In my opinion a singer has to fulfill certain criterias to be able to be called a king/queen of pop (or any other style of music).
For me it's important if I'd call s.o. a king/queen, he/she has to:
- have the capability to create music on his/her own, e.g. song writing, composing, perhaps producing, choreographing (I don't mean the capability to do a dance routine in a spectacular perfect way - it's about creativity!)
- be long time in music business, at least 20 years
- be formative and taking influence on ather singers
- have huge record sales
- be well known wordlwide - not just in industrial countries (at least a song of him/her)
I honestly think, that's why Michael has this title justifiably!
For me it's not enough, to fulfill 2-3 criterias, e.g. Madonna. She's a very long time in music business, sold and sells millions of copies and has/had a certain influence on others. But the main reason, why I can't call her a queen of pop is that she's not known for creating her own music. She has songwriters, composers.. I don't want to sound rude, but for me it's a sign of a loss of creativity (Please correct me if I'm that wrong as I'm not that much into Madge's art).
Let's take a look at Britney. When she was on her peak she sold millions of CDs, filled stadiums, won awards worldwide. But she wasn't long enough at the top and also her own creativity skills aren't that concise. I'm aware that she wrote some of her songs, especially on her last album, but did she succeed?
Mariah and Whitney have (respectively had) amazing voices and great success at the CD stores. But again, for me that's not enough to justify a queen of pop.
I could go on with the singers listed above similarly but I think my point of view is clearly stated.
So judging by my criterias there is no female analog to Michael - and I don't say this cuz I'm a MJ-fan!
I'm not really a fan of Lady GaGa but in my eyes she has the possibility to be called a queen of pop if she's able to keep reigning popular music culture for the next decade(s).
The problem with your theory is that Madonna does do all the things you refer to as requirements - she writes and produces her music with help from song writers and producers just as MJ did. The man was brilliant but he didn't do it all himself all the time. Just like Madonna, he sought out producers to help polish and create. Don't take this the wrong way, I'm not comparing MJ's creativity to Madonna or them to each other in general (in any way shape or form), I'm only trying to correct your misinformation. Madonna is much more an artist than she has ever been given credit for. She is very hands on and there isn't a line or note that she hasn't played a part in. You admit yourself that you don't know much about Madonna's music or artistry so it's fine, but there is NO ONE who meets the criteria of Queen of Pop more than Madonna. And besides, it's not no longer even debatable - the title is hers. For 30 years she has kept the attention of the world through her music, videos, film, and tours. The media has been calling Madonna "The Queen of Pop" for years. Just as MJ is the King, Madonna is Queen. They are different as night and day but both have monumental success, achievements and pop culture impact that is simply unmatched and undeniable. Gaga could go on to outsell Madonna (not likely) and still wouldn't be eligible for the title (it can't be taken away). Madonna did it first and did it better. Every pop star today tries to do it like Madonna and takes pages out of her playbook but no one even comes close. They pale in comparison. Madonna broke through barriers for women in music and business, challenged society norms and roles for women, gays, and sexuality - and all through her music and imagery. She took risk when it was true career suicide and lived to tell the tale. Madonna's career and legacy is only going to grow stronger as the years pass by. It's already begun, but one day historians will look back and realize the true scope and impact of Madonna's legend. Gaga and her fans think she's some sort of innovator and rebel who took M's throne for as little as uttering the word "gay" in a song, but Madonna literally danced with gays and lesbians in clubs and wrote an anthem about the experience in a time where the world was gripped with homophobia and the HIV/AIDS scare. I don't mean to preach or anything, I just want to inform and maybe help you understand why Madonna is the Queen of Pop in the media and general publics eyes (as evidenced here).
Last edited:
