Madonna

With over 335 million albums sold, Madonna holds the title of the most successful female artist ever.

Her nearly 40-year career as a singer, songwriter, producer, and entertainer includes 14 studio albums, leaving an undeniable mark on pop culture and influencing nearly every major female act that followed.

Throughout her career, she has been an activist against racism, LGBTQphobia, and sexism, introducing controversial topics to pop music like abortion, sexual freedom, female empowerment, and the quest for fame.