20 Music Stars/Groups Who Dominated the 90s

Pop singers of the 1990s dominated the charts and helped define the music business and popular culture. From legendary performances to timeless hits, these musicians created a legacy that still influences music now. Celebrate 20 music stars that characterized the 90s and won millions of hearts.

Tricia Quitales
December 3, 2024
6 min read

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Pop music was alive in the 1990s, and many musicians became household names. These pop performers generated a cultural phenomenon that connected with listeners worldwide through their appealing songs, unforgettable music videos, and distinctive styles. These are 20 music stars who ruled the 90s and are still revered today.

1. Britney Spears

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Arriving suddenly with “Baby One More Time,” Britney became the face of 90s pop. Her globally famous dance routines and appealing songs enthralled listeners. Still significantly impacting the music business and popular culture, Britney inspires many other musicians.

2. Mariah Carey

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Mariah, well-known for her unique vocals and songwriting ability, dominated the charts with hits like “Vision of Love” and “Fantasy.” Her mix of R&B and pop established the benchmark for following musicians. Unquestionably, Mariah has impacted the music business; she boasts several honors and distinctions.

3. Whitney Houston

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Among the most revered pop stars of the decade, Whitney’s heartfelt ballads and strong voice. Her performance of “I Will Always Love You” became a worldwide sensation, highlighting her voice strengthWhitney still inspires artists in many disciplines.

4. Madonna

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Madonna broke through in the music business with her daring appearance and inventive sound. Madonna’s impact on fashion, music, and society is still felt today; hits like “Vogue” and “Like a Prayer confirmed her place as the “Queen of Pop.”

5. Backstreet Boys

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With their flawless harmonies and appealing melodies, this boy band developed into a defining factor in 90s pop, producing songs after success. Their first self-titled album prepared the ground for a run of top-charting singles. The ongoing popularity of The Backstreet Boys is evidence of their ageless appeal.

6. NSYNC

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Late in the 1990s, NSYNC became well-known immediately for its contagious enthusiasm and outstanding choreography. Their self-titled debut record had hits like “Tearing Up My Heart,” which showcased their singing and musical taste. The trio cemented their place in pop culture history with memorable music videos and electrifying live shows.

7. TLC

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TLC used their uplifting songs to discuss problems in society. They were known for their unique mix of R&B and hip-hop. Songs like “No Scrubs” and “Waterfalls” showcased their strong voices and emotions. Artists are still getting ideas from how the group changed music and society.

8. Janet Jackson

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Janet became a pop icon of the 1990s with her inventive sound and forceful performances. She deftly combined dance, R&B, and pop music using songs like “That’s the Way Love Goes.” Janet’s impact on the genre and her capacity to use her music to confront societal concerns remain major.

9. Alanis Morissette

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With her honest and passionate songs, Alanis changed female empowerment in music with her album “Jagged Little Pill.” Hits like “You Oughta Know” connected with fans, the defining voice of the decade. Many musicians find ongoing inspiration in Alanis’s influence on rock and pop.

10. Celine Dion

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Renowned for her stirring ballads, Celine shot to international prominence with songs like “My Heart Will Go On.” Her impressive vocal range and dynamic delivery enthralled listeners everywhere. One can establish Celine’s reputation as among the best vocalists ever.

11. Spice Girls

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With their appealing songs and messages of female power, this legendary girl group swept the globe. Their first song, “Wannabe,” came to represent a hymn for empowerment and togetherness. Still unmatched, the Spice Girls’ impact on popular culture and music motivates the next generation of female musicians.

12. Ricky Martin

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Ricky pushed Latin pop forward in the music world with his contagious enthusiasm and appealing songs. Showcasing his charm and talent, his tune “Livin’ la Vida Loca” became a worldwide success. Ricky’s impact on the genre still motivates musicians all around.

13. Shania Twain

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Combining country and pop, Shania rose to become among the most sold female musicians of the decade. Her CD “Come On Over” highlighted her cross-appeal with songs like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and “You’re Still the One.” Shania’s popularity as a pop idol was confirmed by her capacity to relate to many listeners.

14. Christina Aguilera

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Arriving on the scene with her self-titled debut album, Christina highlighted her amazing vocals and pop sensibilities. Her household name came from songs like “Genie in a Bottle” and “What a Girl Wants.” Fans and fellow musicians both still find inspiration in Christina’s artistic development.

15. Boys II Men

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With their deep harmonies and heartfelt melodies, this R&B quartet redefined the genre. Their singing ability helped their single “End of the Road” break records. Inspired by innumerable musicians, Boys II Men’s impact on music and culture is still felt.

16. Jennifer Lopez

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Rising as a multifarious star in the 1990s, J.Lo combined fashion, acting, and music. With songs like “If You Had My Love,” which highlighted her pop and R&B inspirations, her first album, “On the 6,” Unquestionably, Jennifer has shaped the entertainment business, so she is a cultural icon.

17. Macy Gray

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With her unique voice and style, Macy Gray drew recognition with her single “I Try.” Her combination of R&B, soul, and pop set her apart among artists of the decade. Fans still find great resonance in Macy’s ability to express feelings via her songs.

18. Diana Ross

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Diana’s impact persisted into the 1990s with her classic songs and performances, even though she became well-known in the 1960s and 1970s. Her songs made her a pop star because they made people feel like they knew her. Diana’s groundbreaking work for women artists is still very much needed.

19. Brandy Norwood

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Brandy rose to become a major player in R&B in the 1990s, thanks in part to her clear vocals and accessible songs. Her duet with Monica, “The Boy Is Mine,” highlighted her storytelling and vocals. Her impact on the genre still inspires fresh musicians today.

20. Aaliyah

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Aaliyah was one of the most famous artists of the 1990s because of her unique style and mix of R&B and hip-hop. Songs like “Try Again” showed our unique voice and distinctive sound. Aaliyah is still inspiring artists, and her influence on music and society can still be felt today.