Billboard names the 'greatest' pop stars of the 21st century - sparking plenty of debate

Billboard magazine has been sharing its ranking of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century, with the #1 verdict expected any minute.

Naturally, the results so far have been controversial, with many believing their favourite singers deserved to take out the coveted top spot.

In fact, one of the star's spouses even shared their displeasure at the singer's #8 ranking.

However, there can only be one winner.

As the internet frenzies over the outcome, keep scrolling to see Billboard's top pop artists, counting down from 10 to (eventually) number one.

For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.

Ariana Grande placed ninth, with a whopping amount of number one songs on the Billboard Hot 100.

Thank U, Next, 7 Rings, Stuck With U, Rain on Me, Positions, Save Your Tears, Die for You, We Can't Be Friends and Yes, And? all topped the charts.

Justin Bieber has enjoyed a wildly successful career, placing eighth in Billboard's ranking.

The singer has had a handful of songs top the Billboard charts, including What Do You Mean, Sorry, Love Yourself, Despacito, I'm the One, Stuck With U, Peaches and Stay.

However, it seems his wife Hailey Bieber isn't too impressed by him being ranked at just #8.

Commenting on Billboard's Instagram post announcing Bieber's spot, she wrote, "Billboard is a f---ing joke as per usual!"

Britney Spears is undeniably one of our greatest pop stars of the 21st century, and came in sixth place.

The star has had plenty of songs top the Billboard Hot 100, including, Womanizer, 3, Hold It Against Me and S&M.

Lady Gaga placed fifth and has had five No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100.

During her years in the spotlight, the hugely successful signer has dominated the charts with hits like Just Dance, Poker Face, Shallow and Rain on Me. 

Drake was named the fourth biggest artist of the century and has stolen the show, with 13 of his songs outshining the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

Some honourable mentions include Work, Once Dance, God's Plan, In My Feelings and First Person Shooter.

Fans have been waiting for Rihanna to drop new music for years, but the delay hasn't stopped her earning third place in the ranking.

The star has had 14 of her songs beat out all the competition in the Billboard Hot 100.

S.O.S., Umbrella, Disturbia, Rude Boy, S&M, We Found Love, Work and many others have all placed No. 1 throughout the years.

Taylor Swift came in second place, having had 12 of her songs hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Shake It Off, Blank Space, Bad Blood, Willow, Anti-Hero and Fortnight were some of her biggest hits in the charts.

Swift's placement at number two has been rather controversial among fans, with many arguing online that she should have topped the ranking due to her incredible success.