Taylor Swift has once again solidified her place in music history, ranking No. 2 on Billboard’s list of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century. With an impressive 12 number-one hits on the Hot 100, 14 number-one albums on the Billboard 200, and 14 Grammy Awards, it’s no surprise that Taylor has earned this recognition.

From her humble beginnings in country music, Taylor quickly ascended to superstardom, influenced by icons like Shania Twain and The Chicks. Her breakthrough came with the release of her self-titled debut album, which included several top 40 hits, such as “Our Song” and “Should’ve Said No.” However, it was her second album, Fearless, that truly marked her rise. The album topped the Billboard 200 for 11 weeks and earned Taylor her first Grammy Award, including Album of the Year. Hits like “You Belong With Me” and “Love Story” became anthems of the era.

Following the success of Fearless, Taylor continued to dominate the charts with her third album, Speak Now, which earned her a second number-one album, and her fourth album, Red, which produced her first number-one single on the Hot 100, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” The release of Red in 2012 also marked a shift in Taylor’s sound, blending country with pop elements.

However, it was with the release of 1989 in 2014 that Taylor fully embraced pop, changing the music landscape. The album gave us iconic hits like “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space,” and “Bad Blood” (featuring Kendrick Lamar), and marked her transition from country to pop queen. 1989 topped the charts for 11 weeks and earned Taylor her second Album of the Year Grammy, making her one of the most dominant forces in pop music.

Despite facing public backlash, including a feud with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Taylor’s response came in the form of her darker, more introspective Reputation album in 2017. The album became her fifth consecutive number-one album, with the lead single “Look What You Made Me Do” marking another significant moment in her career.

Taylor’s versatility continued to shine with the release of Lover in 2019, which featured another number-one song, “ME!” In 2020, she stunned fans with the surprise release of Folklore, an album that marked a departure from her pop sound and embraced a more folk-inspired vibe. Folklore quickly became one of Taylor’s most critically acclaimed albums, and it earned her a third Grammy for Album of the Year. The album’s success also brought her a number-one song with “Cardigan.”

Not long after, she released Evermore, another folk-pop album that became her eighth number-one album, solidifying her dominance in both pop and alternative genres. Taylor then shocked fans again in 2022 when she announced her 10th studio album, Midnights, at the VMAs. The album’s lead single, “Anti-Hero,” became Taylor’s longest-running number-one hit on the Hot 100, holding the top spot for eight weeks.

Taylor’s impact didn’t stop there. With Midnights, she also became the first artist to win the Grammy for Album of the Year four times. As part of her ongoing creative journey, she continued re-recording her previous albums, releasing Taylor’s Versions of Fearless, Red, and others. Fans have eagerly awaited each new re-release, while Taylor has captivated global audiences with her Eras Tour.

Now, with Midnights and her most recent album, The Torture Poet’s Department—which has already earned her 12 number-one singles on the Hot 100—Taylor continues to break records. Her new album has also become her longest-running number-one album on the Billboard 200, staying at the top for an impressive 15 weeks. Fans can also look forward to the final re-recorded albums, eagerly anticipating more new music from the icon.

As Taylor Swift continues to dominate the charts, her influence on the music industry is undeniable. With a career that shows no signs of slowing down, Swifties are eagerly awaiting what’s next. Billboard’s ranking of Taylor as the second greatest pop star of the 21st century is a testament to her unparalleled success. But who could be No. 1? Tune in next Tuesday when Billboard reveals the greatest pop star of the 21st century.