Billboard has officially revealed its Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 list, and the top spot belongs to Bad Bunny, marking another milestone year for the Puerto Rican global superstar. The full ranking, unveiled after two weeks of editorial countdowns, highlights artists who defined pop music’s sound, reach, and cultural presence throughout the year.
Bad Bunny secured the No. 1 position on Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 list following what the publication described as an exceptionally impactful year across music, culture, and global charts. According to Billboard’s editorial staff, the artist—born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio—delivered an all-around body of work in 2025 that surpassed even his previous chart-topping year in 2022. The recognition is part of Billboard’s ongoing Greatest Pop Star by Year project, with selections based on editorial evaluation rather than fan voting.
A major factor in Bad Bunny’s top ranking was the success of his sixth solo album, I should have taken more photos. Released on January 5, 2025, the album grew steadily through organic listening rather than immediate hype, eventually climbing to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 after debuting at No. 2. Multiple tracks crossed major milestones, including the title track “DtMF” and “Baile Inolvidable,” each surpassing one billion streams on Spotify. Billboard also noted the album’s cultural importance, particularly its strong emphasis on Puerto Rican identity and heritage, which resonated deeply across the island and its global diaspora.
Following Bad Bunny at No. 1, Taylor Swift ranked No. 2, reflecting her continued commercial consistency and influence across pop and touring landscapes. Lady Gaga placed third after a year marked by high-profile releases and sustained global visibility. Kendrick Lamar secured the No. 4 spot, recognized for his lasting artistic impact and critical acclaim within and beyond hip-hop.
At No. 5, Sabrina Carpenter was acknowledged for her breakout momentum and expanding mainstream presence. The KPop Demon Hunters Cast landed at No. 6, highlighting the growing crossover success of multimedia pop projects. Tate McRae followed at No. 7, while Morgan Wallen ranked No. 8 for his continued chart dominance. Rounding out the list, Doechii placed No. 9 and Silence claimed No. 10, both noted by Billboard for shaping fresh directions in pop and global music sounds.
The full list and accompanying essays were published by Billboardalongside podcast discussions and editorial features released throughout the countdown, offering readers detailed insight into how pop music evolved in 2025.
