25 Most Famous Female Singers of the 1990s You Listened To

The 1990s was a transformative decade for music, marked by the emergence of powerful female voices who left an indelible mark on the industry. From pop divas and R&B queens to alternative rockers and soulful balladeers, these women not only dominated the charts but also defined the sound and culture of the era.

With their distinctive styles, groundbreaking albums, and unforgettable hits, they became icons of the decade, influencing a generation of artists and listeners.

This article celebrates the most famous female singers of the 1990s, exploring their careers, contributions, and the legacy they continue to leave in the world of music.

25 Greatest Female Singers of the 1990s That Will Bring You Back in Time

These artists dominated the charts and influenced the music scene throughout the 1990s, with each bringing their unique style and sound to the decade.

Here’s a list of 25 famous female singers from the 1990s, known for their significant contributions to music during that decade:

#1 Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, born on March 27, 1970, is an iconic singer, songwriter, and producer who rose to fame in the early 1990s. Known for her five-octave vocal range and melismatic singing style, Carey made her debut with the self-titled album Mariah Carey in 1990, which produced four consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Her follow-up albums, including Emotions, Music Box, and Daydream, solidified her as one of the decade’s top artists.

Hits like “Vision of Love,” “Hero,” and “Fantasy” showcased her vocal prowess and songwriting talent. Carey is also renowned for her holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Throughout the 1990s, she received numerous awards and accolades, becoming one of the best-selling female artists of all time.

#2 Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston, born on August 9, 1963, was an American singer and actress who became one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Known for her powerful and soulful voice, Houston achieved widespread success in the 1990s with hits like “I Will Always Love You,” “I’m Every Woman,” and “I Have Nothing,” all from the soundtrack of the film The Bodyguard, in which she also starred.

The soundtrack became one of the best-selling albums of all time, and “I Will Always Love You” became Houston’s signature song. She continued to release successful albums throughout the decade, including My Love Is Your Love. Houston’s vocal technique and emotional delivery influenced countless artists, earning her numerous awards, including multiple Grammys.

#3 Celine Dion

Celine Dion, born on March 30, 1968, is a Canadian singer known for her powerful voice and emotional ballads. She gained international fame in the 1990s with a string of successful albums, including The Colour of My Love, Falling into You, and Let’s Talk About Love. Her hit song “My Heart Will Go On,” from the soundtrack of the blockbuster film Titanic, became one of the best-selling singles of all time and won numerous awards, including an Academy Award and a Grammy.

Dion’s ability to sing in multiple languages, including English and French, broadened her appeal globally. She is known for her vocal range and technical skill, making her one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed female artists of the 1990s.

#4 Madonna

Madonna, born on August 16, 1958, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her constant reinvention and influence on popular culture. Throughout the 1990s, Madonna continued to dominate the music scene with albums like Erotica, Bedtime Stories, and Ray of Light. The latter marked a significant shift in her musical style, incorporating electronic and techno elements, and received critical acclaim.

Hits such as “Vogue,” “Take a Bow,” and “Frozen” showcased her versatility and ability to stay relevant. Madonna also explored acting, with notable performances in films like Evita, for which she won a Golden Globe. Her fearless approach to sexuality, religion, and gender issues, combined with her business acumen, solidified her status as a cultural icon.

#5 Alanis Morissette

Alanis Morissette, born on June 1, 1974, is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter known for her emotive and candid lyrics. She gained international fame with her 1995 album Jagged Little Pill, which became one of the best-selling albums of all time and won multiple Grammy Awards. The album featured hits like “You Oughta Know,” “Ironic,” and “Hand in My Pocket,” and is celebrated for its raw, confessional style and alternative rock sound.

Morissette’s success in the 1990s paved the way for female artists in the rock genre, and her introspective songwriting resonated with a wide audience. She continued to release successful albums throughout the decade, solidifying her as one of the defining voices of 1990s alternative rock.

#6 Shania Twain

Shania Twain, born on August 28, 1965, is a Canadian singer and songwriter who became known as the “Queen of Country Pop” in the 1990s. Her breakthrough album The Woman in Me (1995) and its follow-up Come On Over (1997) became two of the best-selling albums of the decade. Come On Over produced several hit singles, including “You’re Still the One,” “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!,” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” and won multiple Grammy Awards.

Twain’s blend of country and pop music, along with her dynamic stage presence, made her a crossover sensation. She is credited with redefining the boundaries of country music and becoming one of the best-selling female artists of all time.

#7 Britney Spears

Britney Spears, born on December 2, 1981, is an American singer, dancer, and actress often referred to as the “Princess of Pop.” She gained fame in the late 1990s with her debut single “…Baby One More Time,” which became a global hit and catapulted her to superstardom. The song’s music video, featuring Spears in a schoolgirl outfit, became iconic.

Her debut album of the same name became one of the best-selling albums of all time by a teenage solo artist. Spears followed up with the successful album Oops!… I Did It Again, solidifying her status as a pop icon. Known for her catchy pop tunes and influential music videos, Spears has been a key figure in shaping the sound and image of pop music in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

#8 Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera, born on December 18, 1980, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her powerful voice and vocal range. She rose to fame in the late 1990s with her debut self-titled album, featuring the hit singles “Genie in a Bottle,” “What a Girl Wants,” and “Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You).” Aguilera’s vocal ability and versatility have been widely praised, earning her comparisons to Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

Her follow-up albums, including Stripped and Back to Basics, showcased her ability to blend various musical styles, from pop and R&B to jazz and soul. Aguilera’s career has been marked by her willingness to explore different genres and themes, making her one of the most versatile and enduring pop artists of her generation.

#9 Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton, born on October 7, 1967, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her deep, sultry voice and emotional ballads. She achieved widespread success in the 1990s with her self-titled debut album, which included the hit singles “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again.” Her second album, Secrets, featured the smash hit “Un-Break My Heart,” which became one of the best-selling singles of all time.

Braxton’s music is known for its smooth blend of R&B, soul, and pop, and she has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammys. Her success in the 1990s established her as one of the leading female vocalists of the decade, and she has continued to release music and perform on stage.

#10 Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow, born on February 11, 1962, is an American singer-songwriter known for her blend of rock, pop, country, and folk music. She gained recognition with her 1993 debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club, which included the hit singles “All I Wanna Do,” “Strong Enough,” and “Leaving Las Vegas.” Crow’s music often features catchy melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and a laid-back, yet polished sound.

Her subsequent albums, such as Sheryl Crow and The Globe Sessions, further established her as a leading artist of the 1990s. Crow has won nine Grammy Awards and is known for her advocacy on environmental and social issues. Her versatility and distinctive voice have made her a mainstay in American pop-rock music.

#11 Jewel

Jewel Kilcher, known mononymously as Jewel, was born on May 23, 1974, and is an American singer-songwriter, actress, and author. She gained prominence in the mid-1990s with her debut album, Pieces of You, which included the hit singles “Who Will Save Your Soul,” “You Were Meant for Me,” and “Foolish Games.” The album became one of the best-selling debut albums of all time. Jewel’s music is characterized by its introspective lyrics, acoustic sound, and folk-pop influences.

She has been praised for her poetic songwriting and distinctive voice. Throughout her career, Jewel has explored various genres, including country, pop, and children’s music. She has also published poetry books and appeared in films, showcasing her multifaceted talents.

#12 Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill, born on May 26, 1975, is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter known for her work with the Fugees and as a solo artist. Hill rose to fame as a member of the Fugees, with hits like “Killing Me Softly” and “Ready or Not.” She released her critically acclaimed solo debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, in 1998. The album blended hip-hop, R&B, soul, and reggae influences and featured hits like “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “Ex-Factor.”

Hill’s powerful voice, insightful lyrics, and genre-blending style earned her numerous awards, including five Grammys. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is considered a landmark album in hip-hop and R&B, showcasing Hill’s talents as a singer, rapper, and songwriter.

#13 Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson, born on May 16, 1966, is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress known for her innovative music and elaborate stage performances. The youngest member of the Jackson family, she gained control over her career in the 1980s and became a pop icon in the 1990s with albums like Rhythm Nation 1814, janet., and The Velvet Rope. Jackson’s music often explores themes of empowerment, sexuality, and social issues, and she is known for her distinctive voice and choreography.

Her hits from the 1990s include “That’s the Way Love Goes,” “Together Again,” and “Escapade.” Jackson has won numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammys, and is considered one of the best-selling and most influential female artists in the history of pop music.

#14 Aaliyah

Aaliyah Dana Haughton, known professionally as Aaliyah, was born on January 16, 1979, and tragically passed away on August 25, 2001. She was an American singer, actress, and model known for her smooth, sultry voice and innovative blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop. Aaliyah gained fame in the mid-1990s with her debut album, Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number, which featured hits like “Back & Forth” and “At Your Best (You Are Love).” Her subsequent albums, One in a Million and Aaliyah, solidified her status as a leading figure in R&B.

Aaliyah’s music was characterized by its mature sound and advanced production techniques, largely credited to her collaborations with producer Timbaland. Her style and music influenced a generation of artists, and she is remembered for her contributions to the evolution of contemporary R&B.

#15 Gloria Estefan

Gloria Estefan, born on September 1, 1957, is a Cuban-American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman who rose to fame as the lead singer of the Miami Sound Machine. Estefan achieved significant success in the 1980s and continued her momentum into the 1990s with hits like “Coming Out of the Dark,” “Turn the Beat Around,” and “Reach.” Known for her Latin pop sound, Estefan’s music often incorporates elements of salsa, pop, and dance.

Her bilingual abilities allowed her to cross over into the English-speaking market, making her one of the most successful Latin artists in the world. Estefan has won multiple Grammy Awards and is celebrated for her contributions to both Latin and mainstream music. She remains an influential figure in the music industry and a cultural ambassador for Latin music.

#16 Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow, born on February 11, 1962, is an American singer-songwriter known for her blend of rock, pop, country, and folk influences. She gained widespread recognition with her debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club, which featured the hit singles “All I Wanna Do,” “Strong Enough,” and “Leaving Las Vegas.” Crow’s music is known for its catchy melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and polished yet laid-back sound.

Her subsequent albums, including Sheryl Crow and The Globe Sessions, further established her as a leading artist in the 1990s. Crow has won nine Grammy Awards and is known for her advocacy on environmental and social issues. Her versatility and distinctive voice have made her a mainstay in American pop-rock music, and she continues to release music and tour.

#17 Sade

Helen Folasade Adu, known professionally as Sade, was born on January 16, 1959, and is a British-Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. Sade’s music blends smooth jazz, soul, and R&B, characterized by her sultry voice and sophisticated style. She gained international acclaim with her debut album, Diamond Life, which included the hit “Smooth Operator.” In the 1990s, Sade continued to enjoy success with albums like Love Deluxe, featuring the hits “No Ordinary Love” and “Kiss of Life.”

Her music is known for its timeless quality, blending elements of various genres to create a unique, soothing sound. Sade’s elegant and minimalist approach to music and style has made her a respected and enduring figure in the music industry.

#18 Enya

Enya, born Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin on May 17, 1961, is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician known for her ethereal sound and layered vocal harmonies. She gained international fame in the late 1980s with her album Watermark and the hit single “Orinoco Flow.” Enya’s music is characterized by its new-age influences, lush arrangements, and serene atmosphere. In the 1990s, she released successful albums such as Shepherd Moons and The Memory of Trees, solidifying her status as one of the best-selling female artists of the decade.

Enya’s distinctive sound, often achieved through multi-tracked vocals and extensive use of synthesizers, has garnered her a devoted global fan base. She has won multiple awards, including Grammys, and remains a unique presence in the music world.

#19 TLC (Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes)

TLC is an American girl group formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1991, consisting of members Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, and Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. They became one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, known for their unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and pop. TLC’s breakthrough came with their second album, CrazySexyCool, which featured hits like “Creep,” “Waterfalls,” and “Red Light Special.” The album’s success earned them critical acclaim and multiple awards, including Grammys.

Their follow-up album, FanMail, also achieved massive success with hits like “No Scrubs” and “Unpretty.” TLC’s music often addressed themes of female empowerment, social issues, and relationships. The group faced personal and financial challenges, but their impact on music and culture remains significant.

#20 Sarah McLachlan

Sarah McLachlan, born on January 28, 1968, is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for her emotive voice and introspective lyrics. She gained prominence in the 1990s with albums like Fumbling Towards Ecstasy and Surfacing, the latter featuring hits such as “Building a Mystery,” “Adia,” and “Angel.” McLachlan’s music often blends elements of pop, folk, and alternative rock, characterized by its emotional depth and lyrical sensitivity.

She is also the founder of the Lilith Fair, a festival that showcased female artists and became a cultural phenomenon in the late 1990s. McLachlan has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammys and Juno Awards, and is celebrated for her contributions to music and support of female artists.

#21 Bjork

Björk Guðmundsdóttir, known simply as Björk, was born on November 21, 1965, in Reykjavik, Iceland. She is an innovative and eclectic artist known for her unique voice and experimental approach to music. Björk gained international fame in the 1990s with her solo debut album Debut, which featured hits like “Human Behaviour” and “Venus as a Boy.” She continued to push musical boundaries with subsequent albums like Post and Homogenic, blending elements of electronic, pop, classical, and avant-garde music.

Björk is celebrated for her distinct vocal style, theatrical performances, and artistic music videos. Her work often explores themes of nature, technology, and emotion, and she has received numerous awards for her contributions to music and art.

#22 Natalie Imbruglia

Natalie Imbruglia, born on February 4, 1975, in Sydney, Australia, is a singer, songwriter, and actress. She gained worldwide recognition with her 1997 hit single “Torn,” from her debut album Left of the Middle. The song became a global sensation and is one of the best-selling singles of the 1990s.

Imbruglia’s music blends pop and alternative rock, characterized by her emotive voice and introspective lyrics. Her debut album achieved significant commercial success, and she continued to release music in the following years, including albums like White Lilies Island and Counting Down the Days. In addition to her music career, Imbruglia has pursued acting, appearing in films and television. She is known for her versatile talents and continues to be a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

#23 Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul, born on June 19, 1962, in San Fernando, California, is a singer, dancer, choreographer, and television personality. She rose to fame in the late 1980s and continued her success into the 1990s with hits like “Straight Up,” “Cold Hearted,” and “Opposites Attract.” Her debut album, Forever Your Girl, was a major success, producing multiple chart-topping singles. Abdul’s music is characterized by its upbeat pop sound and danceable rhythms, and she is also known for her innovative choreography.

In addition to her music career, Abdul gained fame as a judge on the popular TV show American Idol, where she served for several seasons. Her contributions to music and dance have made her an enduring figure in popular culture.

#24 Brandy

Brandy Norwood, known professionally as Brandy, was born on February 11, 1979, in McComb, Mississippi. She is a singer, songwriter, actress, and producer known for her distinct vocal style and influence on the R&B genre. Brandy gained fame in the mid-1990s with her self-titled debut album, featuring hits like “I Wanna Be Down” and “Baby.” Her second album, Never Say Never, achieved even greater success with singles like “The Boy Is Mine” (a duet with Monica) and “Have You Ever?”.

Brandy’s music blends R&B, pop, and soul, characterized by her rich, emotive voice and intricate vocal arrangements. In addition to her music career, Brandy has starred in television shows and films, including the popular sitcom Moesha. She is known as the “Vocal Bible” for her vocal prowess and has won numerous awards throughout her career.

#25 Faith Hill

Faith Hill, born on September 21, 1967, in Ridgeland, Mississippi, is a country music singer and actress known for her crossover appeal and powerful voice. She gained fame in the mid-1990s with her debut album, Take Me as I Am, featuring the hit single “Wild One.” Hill’s subsequent albums, including It Matters to Me and Faith, solidified her status as one of the leading female artists in country music. Her 1998 album Faith included the crossover hit “This Kiss,” which became a pop success and introduced her to a broader audience.

Hill continued to blend country and pop with albums like Breathe and Cry, earning multiple Grammy Awards and chart-topping singles. She is known for her dynamic stage presence, emotional ballads, and collaborations with her husband, fellow country star Tim McGraw. Hill’s influence on both country and pop music has made her one of the most successful female artists of the 1990s and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the “Queen of Pop” in the 1990s known for her constant reinvention and controversial image?

Madonna was often referred to as the “Queen of Pop” in the 1990s. She was known for her boundary-pushing music, fashion, and provocative public image, continually reinventing her style.

Which female artist from the 1990s was known for her five-octave vocal range and hits like “Vision of Love”?

Mariah Carey was known for her impressive five-octave vocal range and hits like “Vision of Love.” She became one of the best-selling female artists of the decade.

What iconic 1990s hit did Alanis Morissette release that became an anthem of the alternative rock genre?

Alanis Morissette released the iconic hit “You Oughta Know” in the 1990s. The song became an anthem of the alternative rock genre, known for its raw lyrics and edgy sound.

Which 1990s female singer gained fame with the song “Torn” and had a successful crossover from acting to music?

Natalie Imbruglia gained fame with the song “Torn” in the 1990s. She successfully transitioned from acting to music, achieving international success with her debut album Left of the Middle.