Ranked: 11 Female Artists with 5+ No.1 Albums in the US
Over the decades, we’ve seen countless female artists rise to the top of the charts, but only a select few have truly dominated them. On the US Billboard 200, which is the industry’s definitive album chart – these women have consistently delivered projects that captured the moment and topped the rankings.
From powerhouse vocalists to pop divas, each of these artists has earned five or more No.1 albums in the US, proving their staying power in a constantly evolving music landscape. Some did it over decades, others in just a few short years, but all of them changed the game in their own way.
In this article, we’re ranking the female singers with the most No.1 albums in US Billboard 200 history.
Meet the chart Queens:
11. Alicia Keys – 5
Alicia Keys stormed into the music scene with here soulful vocals and piano-drive R&B hits. She’s earned five No.1 albums on the Billboard 200: “Songs in A Minor”, “The Diary of Alicia Keys”, “As I Am”, “Unplugged”, and “Girl on Fire”.
Each album showcases her signature blend of R&B, soul, and piano-driven melodies. With heartfelt lyrics and vocal power, Alicia’s chart-topping streak proves she’s not only a 2000s star, but an all time great.
Fun fact – only 18 live albums have ever topped the Billboard 200, including Alicia Keys‘ “Unplugged”
10. Celine Dion – 5
The Canadian powerhouse vocalist has left a massive mark on pop music. Celine Dion has five No.1 albums in the US: “Falling into You”, “Let’s Talk About Love”, “All the Way… A Decade of Song”, “A New Day Has Come”, and “Courage”.
Known for her unmatched vocal range and emotional delivery, Celine‘s music continues to resonate across generations and her Billboard success is just one part of her iconic legacy.
9. Ariana Grande – 6
Ariana Grande went from Nickelodeon star to one of pop’s reigning queens. She’s earned six No.1 albums so far: “Yours Truly”, “My Everything”, “Sweetener”, “Thank U, Next”, “Positions”, and “Eternal Sunshine”.
With her signature whistle notes, catchy hooks, and personal lyrics, Ariana’s sound has evolved while staying true to her style. It’s clear that in a few years’ time her position on this list will be much higher.
Btw – In 2024, she was among the various artists who topped the Billboard 200 with the ‘Wicked’ film soundtrack, in which she also starred. Technically, this can be counted as her seventh No.1.
8. Britney Spears – 6
Pop icon Britney Spears ruled the late ’90s and 2000s, and her chart stats back it up. She scored six No.1 albums in the US with “…Baby One More Time”, “Oops!… I Did It Again”, “Britney”, “In the Zone”, “Circus”, and “Femme Fatale”.
Each album captured a different phase of her career, blending teen pop, dance, and edgier sounds. Britney’s influence on pop culture and the charts is undeniable.
7. Mariah Carey – 6
Mariah Carey isn’t just the queen of Christmas, she’s also a chart titan. Her six Billboard 200 No.1 albums are “Mariah Carey”, “Music Box”, “Daydream”, “Butterfly”, “The Emancipation of Mimi”, and “E=MC²”.
From powerhouse ballads to slick R&B jams, Mariah has consistently reinvented herself while keeping her five-octave range and continues to release hit after hit.
6. Janet Jackson – 7
Janet Jackson’s influence on pop and R&B is unmatched, and her chart history proves it. She earned seven No.1 albums: “Control”, “Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814”, “janet”., “The Velvet Rope”, “All for You”, “Discipline”, and “Unbreakable”.
Janet is a true pioneer whose combined style, substance, and rhythm have resonated across decades. Her infectious energy and catchy beats made her a chart favorite.
5. Lady Gaga – 7
Lady Gaga reinvented pop with her avant-garde style, powerful voice, and theatrical but creative performances. She has seven No.1 albums: “Born This Way”, “ARTPOP”, “Cheek to Cheek” (with Tony Bennett), “Joanne”, “A Star Is Born” soundtrack, “Chromatica”, and “Mayhem”.
From electro-pop to jazz collaborations, Gaga’s versatility has kept her at the top of the game. She’s one of the few who can dominate both dance floors and the Billboard charts.
4. Beyoncé – 8
Queen Bey has mastered the art of the surprise release and the concept album – with the US charts a proof of that. Beyoncé has eight No.1 albums in the US: “Dangerously in Love”, “B’Day”, “I Am… Sasha Fierce”, “4”, “Beyoncé”, “Lemonade”, “Renaissance”, and “Cowboy Carter”.
With each album, she raises the bar in artistry and cultural impact. There’s a reason she’s constantly in the conversation for the greatest female artist of all time.
3. Madonna – 9
The original Queen of Pop still holds a dominant place in Billboard 200 history. Madonna’s nine No.1 albums in the U.S. are: “Like a Virgin”, “True Blue”, “Like a Prayer”, ‘Music”, “American Life”, “Confessions on a Dance Floor”, “Hard Candy”, “MDNA”, and “Madame X”.
Always ahead of her time, she’s reinvented her sound and image more times than we can count. Her ability to evolve while staying true to her vision keeps her name high on the list.
2. Barbra Streisand – 11
A true music icon, Barbra Streisand has had No.1 albums in six different decades. Her 11 chart-toppers include “People”, “The Way We Were”, “A Star Is Born”, “Guilty”, “The Broadway Album”, “Back to Broadway”, “Higher Ground”, “Love Is the Answer”, “Partners”, “Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway”, and “Barbra Streisand’s Greatest Hits Volume 2”.
Her voice is timeless, and so is her appeal. No one blends show tunes, pop, and classic vocals quite like Barbra.
1. Taylor Swift – 14
Topping the list is none other than Taylor Swift, who holds the record for the most No.1 albums by a female artist in the US. Her 14 chart-toppers are “Fearless”, “Speak Now”, “Red”, “1989”, “Reputation”, “Lover”, “Folklore”, “Evermore”, “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)”, “Red (Taylor’s Version)”, “Midnights”, “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)”, “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”, and “The Tortured Poets Department”.
Taylor‘s ability to evolve across genres – from rising country star to indie folk and pop icon, has helped her dominate the charts like no other. If any female artist reaches the magical 20 chart-toppers milestone, it will surely be her.
Next – Discover the 9 Female Singers with most No.1 Singles in the US
Final Thoughts
From powerhouse vocalists to genre-defying innovators, these 11 women have each defined an era in music history. Their chart-topping albums represent more than just numbers – they reflect impact, innovation, and lasting fan love.
Whether you’re a fan of diva ballads, glittering pop, or soul-baring storytelling, there’s something on this list for everyone. And with new music always around the corner, and many of these artists still in their prime, who knows how will this list look 10 years from now?