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NewJeans Drop 2nd EP ‘Get Up’

July 23, 2023

NewJeans is a girl-group composed of 5 members, Hanni, Minji, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein. Newjeans debuted in 2022 with their EP 'NewJeans,' bringing a totally new attitude to the K-pop industry...

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Billie Eilish joins ‘Barbie’ hype with new release ‘What was I made for?’

July 21, 2023

The upcoming 'Barbie' film, scheduled for release on July 21st, has captured the hearts of fans who have long admired the animated Barbie films. Greta Girwig's live-action remake of the famous film...

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Songwriting BTS’ Jungkook New Single “SEVEN” ft. Latto

July 21, 2023

BTS, the global sensation, continues to astound the music industry with their incredible music and meaningful lyrics. Among the members, Jungkook, also referred to as the "Golden Maknae," is.....

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How Beyoncé Crafts Her Music

July 19, 2023

Music industry icon Beyoncé is powerful and captivating. She is known not only for her dramatic performances, but also for her outstanding songwriting skills. We will delve deeper into the creative...

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Gunna’s Comeback to the Music Industry Despite Controversy

July 19, 2023

Gunna, a mainstream rapper, just released a new album containing a #1 “Billboard Hot 100” hit song called “fukumean” despite the current controversy around his name. Gunna was arrested back in May....

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Tik Tok is Now a Music Streaming Service

July 19, 2023

Everyone knows Tik Tok as the app that blew up during COVID as a way for people to create and share short videos for others to enjoy. The video’s posted range from funny skits, dances, lip sync.....

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The Shadow of Sour Writing “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo

July 19, 2023

The mastermind behind the overwhelmingly successful album, Sour, the 20-year-old Olivia Rodrigo comes back into the spotlight with a new heart wrenching single, ‘Vampire’ and the...

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Musical Web Reveal: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Music Creation Process

July 18, 2023

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse took the world by storm with its groundbreaking animation, immersive storytelling and captivating visuals . One of the key elements that contributed to the succe...

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Unleash an Icon: What Makes Rihanna's Music Legendary

June 12, 2023

Barbados-born superstar Rihanna has left an indelible mark on the music industry with her iconic sound, versatile talent, and fearless attitude. Her music has become a cultural phenomenon....

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Exploring Harry Styles’ Music Journey

May 31, 2023

Capturing millions with a unique sound and compelling personality in an ever-evolving world of contemporary music. Very few artists have been able to do it....

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Exploring Taylor Swift's Songwriting Process

May 25, 2023

Legendary singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has captivated the world with her haunting lyrics and infectious melodies. Behind her numerous chart hits lies an intriguing songwriting process.....

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Kiana Ledé - Goes 'Deeper' About Hard Work & Perseverance

May 18, 2023

Kiana Ledé has been rocking in the R&B scene and her latest single “Jealous” continues this trend. The other day, Sonical.ly had the chance to sit down and talk with Ledé about her musical journey.

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Taylor Swift Named No. 2 on Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century List

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Taylor Swift has once again cemented her legacy in the music industry, earning the number two spot on Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century list. This recognition celebrates Swift's extraordinary impact on the world of pop music, solidifying her place among the most influential artists of the past two decades.  

A Legacy of Reinvention and Domination  

Since debuting in 2006, Swift has continuously reinvented her sound and image, transitioning from a country music darling to a global pop icon. Her discography spans multiple genres, from the synth-heavy beats of 1989 to the introspective indie-folk sound of Folklore and Evermore. Albums like Midnights and her record-breaking re-recordings, including Red (Taylor’s Version) and Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), showcase her versatility and her ability to dominate the charts with every release.  

Swift's influence extends beyond music, shaping cultural conversations with her storytelling, activism, and business acumen. Her songwriting prowess, often autobiographical in nature, has resonated deeply with fans worldwide, earning her numerous accolades, including 12 Grammy Awards and multiple Artist of the Decade honors.  

A Polarizing Ranking  

While many fans celebrated Swift’s high placement on the list, the announcement also sparked debates. Some argued that Swift’s unparalleled success, especially in the past few years with the Eras Tour breaking records and her dominance on streaming platforms, warranted the number one spot. Others speculated that Beyoncé, known for her own groundbreaking career, would take the top position when the full list is revealed.  

The discussion underscores the enduring impact of both artists, each of whom has redefined the pop music landscape in unique ways. Swift’s ability to pivot between genres and her unmatched connection with her fanbase have set a new standard for what it means to be a pop star in the 21st century.  

Billboard’s Apology  

Adding a layer of controversy, Billboard faced backlash after including a snippet of Kanye West’s 2016 song “Famous” in a video honoring Swift’s placement on the list. The clip referenced a longstanding and publicized feud between the two artists, drawing ire from Swift’s fans, who viewed it as unnecessary and disrespectful.  

Following widespread criticism on social media, Billboard removed the clip, reposted the video without the controversial segment, and issued a public apology. The incident reignited discussions about the media’s portrayal of Swift and her history of navigating public scrutiny with resilience and grace.  

Swift’s Unstoppable Momentum  

This recognition from Billboard comes during a historic period in Swift’s career. Her Eras Tour, which celebrates every era of her music, has become a global phenomenon, smashing box office records and generating an estimated $4 billion in economic impact in the U.S. alone. Meanwhile, her re-recorded albums continue to dominate the charts, with 1989 (Taylor’s Version) debuting at number one on the Billboard 200.  

Swift’s influence also extends to the film world, with her Eras Tour concert film becoming one of the highest-grossing concert films of all time. Additionally, Swift’s directorial debut, a feature-length film currently in production, has fans eagerly anticipating yet another artistic venture.  

A Pop Icon for the Ages  

As the pop music landscape evolves, Taylor Swift remains at its center, continually breaking barriers and setting records. Her placement on Billboard’s list is a testament to her enduring influence, but it is also a reminder of her ability to adapt, innovate, and connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.  

Whether or not she claims the number one spot, one thing is certain: Taylor Swift’s impact on the 21st century is unparalleled, and her legacy as one of the greatest pop stars of all time is secure.