiences with their powerful lyrics, beautiful melodies, and incredible vocal range, making them unforgettable icons of their time.
From jazz to pop, blues to rock, these singers have broken barriers and inspired generations with their artistry. But with so many legendary performers to choose from, who truly stands out as the greatest of all time? Some people stand for the soulful sounds of Whitney Houston, while some adore Adele’s bluesy voice.
Today, we’ll take a closer look at the 12 best female vocalists ever, ranked according to their impact on the music industry, vocal ability, and lasting influence. Let’s dive into their personal stories, their rise to fame, and the impact they've had on music history. Whether you're a music aficionado or just a fan of great voices, these amazing women are sure to impress and inspire.

#1 Whitney Houston

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Arguably beating Aretha Franklin to the top spot on this list is the late Whitney Houston, who showcased her undeniable talent at a young age. Houston effortlessly navigates through different vocal ranges, ranging from soft and warm to belting out notes like a true diva, leaving no one who could match her prowess during her peak.
Her iconic rendition of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" remains etched in our memories, and her more than 200 million record sales worldwide make her one of the best-selling artists of all time.

#2 Aretha Franklin

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Next up is the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, who held an unrivaled reign as the possessor of the best singing voice for decades. Her gospel background gave her a powerful and passionate voice that moved audiences to tears, even fifty years after her debut. Classics like "Respect," "Chain of Fools," and "Natural Woman" cemented her place in music history.
In addition to winning 18 Grammy Awards, she was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Franklin also fought for civil and women's rights, making her an activist as well as a musical icon.

#3 Mariah Carey

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Mariah Carey, a rare musical talent with a five-octave range and an almost operatic voice, stands out as one of the best female singers of our time.
Her hits like "Hero," "Always Be My Baby," and "All I Want For Christmas Is You" have become staples of the pop culture landscape, and her smoky, husky quality adds drama and depth to her performances.

#4 Celine Dion

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Celine Dion's powerful voice has always been a force to be reckoned with, whether she's belting out a power ballad with impressive vocal runs or delivering a breathy, emotive ballad. Her iconic performance of "My Heart Will Go On" from the movie "Titanic" cemented her status as a global superstar and the best-selling Canadian recording artist of all time.
Many consider her to be the greatest living singer and possibly the greatest live performer.

#5 Adele

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While other singers may go for tricks and wails, Adele's bluesy voice shines with simplicity and raw emotion.
Her album "21" became the world's best-selling album of the 21st century, and her latest album "30" topped the charts in 25 countries. Adele's dedicated and honest songwriting has earned her a devoted fan base. She has become one of the most popular singers in the world, and also, a true national treasure.

#6 Ella Fitzgerald

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Ella Fitzgerald, the First Lady of Song, may not have had the vocal range of modern divas like Mariah Carey or Celine Dion, but her incredible tone and diction made up for it. She was known for her scat singing and vocal improvisation with wordless vocables.
Fitzgerald's flawless, silky-smooth voice is so captivating that listening to her sing anything, even the dictionary for 10 hours, would be a joy.

#7 Stevie Nicks

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Stevie Nicks, the legendary singer-songwriter, has a unique voice that perfectly blends rock and folk influences. Her raspy and soulful sound creates an unmistakable signature, making her one of the most iconic voices in music history.
Nicks is best known for her work with Fleetwood Mac, a band that she joined in 1975, and helped turn into one of the most successful bands of all time.

#8 Karen Carpenter

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Karen Carpenter is often overlooked despite her smooth and low voice that exudes raw emotion and feeling. Rather than belting out her songs, Karen's simplicity was the key to her success, letting her voice do all the work.
Karen Carpenter sadly passed away far too young, but her massive hits like “Top of the World”, “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “Goodbye to Love” live on forever.

#9 Billie Holiday

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Billie Holiday's singing style is known for its unique phrasing and tempo, coupled with incredible improvisational skills. Though she might not have had the vocal range of other singers, it was her delivery and passion that made her a standout performer. People still put her songs on repeats, even decades after she passed away.
If you're looking for pure emotion and a glimpse into the life of the artist, Billie Holiday is undoubtedly one of the best you can find.

#10 Amy Winehouse

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Amy Winehouse's voice was both unique and classic, and although her career was cut short, she left a lasting musical legacy. Her instantly recognizable voice, loved by fans and fellow artists alike, was showcased in hits such as "Rehab", "Love Is a Losing Game", and "Back to Black". The Great Tony Bennett even praised her singing, wishing to collaborate with her.

#11 Lady Gaga

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While Lady Gaga began with pop-dance anthems, it was clear from the beginning that she possessed an extraordinary voice. Her role in the Oscar-winning film A Star is Born highlighted her powerful and rich vocals.
Lady Gaga's authenticity, hard work, and talent contributed to her success as a unique and talented performer. Some of her biggest hits include "Just Dance," "Poker Face," "Applause," and "Bad Romance." This talented female artist has garnered a plethora of accolades, including thirteen Grammy Awards, sixteen Guinness World Records, and eighteen MTV Video Music Awards.

#12 Christina Aguilera

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Christina Aguilera is undoubtedly one of the top female vocalists of the 2000s. Christina possesses a four-octave vocal range and the ability to sustain high notes. She has been a prominent figure in the music industry since the release of her debut album in 1999. People love Christina for her electrifying live performances and pop hits.
In 2013, Time included her in their list of the 100 most influential people in the world.