Have you ever wondered who the most awarded artists in the world are? Music awards shows hand out trophies left and right these days, so it can be hard to keep track of who’s racking up the most honors. Well, wonder no more! We’ve put together a list of the top 10 artists with the most awards to their names in 2024. From pop superstars to country crooners, this list spans genres and includes legends as well as some newer faces. You’ll definitely recognize these talented singers and musicians, but you may be surprised by who lands in the top spot.
Read on to find out which artists take home the most trophies and see if your favorite musician makes the cut! This list will give you the scoop on the most critically acclaimed and decorated artists across the music industry.
Defining the Most Awarded Artist
To determine the most awarded artist in the world, several factors need to be considered. Awards come in all shapes and sizes, from Grammys to MTV VMAs to American Music Awards, so the total number of awards is not the only defining factor. The prestige and impact of the awards also matter.
Some of the most prestigious music awards are the Grammys. Winning a Grammy is a massive achievement and a sign that an artist has reached the pinnacle of success in the music industry. The number of Grammys won, especially in major categories like Album of the Year or Song of the Year, carries a lot of weight in determining the most awarded artist. Other prestigious awards include the MTV VMAs, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards.
However, smaller awards and honors also deserve consideration. Winning a large number of minor awards could indicate an artist has a very dedicated fan base and support from various music organizations. In some cases, the total number of awards won by an artist could be a sign of their widespread fame, success, and longevity in the music business.
An artist’s impact and influence on music also help define them as an awarded artist. Artists who have shaped music genres inspired other musicians, and produced timeless, culture-defining music tend to be awarded more and seen as more significant. Their artistry and talent have resonated so deeply that they continue to be honored years after their music was first released.
To determine the most awarded artist, one must consider all of these factors: the number of prestigious awards won, especially Grammys; the total number of major and minor awards and honors received over an artist’s career; and the artist’s musical impact and influence. The artists who top all of these measures are undoubtedly among the most awarded artists in the world.
Top 10 Most Awarded Artists In The World
You’ve probably heard of many popular musicians who have won numerous awards over their career, but who are the most awarded artists of all time? We analyzed the careers of some of the world’s most famous artists to determine who has won the most major entertainment awards. From Grammys to American Music Awards to MTV Video Music Awards, these 10 artists have racked up an incredible number of accolades and honors over their time in the spotlight.
Micheal Jackson (834 Awards) from the USA
Micheal Jackson is considered as the King of Pop and one of the most awarded artists of all time, with 834+ awards throughout his musical career spanning over four decades. These awards include 26 American Music Awards, 13 Grammy Awards, and 16 World Music Awards. Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana.
Jackson was a pioneer of pop culture and reshaped the medium of music videos, dance, and fashion. His distinctive sound and style influenced numerous artists of various music genres. Dubbed the “King of Pop”, he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. With a highly successful solo career, Jackson released ten studio albums, five soundtrack albums, thirty-five compilation albums, ten video albums, and seven remix albums. Michael Jackson became one of the best-selling music artists in history, his contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with his personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades. His genre-spanning songs and dynamic stage presence brought pop rhythm and blues into the mainstream, bridging racial divides in the process.
Jackson popularized dance techniques that spread around the world, such as the robot and the moonwalk. His music videos, including Thriller and Black or White, were acclaimed in the industry and integral to the rise of MTV. Albums like Off the Wall, Thriller, Bad and Dangerous were not just commercial blockbusters but creative masterpieces that yielded some of Jackson’s biggest hits, including “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Smooth Criminal” and “Remember the Time.”
His record-breaking tours, including the Bad World Tour and the Dangerous World Tour, brought his performances to every corner of the globe and cemented his status as one of the biggest live acts of all time. Even after his death in 2009, Jackson has continued to sell over 1 million albums per year in the US alone.
Rihanna (673 Awards) from the USA
Rihanna has won an incredible 673+ awards over her career, cementing her status as one of the most awarded artists in the world. She was born on February 20, 1988, in St. Michael Parish, Barbados. Rihanna moved to the US at age 16 to pursue a music career. Her debut single “Pon de Replay” was an instant hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
The majority of Rihanna’s awards are in music. She has won 9 Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year for “Umbrella” in 2008, 12 Billboard Music Awards, 13 American Music Awards (including the Icon Award), and 7 MTV Video Music Awards (including the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award). Rihanna frequently collaborates with other artists, often earning awards for those collaborations as well. Her featured appearance on Eminem’s “Love the Way You Lie” earned several accolades, including multiple MTV Video Music Awards.
In addition to her musical success, Rihanna has become an icon in both fashion and beauty. She has won numerous fashion awards, including Fashion Icon of the Year at the 2014 CFDA Fashion Awards. Her cosmetics brand, Fenty Beauty, has revolutionized the beauty industry by offering a wide range of foundation shades for all skin tones. Fenty Beauty also won the WWD Beauty Inc. award in 2017 for launch of the year in the prestige sector, and Rihanna herself received multiple honors as the driving force behind its success and inclusiveness.
Rihanna shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to release hit songs and products that resonate with her massive global fan base. At just 36 years old, she has already built an empire and established herself as an inspiration. With her talent, style, and passion for inclusiveness, Rihanna will likely continue collecting awards and accolades for years to come.
Beyoncé (542 Awards) from the USA
Beyoncé is one of the best-selling music artists of all time and the most awarded artist at major music awards shows. She was born on the 4th of September 1981 in Houston, Texas, United States. Over her 20-year solo career, Queen Bey has racked up a whopping 542+ wins at major music award shows like the Grammys, MTV VMAs, American Music Awards, and BET Awards.
Beyoncé holds the record for the most Grammy Awards won in a lifetime with 32 wins and 88 nominations. Her first Grammy came in 2001, Destiny’s Child won two Grammys in 2001 for their breakthrough song “Say My Name.” Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams were nominated for five awards, and they won Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Best R&B Song respectively. She’s won in R&B, pop, rap, and music video categories. Her album “Lemonade” won Best Urban Contemporary Album in 2017, making her the most awarded artist in that category.
Not only has Beyoncé dominated the charts, but she has also redefined pop culture and inspired generations. Her groundbreaking “Lemonade” visual album confronted themes of family, race, and female empowerment. Her 2018 Coachella set, dubbed “Beychella,” paid homage to America’s historically black colleges and universities. During her “On the Run II” tour with Jay-Z, the couple gave away $1 million in college scholarships to fans.
Through her music and philanthropy, Beyoncé has become an inspiration and role model, especially for young girls and women around the world. She founded the BeyGOOD initiative to inspire youth and make positive change through community service. She has campaigned for causes like disaster relief, education, women’s rights, and voter registration drives. Beyoncé proves that with hard work, talent, and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams. Her remarkable success and influence as an artist are unparalleled, making her a living legend and one of the greatest performers of our time.
BTS (486 Awards) from South Korea
BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a South Korean boy band that has been taking the world by storm. Formed in 2010, the seven-member group consists of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, who co-write or co-produce much of their material. BTS has released several albums and has performed in many sold-out shows around the globe. Their musical style is mainly focused on K-pop, hip-hop, and rhythm and blues.
In just fourteen years, BTS has won an impressive 486 awards and holds the record for the most Billboard Music Awards won by a K-pop group. They have won several major awards, including:
- Billboard Music Awards: Top Social Artist (2017-2020)
- American Music Awards: Favorite Social Artist (2017-2020)
- MTV Europe Music Awards: Biggest Fans (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022)
BTS is well known for their energetic and theatrical dance skills, catchy music, and socially conscious lyrics. Their fan base, known as the BTS Army, is one of the largest and most dedicated fandoms in the world. The group has released several successful albums, including “Love Yourself: Tear” which reached number one on the Billboard 200, making BTS the first K-pop group to achieve this.
The members, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook were brought together by Big Hit Entertainment through a series of auditions. They went through intensive training together in Seoul before making their debut. Each member brings unique talents, from rapping to singing to dancing. Their teamwork, talent, and underdog story have resonated with fans around the world.
BTS’s meaningful lyrics, impressive choreography, and trendsetting fashion have propelled them to become global superstars. They have collaborated with many famous artists like Halsey, Charli XCX, and Steve Aoki. BTS proves that music transcends language and cultural barriers. Their meteoric rise in popularity and numerous accolades show no signs of slowing down. The future remains bright for BTS and the BTS Army.
Whitney Houston (400+ Awards) from the USA
Whitney Houston is one of the best-selling music artists of all time and one of the most-awarded female artists of all time. With over 400 awards and accolades, including 2 Emmy Awards, 6 Grammy Awards, and 22 American Music Awards, Houston’s tremendous success and vocal talent earned her the nickname “The Voice”.
Born in New Jersey in 1963, Houston began singing at a young age, performing as a soloist in the junior gospel choir at her church. Her vocal talent caught the attention of music executives and she soon landed a record deal. Her self-titled debut album was released in February 1985 and was a massive hit, topping the Billboard 200 for 14 non-consecutive weeks. The album’s first three singles, “You Give Good Love”, “Saving All My Love for You”, and “How Will I Know”, all reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Houston the first female artist to achieve that feat.
Her follow-up album in June 1987, Whitney, became the first album by a female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard 200. The album produced four number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including the Grammy-winning “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”. Houston’s third album I’m Your Baby Tonight (1990) also topped the Billboard 200 and included the hits “I’m Your Baby Tonight” and “Miracle”. During the 1990s and 2000s, Houston continued to release successful albums and singles, though her struggles with substance abuse and her turbulent marriage started to overshadow her success.
Tragically, Houston passed away in 2012 at the age of 48, but her timeless songs and one-of-a-kind voice live on. She set the template for pop divas and her accomplishments shattered barriers for female artists. Houston’s enormous crossover appeal and vocal prowess established her as one of the greatest singers of her generation. Her life may have been cut short, but her impact on music will undoubtedly live forever.
Britney Spears (378 Awards) from the USA
Britney Spears is undoubtedly one of the best-selling and most-awarded musical artists of all time. She was born on the 2nd of December 1981 in McComb, Mississippi, United States. Since bursting onto the pop scene in the late 1990s as a teenager, Britney has racked up an astounding 378 awards over her decades-long career.
Britney got her start on the Mickey Mouse Club at just 11 years old. Her debut single, “…Baby One More Time” in January 1999, skyrocketed Britney to international fame. The catchy pop song and its iconic music video featuring Britney in a schoolgirl outfit introduced her signature style of upbeat dance tunes provocative outfits and dance moves. This led to Britney winning several Billboard Music Awards, MTV VMAs, and Grammys for her early hits like “Oops!…I Did It Again” and “Me Against The Music.”
In the 2000s and 2010s, Britney continued her reign over the pop charts with five consecutive number-one albums in the US. Smash hits like “Toxic”, “Womanizer” and “Hold It Against Me” showcased Britney’s evolution into an edgier and more mature performer. She racked up numerous accolades at award shows across the world during this time. Some of her most notable wins were Artist of the Decade at the American Music Awards and Best Pop Video at the MTV VMAs.
She has won:
- Billboard Music Award for Top Female Artist 1999
- MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award 2011
- Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Record 2005
- Billboard Music Award for Top New Artist 1999
- Teen Choice Award for Choice Female Hottie 2002, 2001, 2000
- MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year 2008 Piece of Me
- Billboard Music Award for Top New Artist 1999
- Glamour Woman of the Year Award 2003
- Billboard Music Award for Top New Artist 1999
- MTV Video Music Award for Best Pop 2011, 2009, 2008 Till the World Ends,
Despite facing struggles in her personal life, Britney proved she was the ultimate pop survivor. Her later albums “Glory” and “Britney Jean” were hailed as returns to form by critics. At just 42 years old, Britney has cemented her status as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold over 260 million records worldwide. Her vast collection of awards and honors over 22 years in the business stands as a testament to her unparalleled success and longevity in the pop music genre. The Princess of Pop reigns eternal.
Britney’s immense contribution to music and pop culture is undeniable. Nearly two decades into her career, she continues to push creative boundaries and inspire pop artists around the globe. With her dazzling stage presence and catchy songs, Britney Spears has set a high bar for pop excellence that will live on for generations.
Shakira (371 Awards) from Colombia
Shakira is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, choreographer, and model who has won over 371 awards over her illustrious career. She was born on the 2nd of February, 1977 in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira has released 11 studio albums, five live albums, two compilation albums, 69 singles (including 13 as a featured artist and 5 promotional singles), and 62 music videos (see Shakira videography), establishing herself as a truly global superstar.
Some of her most well-known songs include “Whenever, Wherever,” “Underneath Your Clothes,” “La Tortura,” and “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” which was the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Shakira is known for her impressive belly dancing skills and unique Latin-infused pop sound. She has won numerous Grammys, MTV Video Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and Latin Grammys over the years.
In 2020, Shakira’s Super Bowl halftime show performance with Jennifer Lopez became the most-watched halftime show in Super Bowl history. Shakira continues to release new music and tour around the world, cementing her status as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her music incorporates a variety of styles including Latin pop, reggaeton, bachata, hip-hop, and more.
Some of her most prestigious awards include:
- 3 Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year
- 14 Latin Grammy Awards, the most-awarded artist of all time
- 5 MTV Video Music Awards
- 7 Billboard Music Awards
- A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Through her music and philanthropic work, Shakira has become a global icon and role model. She founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation, which provides education and nutrition to children in Colombia and other developing countries. Shakira proves that dreams really can come true with passion, hard work, and an unwavering belief in yourself. Her remarkable talent, charisma, and kindness have earned her a very special place in music history and in the hearts of fans around the world.
Lady Gaga (358 Awards) from the USA
Lady Gaga is one of the most awarded artists of our time. The pop icon has racked up an astounding 358+ awards over her career spanning more than a decade.
Lady was born Stefani Germanotta on the 28th of March, 1986 in New York, United States. Lady Gaga has been a force of nature since bursting onto the music scene in 2008. With her over-the-top fashion sensibilities and catchy synth-pop songs, she quickly rose to fame and has become a household name. Her debut album, The Fame, produced hit singles like “Just Dance” and “Poker Face” that earned her several MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
Her subsequent albums like The Fame Monster, Born This Way, and Artpop were also massive commercial and critical successes. Born This Way in particular became an anthem for self-love and acceptance. These albums solidified Gaga’s status as an icon for outsiders and cemented her reputation as the “Queen of Pop.”
Not content to just rest on her musical laurels, Gaga has also stretched herself as an actress. She received critical acclaim and multiple awards for her role opposite Bradley Cooper in the blockbuster remake of A Star Is Born. Her show-stopping performance of “Shallow” at the Academy Awards brought the house down and won the Oscar for Best Original Song.
A highly accomplished pianist and songwriter, Gaga’s immense talent and showmanship have made her a fixture at major award shows. She has won an astounding 13 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, 18 MTV Video Music Awards, awards from the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and recognition as Billboard’s Artist of the Year (2010) and Woman of the Year (2015). Her over-the-top and unforgettable performances at events like the Grammys, Video Music Awards, and Super Bowl Halftime show have gone down in history.
Through it all, Gaga has remained an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights, mental health awareness, and gender equality. Using her enormous platform for social good has earned her many humanitarian honors and further endeared her to her devoted fan following. With her sheer force of creativity and unmatched star power, Lady Gaga reigns supreme as one of the most awarded artists in the world.
Justin Bieber (352 Awards) from Canada
As one of the best-selling music artists of all time, Justin Bieber has racked up an impressive 352+ awards over his career so far. Justin was born on the 1st of March, 1994 in London, Canada.
The Canadian pop star first gained fame as a teenager, discovered on YouTube. His hit songs like “Baby,” “Sorry,” and “Love Yourself” have resonated with fans around the world and propelled him to global stardom. Bieber has won numerous Billboard Music Awards, including Top New Artist in 2010 and Top Social Artist six years in a row. At the American Music Awards, he has collected over 20 wins, including Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist multiple times. He also has 22 MTV Europe Music Awards and several Juno Awards, Canada’s top music honors.
In 2016, Bieber made history by becoming the first artist to surpass 10 billion views on Vevo. His 2015 album Purpose shattered streaming records and has been certified triple platinum in the US. Bieber released his sixth studio album, Justice, on March 19, 2021. Bieber’s devoted fans, known as “Beliebers,” have supported him through the ups and downs of his career. Despite some personal struggles and missteps along the way, Bieber has shown maturity and growth over the years.
Though still only in his early 30s, Bieber has accomplished more than many artists achieve in a lifetime. However, his talent, work ethic, and boyish charm have resonated with audiences worldwide. His catchy, upbeat pop songs and soulful ballads have become a soundtrack for his generation. While Bieber’s sound has evolved to encompass more R&B and dance-pop influences, he continues to push creative boundaries.
With his best years still ahead of him, Justin Bieber seems poised to collect many more awards and accolades. His devoted fan base and universal appeal position him well to remain one of the world’s most-awarded artists for years to come. Bieber’s passion for music and drive to succeed have already carved out his place in pop history. At the rate his star continues to rise, his spot among music’s legends looks to be all but guaranteed.
Usher (337 Awards) From the USA
Usher is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, so it’s no wonder he is on this list of most-awarded artists. With over 150 million records sold worldwide, Usher has won an astounding 337+ awards over his impressive 30-year career.
Some of Usher’s most notable achievements include eight Grammy Awards, 18 Billboard Music Awards, 8 American Music Awards, 3 Guinness World Records, 14 BMI Awards, and 12 Soul Train Music Awards. His 2004 album Confessions sold over 20 million copies, making it one of the best-selling albums of the decade. Singles like “Yeah!,” “Burn,” and “Confessions Part II” dominated the charts. In the late ’90s and early 2000s, Usher pioneered a smooth R&B sound and style that inspired many male pop/R&B artists.
Beyond his vocal talents, Usher is also an accomplished dancer and performer. His extravagant tours feature complex choreography, pyrotechnics, and aerial stunts. Usher’s memorable performance style, charismatic stage presence, and catalog of timeless love songs have cemented his status as an icon.
Usher’s immense success and longevity as an artist demonstrate why he deserves to top the list of most-awarded musicians in the world. His timeless songs, electric performances, and philanthropic spirit have had an indelible influence on pop culture. Usher has rightfully earned his title as one of the greatest entertainers of his generation.
Factors Contributing to a High Number of Awards
Several key factors contribute to an artist receiving numerous accolades and honors over their career. Many of the most awarded artists share these attributes:
- Longevity and sustained success. Artists with longevity, such as Usher, Beyonce, and Rihanna, have had time to release many acclaimed and commercially successful albums and songs over decades. This exposes them to more opportunities for awards and honors.
- Wide appeal and popularity. Artists like Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Britney Spears have a very wide, mainstream appeal that transcends genres and demographics. Their music resonates with a large percentage of the general public, so they receive a high volume of fan votes and support for awards.
- Innovation and influence. Highly innovative artists, such as Beyonce, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga, are recognized for pioneering new styles, sounds, and visuals. Their influence on other artists and cultures earns them prestige and accolades.
- Lyrical and musical talent. Exceptionally talented artists like Beyonce, Usher, and Rihanna are revered for their musical and lyrical genius. Their mastery of songwriting, composition, and musicianship garners significant critical acclaim and honors.
- Philanthropic work and activism. Some artists like Beyonce and Shakira are honored for their philanthropic work and activism as much as their music. Their humanitarian efforts and advocacy on social issues earn them worldwide respect and recognition.
- Crossover appeal. Artists with crossover appeal that transcends their primary genre, like Beyoncé, and Rihanna, reach a wider range of audiences and voting blocs for awards. Their music has both mainstream pop and rhythm/urban appeal.
- Memorable live performances. Dynamic live performers like Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga are renowned for their spectacular concert productions, dancing, and vocal abilities. Their memorable live shows make a lasting impression that fuels their popularity and awards.
- Strong branding and image. Artists with a distinctive brand and image, such as Rihanna, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga, stand out from their peers. Their bold and unique style significantly contributes to their fame, influence, and recognition through awards.
Do Awards Define Talent and Success?
Awards are meant to recognize and celebrate talent, hard work, and success in a given field. However, do awards actually define how talented or successful someone is? Not necessarily. There are many examples of highly talented artists who were underappreciated during their time but later recognized as visionaries. Conversely, some commercially successful artists win many accolades but are not considered exceptionally talented.
While awards can be an honor and help raise an artist’s profile, true talent, and success are defined by an artist’s creative work and legacy, not by the number of trophies on their shelf. Many factors influence who wins awards, including industry politics, popularity, and trends that may have nothing to do with talent or artistry. Some of the most innovative artists push boundaries in ways that awards committees don’t immediately understand or appreciate.
That said, winning major awards, especially over time, can be an indicator of an artist’s significance and impact. When an artist’s body of work shapes and defines a genre, inspires other artists, and stands the test of time, that demonstrates a level of talent, vision, and success that extends well beyond any single award. In the end, the only measure of great art is its lasting power to move us, open our minds, and speak to our human experience.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the top 10 most awarded artists in the world in 2024. From pop icons to rap royalty, these musicians have racked up an impressive number of accolades over their careers. Their talent and artistry continue to inspire new generations of fans and fellow artists alike. While awards don’t define an artist, it’s still fun to look back on who collected the most trophies. Will we see some new names enter the top 10 next year? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure with their catchy tunes and chart-topping hits, these decorated artists have cemented their places in music history. Their iconic songs and legendary performances will be enjoyed for decades to come.