Explore the women who have played a vital role in building a society where equality thrives. Inspirational women of today are going further, doing more, and empowering others with their courage.
At The List of Information, we've arranged a diverse selection of exceptional women from various industries who have broken the berries and inspired countless individuals around them. Many of these women are well-known public speakers and some are social media influencers, who tour the world to share their crucial message of female empowerment. Their services towards the upgradation of women's society are exceptional.
Here are 50 of the most inspirational women of the 21st century, making a significant impact on the world today, in no particular order.
1. Taylor Swift:
Taylor Swift is a renowned American Singer and songwriter, one of the highest-selling musicians in history Her impressive list of accolades includes 12 Grammy Awards (with three wins for Album of the Year), a Primetime Emmy Awards, 40 American Music Awards, 39 Billboard Music Awards, and 23 MTV Video Music Awards.
She represented many global multinational brands, moreover, she is also famous for her philanthropic efforts.
2. Rihanna
Rihanna is currently recognized as the most influential lady in the music industry. She has earned recognition in many fields such as Singer, model, actress, fashion designer, and businesswoman. Rihanna is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with sales of over 250 million records worldwide.
Moreover, she will be the Most Popular Women Celebrity Entrepreneur in 2025. Rihanna is a billionaire and the wealthiest female musician in the world, with an estimated net worth of US$ 1.7 billion, as of 2021, according to the BBC.
3. Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez is an American singer, actress, and dancer. Jennifer’s leading role in the 1997 Selena biopic, Selena made her the first Latina actress to earn over $1 million for a film, established herself as the highest-paid Latin actress in Hollywood.
Jennifer is regarded as a pop culture icon and the most influential Latin entertainer in North America.
4. Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian is an American media personality, socialite, model, and businesswoman whose rise to fame came about through the E! reality television series: Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kourtney and Kim Take New York, and Kourtney and Kim Take Miami.
5. Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner is a fashion model reality star, and media personality. She started her modeling career at the age of 14 and gathered a lot of fame through her role in the E! reality television series such as Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kourtney and Kim Take New York, and Kourtney and Kim Take Miami.
6. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey shows viewers of America her skills as a television producer, author, actress, talk show host, and philanthropist. Her main fame comes from hosting her show “The Oprah Winfrey Show”.
In June 2018 Apple agreed to let Oprah Winfrey make new shows for Apple TV+ across multiple years.
Over time, Winfrey collected 18 Daytime Emmy Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, an award for stage performances (Tony), a Peabody Award, and twice was nominated for Academy Awards. When the American Academy of Arts and Sciences made their 2021 selection of new members, they included Oprah Winfrey.
7. Beyoncé
Beyoncé lives in America, where she makes music and acts. People knew Beyoncé first as the main singer in Destiny's Child, which sold more albums than almost any other girl group in music history. Billboard declared her as 2014's most successful black musician ever.
Beyoncé created Parkwood Entertainment in 2010 to run her business and purchased a stake in Tidal in March 2015. In November 2020, Beyonce partnered with exercise company Peloton for an agreement that will last several years.
8. Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton is a famous American actress, businesswoman, socialite, model and singer. Paris uses many different social media platforms, and in 2021, her accounts achieved more than 60 million followers blended on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, Weibo, and YouTube.
“It will work. I am a marketing genius”
Most of Paris Hilton's money comes from working with companies worldwide, and her own powerful retail business has 45 shops selling 19 different products.
9. Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande earns this status because she has moved much more music than any other pop star you can think of, with over 85 million records sold. Ariana is an American singer, songwriter, and TV performer.
Ariana has collected an amazing 64 honors during her career: 2 Grammys, 1 Brit, 2 Billboards, 3 AMAs, 9 VMAs, and 27 Guinness Records. Right now, Ariana leads all other women in Instagram followers, and she also helps make and design makeup and clothing lines. In May 2021, Visual Capitalist named Ariana the leading female social media influencer worldwide.
10. Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston is listed among the top-rated actresses, she’s an American producer and actress. She rose to international fame from the famous television series Friends (1994-2004). She inaugurated her own production company Echo Films in 2008 and promoted different international companies throughout her career.
11. Jessica Alba
As both actress and entrepreneur, Jessica Alba has made a name for herself in America. At the age of 19, Jessica made her mark by playing the central role in the TV program Dark Angel (2000-2002) and earned a Golden Globe nomination. In January 2012, she began The Honest Company, which started selling baby products, clean body solutions, and eco-friendly products for the home. Jessica introduced her Honest Beauty line of skincare and cosmetics in October 2015.
12. Jessica Simpson
An American singer, author, actress, and fashion designer. When she was still a kid, Jessica sang with a choir and joined Columbia Records when she turned 17 years old.
The Jessica Simpson brand began with a clothing line of her own designs in 2005. Since releasing her fashion collection, Jessica Simpson's company has brought in more than one billion dollars in sales.
13. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez is a famous top-rated singer, actress, and producer. Texas was where Selena started her TV career in the children's show Barney & Friends (2002-2004).
Seven million albums and 22 million singles worldwide were sold by Selena Quintanilla by the year 2017. Thousands of people across the world follow Selena and she used to have the biggest following among individuals on Instagram.
14. Lady Gaga
When she was young, Lady Gaga sang in many public places, performed in school drama groups, and became an American singer who wrote songs and acted. Gaga began her business in 2019 with Haus Laboratories, which produces and markets cruelty-free cosmetics.
Gaga is one of today's best-selling musicians worldwide, and she earned more than any other female singer in the last decade. She earned 12 Grammys, and 18 MTV Video Music Awards, and set 16 new records with Guinness World Records.
15. Melinda Gates
To Forbes Magazine, Melinda Gates is ranked as one of the World’s most powerful women, she is a Computer Scientist and an American philanthropist. According to 2015 records, the Foundation became the largest private charity in the entire world. Time magazine named Melinda and Bill Gates Persons of the Year in December 2005 alongside singer and activist Bono.
16. Madonna
As the best-selling female music artist of our time Guinness World Records honored Madonna with this achievement because she sold over 300 million records worldwide. As a solo artist, Madonna leads all others in US Billboard history while maintaining Australia Canada Italy Spain, and UK album chart top spots.
17. Shakira
As Latin Music's top performer, Shakira brings both singing and songwriting talents from her homeland Colombia. With her fifth album Laundry Service from 2001, Shakira built her career path while selling more than 13 million copies globally.
Through 145 songs recorded she achieved 80 million sales that put her among the top-selling musicians globally.
As a talented performer, Shakira earned three Grammy Awards twelve Latin Grammys four MTV Video Music Awards seven Billboard Music Awards thirty-nine Billboard Latin Music Awards, and six Guinness World Records.
18. Ellen DeGeneres
As an American creator, Ellen DeGeneres introduced herself through performances on television while producing films and serving as a leading producer. Ellen poured out her reputation through her sitcom Ellen from (1994-1998) and she has since 2003 hosted The Ellen DeGeneres Show which plans to finish its run in 2022 with season 19.
Since launching her lifestyle brand ED by Ellen in 2015, Ellen has become a partner for and supports numerous international brands. She also established her record label, Eleven Eleven, in 2010.
19. Katy Perry
Katy Perry is an American singer and songwriter. Before pursuing her career in gospel music as a teenager, Katy sang in church during her childhood.
She is one of the best-selling artists and sold over 143 million records worldwide. Music from Katy has received recognition for shaping both the pop musical direction and pop style that defined the 2010s decade. Katy received her official designation as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2013.
20. Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie is a prominent figure in the production industry, the highest-paying actress multiple times. Actress and filmmaker Angelina Jolie receive worldwide acclaim through her Oscar and Golden Globe Awards achievements.
21. Mariah Carey
The American artist Mariah Carey maintains a successful career as a singer songwriting actress and recording producer. When Mariah launched her debut album she became famous in 1990 as the first performer whose first five tracks marked the top spot on Billboard Charts.
22. Nicki Minaj
The Trinidadian artist Nicki Minhaj established herself as a rapper, singer, and songwriter. Super Bass became Nicki Minhaj’s first top-five single when it achieved a spot at number three in the charts in 2012 marking the highest achievement ever since 2002 for a female solo rap record while receiving Diamond certification in 2021.
23. Miley Ray Cyrus
Davis-Ray Cyrus born from the marriage of country music star Billy Ray to her mother Tish Levine has become known worldwide as Miley Ray Cyrus since her young role as Hannah Montana led to breakout fame during that show's broadcast run between 2006 and 2011.
24. Alicia Keys
As a classically trained piano player, Alicia Keys started writing songs when she was twelve before Columbia Records signed her at fifteen. American performer Alicia holds two major musical roles by singing and writing while acting as an actress and shipped 90 million records to turn into one of the musically successful global artists.
25. Adele
Adele is an English singer and songwriter listed among the best-selling music artists, with sales of over 120 million records. She was recognized as the world’s best-selling album of the 21st century, with sales of 31 million copies.
26. Kristen Stewart
A famous American actress and filmmaker. Various honors became hers as she achieved the position of the world’s highest-paid actress in 2012.
27. Vanessa Hudgens
American actress Vanessa Hudgens performs as a singer. Through her role as Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical film series between 2006 and 2008, Vanessa obtained a record label deal with Hollywood Records.
28. Hilary Duff
The American businesswoman caters as an actress and singer while starting businesses and projects beyond her entertainment career. She serves as Philanthropy and support for animal rights characterizes the activities of Hilary.
29. Lana Del Rey
American singer and songwriter Lana Del Rey pursues singing and songwriting as her craft. The eminent American singer Lana earned two Brit Awards together with two MTV Europe Music Awards as well as six Grammy Award nominations along with a nomination for a Golden Globe Award.
30. Kelly Clarkson
Since winning American Idol's inaugural season in 2002 Kelly Clarkson became an American singer and songwriter who also works as an actress author alongside serving as a television personality. Kelly took home the win during American Idol's inaugural season in 2002 leading to a contract with RCA Records. Worldwide sales of Kelly's records exceed both 25 million albums and 45 million singles.
31. Emma Watson
Emma Watson started her career with her famous series Harry Potter, she played the leading role of Hermione Granger. She gained a lot of recognition for her roles in both blockbusters and independent films.
32. Carly Rae Jepsen
The Canadian artist Carly Rae Jepsen serves as singer-songwriter and professional actress. During the fifth Canadian Idol season in 2007, Carly participated yet 2012 brought her major success after her hit Call Me Maybe became the year's best-selling single while attaining the number one spot in 18 countries.
33. Jessie J
As a youngster, Jessie J launched her singing career by performing in West End productions beginning when she was eleven years old with her role in Whistle Down the Wind. Before joining Gut Records Jessie attended the BRIT School before penning songs for Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
34. Ciara
Ciara is a multi-talented American Singer and songwriter, dancer, and model, she brings together these roles in her professional career. Ciara began her career in 2004 and has produced eight Hot 100 –top ten singles and four success stories in the Billboard 200.
35. Kesha
As an American singer-songwriter, Kesha now makes her mark in the music industry. At 18 years old Kesha signed her recording contract with Kemosabe Records in 2005. Right Round with rapper Flo Rida became Kesha's first major successful accomplishment after its release in early 2009.
36. Cardi B
An American rapper and songwriter, Cardi B raised and born in New York City became a celebrity by achieving popularity on the Vine and Instagram platforms.
Cardi B has earned recognition through one Grammy Award combined with eight Billboard Music Awards and five Guinness World Records together with six American Music Awards and fourteen BET Hip Hop Awards.
37. Eva Longoria
Before fame got her in 2001 Eva Longoria started as an American actress working on The Young and the Restless (2001-2003) CBS soap opera as Isabella Brana.
Eva received nominations for both Golden Globe Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards because of her performance as Gabrielle Solis on Desperate Housewives between 2004 and 2012.
38. Carrie Underwood
Before fame got her in 2001 Eva Longoria started as an American actress working on The Young and the Restless (2001-2003) CBS soap opera as Isabella Brana.
Eva received nominations for both Golden Globe Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards because of her performance as Gabrielle Solis on Desperate Housewives between 2004 and 2012. She was the first Brand Ambassador for Olay Skin Care, in 2011.
39. Billie Eilish
Time Magazine identified Billie Eilish as an influential person worldwide during their 2021 report. As an American vocalist and creative writer Billie Eilish remains prominent today. The public discovered Billie when she released her debut single Ocean Eyes back in 2015.
40. Lindsay Lohan
The American actress Lindsay Lohan began her modeling career at Ford Models when she turned three years old. Lohan launched her career through the Disney film The Parent Trap (1998). Actress, singer, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. Lohan’s breakthrough came in the Walt Disney film, The Parent Trap (1998).
41. Scarlett Johansson
Son of endearment actress Scarlett Johansson earned back-to-back status as the world’s highest-paid actress during 2018 and 2019 while remaining the ninth most successful box office star ever. She has collected awards totaling one Tony honors and a British Academy Film Award with two Academy Award nominations and five Golden Globe Award nominations.
42. Avril Lavigne
The Canadian recording artist and actress Avril Lavigne maintains her career by singing and writing songs. The Canadian singer enjoys eight Grammy Award nominations for her work in addition to her six studio album releases.
43. Kylie Minogue
She is an Australian singer and actress. Kylie is the highest–selling female Australian artist of all time, selling over 80 million records worldwide.
44. Halle Berry
Halle Berry was among the highest-paid actress in Hollywood by the 2000s, she stood sixth at Miss World 1986 and the first runner-up in the Miss USA pageant.
45. Christina Aguilera
The artist Christina Aguilera is an American entertainer who can sing, write songs perform acting roles, and appear on television shows. Christina's first album brought her to fame and she received recognition for sparking the return of teen pop music from 1998 to 2002.
46. Fergie
Fergie established herself as an American singer-songwriter-actress. Hip-hop group the Black Eyed Peas awarded Fergie her first chart success. During the release of her solo debut album The Dutchess in 2006, Fergie became credited with three number-one songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
47. Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton is a member of the British royal family, she is the wife of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge is second in the line of succession to the British throne.
48. Britney Spears
As one of the world's best-selling music artists who revived teen pop popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s British singer Britney Spears is recognized for her work as a singer-songwriter and dancer.
49. Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama is the wife of Barack Obama, who is a famous former US President, from 2009 to 2017 she also served as the first lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
50. Hillary Clinton
Between 1993 and 2001 Hillary Clinton served as the United States First Lady to President Bill Clinton while simultaneously maintaining her roles as an American politician, diplomat, lawyer, writer, and public speaker.
As well as being the 67th United States secretary of state from 2009 through 2013 Hillary Clinton continued to hold both the United States senator from New York position from 2001 to 2009. The Chancellor position at Queen's University Belfast currently belongs to Hillary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who are some influential women in music mentioned in the article?
A1: Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Adele, Shakira, Katy Perry, and Billie Eilish.
Q2: Which women are known for philanthropy?
A2: Taylor Swift (education, disaster relief), Oprah Winfrey (scholarships, education), Melinda Gates (global health), and Rihanna (Clara Lionel Foundation).
Q3: Who are the top businesswomen on the list?
A3: Rihanna (Fenty Beauty), Jessica Alba (The Honest Company), Kim Kardashian (SKIMS), Paris Hilton, Oprah Winfrey, and Beyoncé.
Q4: Who has influenced politics and social issues?
A4: Michelle Obama (education, health), Hillary Clinton (politics), and Melinda Gates (gender equality, philanthropy).