The 100 Hottest Female Singers of All Time

Gifted, vocally and physically.

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Complex Original

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Sex sells. When we look at the spectrum of female singers over the past century, the most successful artists haven't just been gifted musically, but they've also been some of the most physically alluring women we've ever witnessed. And that's just a bonus to their unmatched talent, No. 1 singles, and record-breaking album sales.

Sure, some women can't look like Aphrodite forever, but that's not to say their beauty is easily forgettable. In fact, we remember them all. And we've ranked the following 100 songstresses on being the hottest—we repeat, hottest—sex symbols in the history of music.

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100. Lisa Loeb

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Vocal Pop, Cabaret
Greatest Hit: "Stay (I Missed You)" 1994

The perfecter of nerd chic, Lisa Loeb nailed the hit “Stay (I Missed You)” in '94 and became the first artist to have a No. 1 single without being signed to a label. She’s the OG of the indie scene, encouraging more artists to succeed without corporate backing. As a testament to her sex appeal, her iconic cat-eyed glasses will remain a fashion staple forever.

99. Dido

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, Rock
Greatest Hit: "White Flag" (2003)

You probably first caught sight of Dido when she was telling Eminem about her cold tea in "Stan," but Dido's fame started before the rapper sampled her song "Thank You." The woman that goes by the name that could inspire a very awful typo, Dido has two of the the best-selling albums in UK history, No Angel and Life for Rent.

98. Yukimi Nagano

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Band

Band Name(s): Little Dragon

Genre: Indie Pop, Electronic

Greatest Hit: "Twice" (2006)


Born and raised in Sweden, Yukimi Elenora Nagano,who sat for a sexy "Hot Complex" photo shoot, always had an affinity for R&B music, but was raised listening to American folk. In high school, she created the electronic band Little Dragon along with friends in Gothenburg.

She’s been featured on a number of other albums, including the Gorillaz’s Plastic Beach and on SBTRKT’s song “Wildfire.”  Her rebellious ways influenced her band’s name, Little Dragon, which is allegedly based on her tantrums in the studio. Regardless of her feisty rep, we can't get enough of her quirky style and killer vocals.

97. Grimes

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Electro, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Oblivion" (2012)

There’s something about Grimes. It may be her cute lisp, the noises that she makes during live performances, her strange hair, or the fact that she’s created a weird sound that has had everyone talking about her over the past year. How would she describe it? “ADD Music,” she’s said in interviews. Either way, watching her rock back and forth to “Oblivion” or dance around on stage in her otherworldly ensembles gets everyone’s attention.

96. En Vogue

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Band
Band Name(s): En Vogue
Genre: R&B, Soul, Funk
Greatest Hit: "Hold On" (1990)

Not every R&B group's first single crosses over to the mainstream, climbs the Billboard Hot 100 and gets them an appearance as a group of prostitutes wanting to seduce Batman in Batman Forever. That's exactly what fame brought En Vogue, thanks to their 1990 single, "Hold On." The quartet of sexy singers released their debut album to critical acclaim and went on to release subsequent certified platinum albums. Despite the group's success—they were nominated for seven Grammys—drama behind the scenes ultimately led to tension among group members, causing their disbandment.

95. Linda Ronstadt

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): Stone Poneys
Genre: Rock, Pop, R&B
Greatest Hit: "You're No Good" (1975)

Take your pick: she's "The Queen of Rock," or "The First Lady of Rock," or, if we put it in economical terms, the "highest paid woman in rock." Linda Ronstadt is responsible for giving life to California's young folk and rock music scene in the late 1960s and '70s. With Bobby Kimmel and Kenny Edwards, she formed The Stone Poneys, steadily laying the groundwork for her to become a genuine rock star. 

94. Dionne Warwick

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Gospel, R&B, Soul
Greatest Hit: "Don't Make Me Over" (1962)

If you're wondering who Dionne Warwick is, chances are you've sang along to one of her smash hits before. Between "That's What Friends Are For" and "(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me," Dionne Warwick has an impressive catalog and is one of the most outspoken women in the game. The title of her hit "Don't Make Me Over," came from an actual line she snapped at her producers in pure frustration.

93. Alice Glass

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Band
Band Name(s): Crystal Castles
Genre: Electronic
Greatest Hit: "Not in Love" (2010)

There's something intriguing about a rebellious female lead singer in a band. Alice Glass has a deluxe set of intangibles that when put together create a sex appeal unlike any other we've grown accustomed to. Crystal Castles makes great music, but Glass' show ritual, where she takes a swig of whisky and spits it on her fans, makes her a girl we just can't look away from. Who doesn't like a hot singer with a little bit of crazy in them?

92. Adele

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Soul, R&B, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Rolling in the Deep" (2010)

The beautiful British songstress has a voice strong enough to give any listener goosebumps, and her live performances never fail. Her debut album 19, release in 2008, certified four times platinum in the UK, and double platinum in the U.S. But it was her follow-up diamond album, 21, that made her a crying-alone-with-a-tub-of ice-cream staple, with singles like "Rolling In The Deep" and "Someone Like You."

When she released "Set Fire to The Rain," she became the first artist in history to lead the Billboard 200 concurrently with three Billboard Hot 100 number-ones. Clearly, Adele is the last woman who needs career advice, but if she teamed up with Taylor Swift, they'd have the greatest break up album of all time. Just sayin'.

91. Caroline Polachek

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Band
Band Name(s): Chairlift
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Bruises" (2008)

Caroline Polacheck originally formed the group Chairlift while at school in Colorado and with the intention of making background music for haunted houses. If that doesn’t give you a glimpse into how wonderfully amazing she is, then take a glimpse at her beautiful laidback look and killer discography.

90. Samantha Fox

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, Dance
Greatest Hit: "Touch Me (I Want Your Body)" (1986)

At the age of 16, Samantha Fox began her modeling career, which turned her into an infamous pin-up girl. A few years later, she launched her music career with the single "Touch Me (I Want Your Body)," which became a No. 1 hit in 17 countries. The English dance-pop artist has sold millions of records over the years and produced five albums in six years from 1986 to 1992. Not only was Fox physically sexy back in the day, her suggestive lyrics made her even hotter.

89. Eartha Kitt

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, Soul
Greatest Hit:  "C'est Si Bon" 1953

If Orsen Wells called you "the most exciting woman in the world," then you must have been doing something right, and Eartha Kitt definitely was. The singer, actress and showgirl created a very distinct way of singing that led to her hits like “C’est Si Bon” in 1953. She was also cast as Catwoman during the final season of Batman, the '60s television series. Being exciting and being Catwoman are just two of Eartha Kitt’s many fantastic sides.

88. Tammi Terrell

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: R&B/Motown
Greatest Hit: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (1967)

Motown was a magical era in music. There were solo artists and groups that consistently cranked classic cuts year after year. A few of those classics came courtesy of the lovely and talented Tammi Terrell. In 1967, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" burned up the charts. While it's commonly referenced as a Marvin Gaye song, it's important to remember that the track was as much his as it was Terrell's.

Following the success of her first big hit, Terrell released "You're All I Need To Get By," which was famously remixed by Method Man and Mary J. Blige in 1995. The fact that the person behind two of the greatest songs from the Motown era was extremely attractive makes the listening experience that much better. 

 

87. Jewel

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, Folk, Rock, Country
Greatest Hit: "You Were Meant for Me" (1996)

After releasing her debut album, Pieces of You, which went platinum 15 times and spawned her hit single "You Were Meant for Me," the singer was finally able to move out of her car (she was infamous for living in it) and live like a rock star. In 2003, she released the pop-oriented single "Intuition," with the tongue-in-cheek overtly sexed up music video, which drew us to her observational comedy and hotness even more.

86. Charlotte Gainsbourg

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Alternative pop
Greatest Hit: "The Songs That We Sing" (2006)

Most 15-year-olds are busy listening to emo music and hating their parents for just about anything imaginable. Not for Charlotte Gainsbourg, though. She was hard at work in the studio with her father. After releasing her first album, suitably named Charlotte for Ever, she took a 20-year hiatus before releasing her next project in 2006. Dr. Dre would be jealous of this hiatus, but it was necessary for her to grow.

Looking at her years later, it's clear she has a done a lot of growing up and has turned out to be sexy in her own way. Even more impressive than her musical talent is her lengthy filmography and the fact that she's the muse of one of the most batshit crazy directors in movies, Lars Von Trier. Yeah, she can do it all. Instant wifey material. 

85. Lily Rose Cooper

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, Ska
Greatest Hit: "Smile" (2006)

Formerly known as Lily Allen, Lily Rose Cooper has shifted music genres a few times. Cooper began her music career leaning towards glam rock, before dabbling in reggae and ska. The cute songstress finally struck it big with her second studio album, It's Not Me, It's You, with edgier lyrics and a more electropop and dance feel. Currently, the singer, who went on hiatus after giving birth to her first child, is prepping for her next baby on the way.

84. Faith Evans

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: R&B, Soul
Greatest Hit: "I'll Be Missing You" (1997)

The first female to be signed with P. Diddy (then Puff Daddy) on Bad Boy was Faith Evans. On the label, she released three platinum-certified studio albums within six years, including the self-titled Faith (1995), Keep the Faith (1998) and Faithfully (2001). She struck gold in 1997 with the hit, "I'll Be Missing You," the tribute to her late husband, Notorious B.I.G., which featured Puffy and 112, and won a Grammy in 1998.

83. Nina Persson

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): The Cardigans
Genre: Alternative Rock, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Lovefool" (1996)

Nina Persson gave the sugary pop confections, The Cardigans, international fame when she penned her first song ever for them called, "Lovefool." The wispy-voiced Swedish songstress, one of the hottest frontwomen in rock history, has also experienced success outside of The Cardigans, with two solo albums released under the name A Camp.

82. Fergie

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): The Black Eyed Peas
Genre: Pop, R&B
Greatest Hit: "London Bridge" (2006)

Whether you know her as an actress, one of the members from the Black Eyed Peas, or as a solo artist, Fergie has spent the better part of three decades building an impressive career as an entertainer. In 1992, the singer secured her first major record deal as part of the female trio, Wild Orchid. After an unsuccessful run, she eventually linked up with will.i.am and officially joined the Black Eyed Peas in 2003.

Following the group's success, Fergie launched her solo career and churned out several hits from her debut album, The Dutchess. She has given us musical joy, eye candy and a new term: "Fergalicious." 

81. Toni Braxton

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: R&B, Soul, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Un-Break My Heart" (1996)

Known for many hit singles, as well as an infamous lawsuit with L.A. Reid (which resulted in Braxton filing for bankruptcy), Toni Braxton's undoubtedly had a rollercoaster ride of a career. Fortunately, she got her finances in order and is now the star of her own reality show, Braxton Family.

Though the singer modeled her singing voice after male artists like Luther Vandross and Michael McDonald, she is all woman. Two decades after the release of her self-titled debut album, we can't decide if Toni was hotter at 25 or as the sexy MILF she is today.

80. Keri Hilson

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: R&B, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Knock You Down" (2009)

It's not uncommon for a songwriter to hone their skills before making the leap to popstar status as a singer. Our former cover girl found success as a songwriter for the likes of Britney Spears and Mary J. Blige, all while enrolled at Emory University in Atlanta. By 2006, she inked a deal with Timbaland's record label and It didn't take long for the two to come out with a hit record. With "The Way I Are" topping the charts in 2007, Hilson earned two Grammy nominations and a certified gold debut album. 

79. Natasha Khan

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Indie Pop
Greatest Hit: "Daniel" (2009)

It doesn't get much sexier than a well-traveled woman who can sing and play multiple instruments. Natasha Khan, who goes by the stage name Bat For Lashes, can do it all—and quite well, at that. Since signing her first record deal in 2006, Khan has released three studio albums to critical acclaim, including her most recent project The Haunted. Just one look at the album artwork explains why she is one of the hottest songbirds touring right now.

78. Alanis Morissette

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Alternative Rock, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Ironic" (1996)

Alanis Morissette rose to fame after her first major release Jagged Little Pill in 1995. The album was critically acclaimed and sold more than 33 million copies worldwide. The Canadian singer followed up with several successful albums, and has even ventured into acting, most notably with a recurring role on the hit TV show Weeds and, as many feminists see her, God herself in Dogma

77. Selena Gomez

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo

Genre: Pop

Greatest Hit: "Love You Like a Love Song" (2011)

When you date Justin Bieber for two years, you know your hotness is on a different level than the rest of the general population. Before the Biebs, though, Selena got her big break in a starring role on Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place. By 2008, she inked a deal with Hollywood  Records. She has since released singles that have charted internationally, most notably her 2011 hit "Love You Like a Love Song" from her third album, When the Sun Goes Down.

Though her music career has been overshadowed by her acting career, she has made the transition from the cute girl next door to the hot superstar singer.


 

76. Nico

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): The Velvet Underground & Nico
Genre: Rock
Greatest Hit: "I'll Be Your Mirror" (1966)

Nico was the glamor girl coming up in the 1960s. When she wasn't busy hanging out with Andy Warhol and other socialites, Nico dabbled in her many interests, including acting, singing, and modeling. She recorded her first song in 1965 after meeting Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones ,and her career as a solo vocalist took off from there. In 1967, she began working with The Velvet Underground, eventually recording one of the most influential rock albums of all time, The Velvet Underground & Nico.

75. Miley Cyrus

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, Rock
Greatest Hit: "Party in the U.S.A." (2009)

When she shed her Hannah Montana image for a more risqué, bong-hitting persona, everyone questioned whether or not she'd succeed after child stardom. However, these days, she's working on her fourth studio album with Pharrell Williams and Hit-Boy, and she's engaged to Liam Hemsworth, so we'd say she's doing pretty well. Plus, all those tattoos and her short platinum blonde bob just make her more of a badass.

 

74. Natalie Imbruglia

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop
Greatest Hit: "Torn" (1997)

Natalie Imbruglia's "Torn," which was a cover of an Ednaswap song, was responsible for launching her into worldwide fame. The Australian singer/songwriter was already famous in her home country for her role on a popular soap opera, Neighbours, but she found a more successful career in music; she received three Grammy Award nominations in 1999.

Imbruglia is a beautiful woman, inside and out, as her lyrics have shown us, as well as her modeling career for L'Oreal.

73. Ciara

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop
Greatest Hit: "1, 2 Step" (2004)

Ciara dropped the first single off of her highly anticipated upcoming album One Woman Army called "Sorry" earlier this year, but the R&B pop diva has been in the game for a while. In 2004, the sexy singer/dancer released her multi-platinum debut studio album, Goodies, which spawned three hit singles—"Goodies," "1, 2 Step," and "Oh"—and earned her four Grammy nominations.

72. Jenny Lewis

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): Rilo Kiley, Jenny and Johnny
Genre: Indie, Folk
Greatest Hit: "Science vs. Romance" (2001)

A former child star, the red-hot Jenny Lewis is best known as the leading lady of the indie-rock group, Rilo Kiley. The band mastered their downbeat indie sound but they ended up splitting up in 2011 after five albums together.

Lewis currently performs as part of the duo Jenny & Johnny with boyfriend Johnathan Rice, but her on-stage persona hasn't changed. She's known for wearing hot-pants during shows and emulating that indie sexiness we've come to adore.

71. Annie Clark

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): The Polyphonic Spree, Sufjan Stevens
Genre: Indie pop
Greatest Hit: "Cruel" (2011)

Annie Clark—better known as St. Vincent—has a unique sexiness that makes her universally attractive. Although she has been pegged as an indie artist, she has collaborated with some of high profile artists, including David Byrne, Kid Cudi, Sufjan Stevens, and Bon Iver. With three albums under her belt already, St. Vincent has carved out her own lane and has set herself up to build upon her early success. Although she isn't a household name, it's safe to say that an artist of her caliber is bound to blow up, especially considering how hot she is. 

70. M.I.A.

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: World, Electronic, Hip-Hop
Greatest Hit: "Paper Planes" (2008)

M.I.A. created her own niche in the industry, somehow mastering the mix of world, dance, pop, hip-hop and rap music with singles like "Galang" and "Sunshowers" early on in her career. Not only has she succeeded in music, but her artistic skills, humanitarian efforts, and her intelligence have made her one of the most influential people in the world, according to Time.

69. Lykke Li

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Indie, Pop, Folk
Greatest Hit: "I Follow Rivers" (2011)

Whether it's her cover of Rick Ross' "Hustlin'," her song "Little Bit," or "I Follow Rivers," Lykke Li's soprano voice mixed with a wide range of instrumentation makes for some very beautiful music. Although Lykke Li only has two studio albums under her discography, her music has been used nearly everywhere. From the Twilight series to TV dramas, the beautiful Swedish songstress has infiltrated pop culture.

68. Marianne Faithful

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Rock, Pop, Folk, Jazz
Greatest Hit: "As Tears Go By" (1964)

Marianne Faithfull's career lasted five decades, and boy, were they eventful. Within its long lifespan, she dropped a critically acclaimed album, had a tumultuous struggle with drug addiction, and engaged in an infamous romance with Rolling Stones frontman, Mick Jagger. Consequently, her personal life was the hottest point of conversation until her first successful album, Broken English, which dropped 1976, made her music a worthy topic. Her subsequent releases didn't attract the same attention, but she still goes down as one of the sexiest female singers ever. Mick knows.

67. Cher

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): Sonny & Cher
Genre: Pop, Rock, Folk, Dance, Disco
Greatest Hit: "Believe" (1998)

To sum up Cher's importance, she's the only artist to have a number-one single on a Billboard chart in each of the past six decades. Often referred to as the Goddess of Pop, she's worked in every area of entertainment. Originally, she was part of the duo Sonny & Cher, before becoming a solo artist with singles like "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves," and pursuing a successful film career with Mask and Moonstruck.

Sure, she's won Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, Emmys, and Golden Globe Awards, but she is still bad enough to rock ass-less chaps.

66. Charo

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Latin Pop
Greatest Hit: "Dance A Little Bit Closer" (1977)

Charo, the Spanish-American actress, comedian, and flamenco guitarist, made waves with her crazy performances and outrageous style. She was reportedly making as much as Frank Sinatra when she headlined her own Vegas shows in the '70s, after marrying 66-year-old band leader Xavier Cugat when she was 15. She's considered the best flamenco guitarist of all time, and she's pretty damn funny. Nobody can beat her facial expressions, especially when cooing her catchphrase, "Cuchi-cuchi!"

65. Shirley Manson

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): Garbage
Genre: Alternative Rock, Grunge
Greatest Hit: "Only Happy When It Rains" (1996)

The rebellious Shirley Manson has paved the way for many female grunge artists for her success as the lead singer of Garbage. After Garbage saw a video of her singing on MTV, they invited Manson to record vocals on a few of their songs. Manson eventually co-wrote and co-produced an entire album with the band, leading into a very successful career with the them, including a number of Grammy nominations and hit records, such as "#1 Crush" and "Stupid Girl."

64. Taylor Swift

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo

Genre: Pop, Country

Greatest Hit: "Love Story" (2008)


If there's one female in the industry who oozes sex appeal, is a solid role model for young girls, and still has the girl-next-door look, it's the baddest b*tch in America, Taylor Swift. Somehow, someway, she's able to embody the image that fathers want their daughters to have, and maintains innocence, all while writing songs about all the men that have done her wrong. Innocence, maybe; clever marketing, definitely.

T. Swift has merged pop and country while maintaining a wholesome image like never before. As a testament to her success, her latest album Red debuted at No. 1 this fall.

63. Keyshia Cole

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: R&B, Hip-Hop
Greatest Hit: "Let It Go" (2007)

She just dropped her fifth studio album called Woman to Woman in late November, but Keyshia Cole has been around for a while; her mentor and close friend was Tupac Shakur. Keyshia was even asked to write a hook for his upcoming project the night he died in 1996. Regardless, she found her fame with her debut album, The Way It Is, eight years later, which was certified platinum, and went on to release two more platinum records before taking a two-year hiatus. Her hit singles include "Let It Go," "I Remember," and "Heaven Sent." Cole's even made a few appearances on reality TV, namely her show Family First, which premiered this fall.

62. Carrie Underwood

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Country, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Before He Cheats" (2006)

Carrie Underwood didn't fall trap to the American Idol fame. After winning the fourth season in 2005, she went on to win multiple Grammy awards, Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards, amongst others. The reigning queen of country music has achieved mainstream radio success for hits like "Before He Cheats," and became the only solo country singer to have a No. 1 hit on Billboard Hot 100 Songs in the 2000s with the chart-topper, "Inside Your Heaven" in 2005.

61. Kelly Rowland

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): Destiny's Child
Genre: Pop, R&B
Greatest Hit: "Say My Name" (2000)

As a member of Destiny's Child, Rowland was one of the alluring voices behind the bands hits, "Bills, Bills, Bills," "Survivor," and the Grammy-winning "Say My Name." Solo, Rowland's released two albums: Simply Deep, which spawned the R&B hit "Dilemma," and Here I Am, which gave us "Motivation." Just one look at her and we think you'll agree, it's time for Kelly Rowland to break out and stay in the spotlight.

60. Ameriie

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: R&B, Pop
Greatest Hit: "1 Thing" (2005)

Ameriie debuted in 2002 with All I Have, but dropped her greatest hit "1 Thing" off her second album, Touch. "1 Thing" lead her to two Grammy nominations and recognition for her crossover record. The track peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

The sexy, exotic beauty is currently working on her fifth album slated for 2013 called Cymatika Vol. I. which she says is inspired by house, new wave, and rock.

59. Norah Jones

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Jazz, Folk, Country
Greatest Hit: "Don't Know Why" (2002)

Norah Jones created a new sound of jazz, pop, and country with her debut album Come Away With Me, which went diamond and earned her Album of the Year and Best New Artist at the Grammys. Jones has gone on to release more studio albums, her latest being Little Broken Hearts in April 2012. Additionally, she's the top jazz artist of the decade, winning nine Grammy Awards and selling more than 50 million albums worldwide.

When she's not creating the soundtrack to all your daydreams, Jones makes numerous television and film appearances, namely in 30 Rock and the movie My Blueberry Nights

58. Gloria Estefan

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Group
Band Name(s): Miami Sound Machine
Genre: Latin Pop, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Don't Wanna Lose You" (1989)

You're doing something right if you are widely regarded as the most decorated crossover artist in Latin music. Gloria Estefan's success is due largely to her catchy tunes, but it would be an egregious error to ignore her undeniable sex appeal. It's OK to admit you had a crush on her. We all did.

57. Bobbie Gentry

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Country, Pop, Soul
Greatest Hit: "Ode to Billie Joe" (1967)

Bobbie is one of the first female country artists to compose and produce her own music. The singer rose to international fame with her "Ode to Billie Joe" in 1967, which spent four weeks at No. 1 and earned her two Grammy awards. She's charted 11 singles on the Hot 100 and went on to star in variety shows in Las Vegas, before retiring in the early '80s.

56. Lana Del Rey

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Indie Pop
Greatest Hit: "Video Games" (2011)

Despite Del Rey's relatively new career, there's something timelessly sexy about her low contralto singing and explicit lyrics. And, only adding to her sex appeal, the "National Anthem" video gave her some serious industry credit, as she's shown kissing A$AP Rocky as JFK.

Whether it's her pillow lips or those deep, haunting eyes, Del Rey, our first cover girl of 2012, has become one of the most desired women in music right now and it doesn't seem like she's ready to go anywhere.

55. Leona Lewis

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, Dance, R&B
Greatest Hit: "Bleeding Love" (2007)

Leona Lewis stepped into the limelight when she auditioned for and won The X-Factor in 2006. Days after signing her £1 million recording contract, she released her first single to world record sales in the UK. Following the success of her initial release, Lewis signed a multi-million dollar recording contract with legendary music executive Clive Davis.

After working with a who's who of superproducers, she released her debut album, featuring the smash hit "Bleeding Love." She has delivered two projects since, but hasn't be able to reproduce her chart-topping success. Nevertheless, she still makes good music, and it also helps that she's easy on the eyes.

54. Joan Jett

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, The Runaways
Genre: Rock
Greatest Hit: "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" (1981)

The title of "Queen of Rock and Roll" is usually given to the devil-may-care rocker Joan Jett. The all-American badass made waves as the lead singer of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts with one of the most well-known hits of all time, "I Love Rock 'n' Roll." The multi-platinum star was also a founding member of The Runaways and pursued a solo career before and after her time with the Blackhearts. Even now, she's still one of the toughest chicks that the music industry has ever witnessed.

53. Billie Holiday

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Jazz, Swing, Blues
Greatest Hit: "Strange Fruit" (1939)

One of the most revered singers of all time, Billie Holiday (or "Lady Day") changed American jazz/pop forever with tracks like "Fine and Mellow" and "Lady Sings the Blues." In honor of her legacy, the soulful and effervescent singer's songs were posthumously inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the first being in 1976 and the most recent in 2010.

During the peak of her commercial career, Holiday pleaded guilty to possession of narcotics to try to get medical help. When she got out of prison, she sold out Carnegie Hall.

52. Oh Land

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, Electronic
Greatest Hit: "Sun of a Gun" (2010)

A blonde Danish singer? Yes please! Oh Land isn't just a pretty face holding a microphone, she actually has star power and a vibrant stage presence that has spawned collaborations with other Top 40 acts, like Gym Class Heroes. It's safe to say her crossover potential is at an all-time high.

51. Whitney Houston

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: R&B, Pop, Soul, Gospel
Greatest Hit: "I Will Always Love You" (1992)

The late Whitney Houston is the most awarded female act of all time. In addition to being the first and only artist to have seven consecutive No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, her second album, 1987's Whitney, was the first album by a female artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

On top of being a legendary singer, Houston pursued a notable acting career, appearing in movies such as Waiting to Exhale and The Preacher's Wife. In recognition of her phenomenal life and career, she was recently honored on VH1 with performances by Jennifer Hudson and other artists.

50. Grace Slick

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): The Great Society, Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, Starship
Genre: Rock, Pop, Blues, Psychedelic Rock
Greatest Hit: "Somebody to Love" (1967) with Jefferson Airplane

Grace Slick was a lead singer for numerous rock groups in the early 1960s and had a successful solo career from the mid-1960s to the mid-1990s, but she's most iconic for her role in the '60s psychedelic rock movement, her lyrics and powerful vocals.

In the '70s, Slick struggled with alcoholism and drug abuse and went through numerous legal issues, including being on the FBI blacklist for conspiring to spike President Nixon's tea with LSD. Although she retired from the music business in 1988, she's still recognized as one of the greatest, and craziest, female artists of all time.

49. Donna Summer

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, Disco, Dance, Rock, R&B
Greatest Hit: "Bad Girls" (1979)

The legendary musician Donna Summer passed away this spring, leaving behind an amazing catalog of music from the past few decades. Originally gaining fame during the '70s Disco era, Summers became a five-time Grammy winner and the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach No. 1 in the U.S. and have four No. 1 singles within a 13-month period of time.

If you're ever feeling Saturday night fever, she's responsible for the hits "Love to Love You Baby," "Hot Stuff", "Bad Girls" and "No More Tears (Enough is Enough)," which we'd recommend you turn up.

48. Faith Hill

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Country, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Breathe" (1999)

Country music artists are often slept on, but that's not the case with Faith Hill. She's earned distinctive honors from just about every major award show, including but not limited to the Grammys and the Country Music Association. The hit singer has come a long, long way from serving burgers and fries at McDonald's. 

47. Lady Gaga

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, Dance,
Greatest Hit: "Bad Romance" (2009)

Every year since she blew up in 2008 with her album The Fame, Lady Gaga one-ups herself. Recently, we've been lucky enough to watch her roll around in cake for her new trap-rap song for her upcoming 2013 album ARTPOP.

Undoubtedly, Gaga has become our generation's glam icon for her style, music, and public advocacy. And whether she's decked out in a dress made of meat or belting it on while playing the piano, she's cemented her position as one of the most memorable musicians of all time.

46. Jessica Simpson

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, Country
Greatest Hit: "I Wanna Love You Forever" (1999)

Jessica Simpson may be a full-time mom now, but over a decade ago, Simpson hit the scene as a nubile blonde babe with her smash hit "I Wanna Love You Forever." As of today, she's sold 30 million albums worldwide, although her music career hasn't always been her main focus.

Simpson has dabbled in acting, fashion design, and TV—and we're not talking about her reality show Newlyweds with ex-husband Nick Lachey. We'll always remember her for re-popularizing the Daisy Dukes with The Dukes of Hazard remake.

45. Cherie Currie

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): The Runaways
Genre: Rock, Punk Rock
Greatest Hit: "Cherry Bomb" (1976)

As the lead singer of The Runaways, Cherie Currie joined the band at age 15 and the teen rock anthem "Cherry Bomb" was written for her at the audition. Men flocked to their shows to watch the heavy metal all-female band rage on stage in barely there clothing. After three albums with The Runaways, Currie went on to record three other albums—one solo and two others with her twin sister.

Later in life, Currie pursued acting, and is currently working on another album. Despite drug addiction and her former wild-child lifestyle, Currie is considered one of the ultimate blonde bombshells.

44. Debbie Gibson

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, R&B, Rock
Greatest Hit: "Foolish Beat" (1988)

In 1988, Gibson became the youngest artist to produce, write and perform a number one single, "Foolish Beat," on the Billboard Hot 100, a record that still remains unbroken. Like Britney Spears, Gibson started as a teen but grew into a bonafide '80s hottie (who still looks good today). Consider her the pop princess of her generation.

43. Liz Phair

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Alternative Rock, Indie Rock
Greatest Hit: "Why Can't I?" (2003)

Liz Phair coined the terms "blowjob queen" and "fuck and run" in the early '90s on her debut album Exile in Guyville in 1993. As if that doesn't make her hot enough, she's always on the forefront of the independent feminist alternative rock movement, and has gained critical acclaim off a number of her songs and five albums. She's been nominated for two Grammys and has sold nearly three million records worldwide. Plus, she had that wild song "H.W.C." or "Hot White Cum." A huge part of Phair's appeal?  Her penchant for not leaving things to the imagination.

42. Erykah Badu

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: R&B, Neo-soul, Funk
Greatest Hit: "Bag Lady" (2000)

Erykah Badu oozes sex appeal, although we're not sure she'd want to be remembered only for her beauty; she's a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, actress, record producer, and activist. The Queen of Neo-Soul dropped her would-be multi-platinum debut album Baduizm in 1997, which spawned the Grammy winning hit, "On and On."

41. Nelly Furtado

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, Rock, R&B
Greatest Hit: "Promiscuous" (2006)

Whoa, Nelly! We've been fans since the Canadian singer's debut album came out in 2000, where she told us, before The Notebook made it cliché, that she was a bird. Over the past 12 years, we've watched Nelly evolve from the typical singer-songwriter to the not-so-innocent sex pot. Having worked with Timbaland, Pharrell and Justin Timberlake, it's easy to see why her third album, Loose, made her an international star, selling more than 10 million worldwide.

40. Christina Milian

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: R&B, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Dip It Low" (2004)

Christina Milian, who kick-started her on-screen career as a Disney Channel Movie Surfer, made her singing debut on Ja Rule's first single from Rule 3:36, "Between Me and You," in 2000. She has since parlayed her early success into a lucrative career beyond music; the star of the movie remake Love Don't Cost a Thing is currently a social media correspondent for The Voice.

39. Katy Perry

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop
Greatest Hit: "I Kissed A Girl" (2008)

It's hard to believe our ever-sexy former cover girl was once a gospel singer whose ultra-conservative parents forbid her to listen to pop music as a teen. Now, Perry's crazy tour costumes—think cupcake bras—and pop music have made her one of this decade's most googled women. Even her first hit, "I Kissed A Girl" broke pop boundaries with sexual lyrics about females experimenting with females. These days, she's working on her fourth studio album and living it up post-divorce from funnyman Russell Brand.

38. Shania Twain

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Country, Pop
Greatest Hit: "You're Still The One" (1998)

Shania Twain is a groundbreaking artist for many reasons, one being her debut album Come On Over became the best-selling country album of all time. As if that's not enough, she's won five Grammys and was dubbed an Officer in the Order of Canada. She's referred to as "The Queen of Country Pop" and has sold more than 85 million albums worldwide, something Taylor Swift is coming for quickly.

37. Lena Horne

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Broadway, Pop, Vocal Jazz
Greatest Hit: "Stormy Weather" (1957)

Lena Horne, the legendary singer, actress, civil rights activist and dancer, became a nightclub performer before moving to Hollywood to act. She was blacklisted from acting due to the Red Scare but continued to work as a nightclub performer as well as on television. Her signature songs include "Something to Live For", "Chelsea Bridge", and "Stormy Weather," and she was given a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1989.

36. Vanessa Williams

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, R&B, Soul, Jazz
Greatest Hit: "Save the Best for Last" (1992)

Vanessa Williams became the first African American woman to be crowed Miss America back in 1983, but after Penthouse magazine published nude photos of her, she had to give up her title. Her career wasn't over, though, and she ended up dominating R&B and pop music for years.

The Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Awards nominations flooded in after dropping her debut album The Right Stuff in 1988, and The Comfort Zone in 1991, which topped the R&B Album Chart, and had the No. 1 hit, "Save the Best for Last." As for her Oscar nod, she earned that after singing "Colors of the Wind" on Disney's Pocahontas soundtrack. Looks like Miss America did nothing but good for Ms. Williams.

35. Paula Abdul

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, R&B, Dance
Greatest Hit: "Straight Up" (1988)

Tell us honestly, won't you love Paula Abdul forever? Ever since she caught our attention with the video for "Opposites Attract," featuring an animated cat called MC Skat Kat back in 1987, she's been one of the sexiest women in music. Sure, she's gone a little crazy on American Idol and she's had some legal issues, but Abdul will always have a place on this list for her hot dance moves, catchy pop tunes, and eccentric personality.

34. Olivia Newton-John

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, Country
Greatest Hit: "I Honestly Love You" (1974)

Besides winning over the world as Sandy in Grease, Olivia Newton-John was one of the top female artists during the '80s, raking in four Grammy awards, five No. 1 and 10 other Top Ten Billboard Hot 100 singles. But what's most beautiful about her is her strength and dedication to humanitarian causes. As a survivor of breast cancer, Newton-John is now an advocate for health awareness, as well as environmental and animal rights issues.

33. Mya

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: R&B, Hip-Hop, Soul, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Case of the Ex" (2000)

After signing to Interscope at 16, Mya dropped her self-titled debut album and struck gold with its single, "It's All About Me," featuring Sisqo. However, it wasn't until her sophomore album's lead single, "Case of the Ex," that Mya became a hit internationally. But those two singles arguably weren't as dearly remembered as her cover of "Lady Marmalade," which she sang along with Christina Aguilera, Lil Kim, and Pink, in the sexiest burlesque outfit we've ever seen. Here's to hoping she makes a comeback soon.

32. Kim Gordon

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Band
Band Name(s): Sonic Youth
Genre: Alternative, Indie, No Wave
Greatest Hit: "Teen Age Riot" (1988)

In terms of frontwoman coolness, Kim Gordon can't be matched. She fronted a band truly unlike any other with its lasting mix of '90s grunge, experimental and indie rock, set off by their use of eclectic instruments. Along with the rest of its members, Sonic Youth led the no wave art and music movement of NYC in the '80s. Although the band is on hiatus after Gordon and guitarist Thurston Moore split, you're guaranteed to run into a poster of the group in every other dive bar of the city to remind you of its greatness.

31. Alicia Keys

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: R&B, Soul, Hip-Hop
Greatest Hit: "No One" (2007)

Alicia Keys' latest "Girl On Fire" single is very fitting. The classically trained pianist from Hell's Kitchen with a smoky voice has created such a strong body of work that many consider her this generation's Stevie Wonder. The Grammy-award winning songstress kills it on the piano while belting out some of the best love songs of the past few years.

30. Michelle Phillips

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): The Mamas & the Papas
Genre: Folk, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Monday, Monday" (1966)

Michelle Phillips gained fame through her career as a singer of The Mamas & The Papas, which she's currently the last surviving member of. The blonde beauty co-wrote some of the band's hits, including "Creeque Alley" and "California Dreamin'," and after the band broke up, she went on to pursue a solo singing career, as well as a brief acting career.

It's difficult to deny Phillips' free-spritied sex appeal in the '70s. She went on to marry five different men, including The Mamas & The Papas frontman John Phillips.

29. Nicole Scherzinger

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): The Pussycat Dolls
Genre: Pop, Dance, R&B
Greatest Hit: "Don't Cha" (2005)

The Pussycat Dolls were a dream come true for men across the globe. There were six girls on stage for the original recording group and Nicole Scherzinger was front and center. Scherzinger made a name for herself with the PCD, but went on to have a successful solo career with hits like "Whatever You Like" and "Right There." 

28. TLC

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Band
Band Name(s): TLC
Genre: R&B, Hip-Hop, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Waterfalls" (1995)


Despite the highly publicized legal troubles of the band, Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins,  Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and singer Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas claimed worldwide success with their sophomore album CrazySexyCool in 1994. It certainly helped that the trio exuded exactly that crazy, cool sexuality.

One of the greatest tragedies in music history, Left Eye passed before her second solo album was completed, in a car crash while filming a documentary in Honduras. The group's remaining members plan to release an album in 2013.

27. Jane Birkin

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, Alternative
Greatest Hit: "Je t'aime... moi non plus" (1969)

When even Jay-Z is rapping about the Hermes bag named after you, you know you've made become a permanent fixture in pop culture. Before that, however, Jane Birkin got her start in movies, most notably her co-starring role with Serge Gainsbourg in the movie, Slogan. The two teamed up for the film's theme song, "Le chanson de slogan" and went on to duet in 1969 on "Je t'aime...moi non plus," which Gainsbourg originally wrote for Brigitte Bardot. The song was banned in a number of countries because it was super explicit, but its sales defied the odds. 

26. Cat Power

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): Dirty Delta Blues Band
Genre: India Rock, Folk Rock
Greatest Hit: "Sea of Love" (2007)

Born Chan Marshall, Cat Power was discovered when she opened for Liz Phair in the mid '90s. She signed with Matador Records and, over the years, released a number of albums with various backing bands. Often regarded as the hottest woman in the history of indie music, the expressive singer-songwriter has a keen ability to mix blues, folk, punk, and soul.

25. Kylie Minogue

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, Dance
Greatest Hit: "Can't Get You Out of My Head" (2001)

After getting her name out with a role in the Australian soap opera, Neighbours, Kylie Minogue shed her girl-next-door image for a sexier persona. Stateside, we know her best for ubiquitous 2001 hit "Can't Get You Out of My Head," but she was already a superstar down under, so to speak.  But her album sales and striking beauty aren't the only two reasons she deserves respect; Minogue battled breast cancer a few years into her career and won the battle resiliently. 

24. Brigitte Bardot

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Jazz, Blues, R&B
Greatest Hit: "Bonnie & Clyde" (1968)

During the 1950s and 60s, Brigitte Bardot was one of the best-known sex symbols across the world. The French model, singer, and actress became the face of Marianne, appeared in a number of films, and was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Actress in 1965. She was once described as a “locomotive of women’s history” and one of the most liberated women of post-war France, in an essay by Simone de Beauvoir in 1959. And while she retired in 1973, she recorded over 50 songs and was awarded, but rejected, the Legion of Honour in 1985.

 

23. Carly Simon

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): The Simon Sisters
Genre: Pop, Rock
Greatest Hit: "You're So Vain" (1979)

In the 1970s, Carly Simon recorded one of the best songs about self-obsessed significant others, "You're So Vain." It was just one of the many hit records that she dropped in that time; she had 13 Top 40 hits in the decade. In 1988, her song "Let the River Run" landed her a Grammy, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe. By 1994, she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. However, she's not the only who's constantly inspired to write brilliant music; Simon has a history of being a muse to famous men, including Cat Stevens and former husband James Taylor.

22. Tina Turner

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): The Ike and Tina Turner Revue
Genre: Rock, Pop, Soul, R&B
Greatest Hit: "What's Love Got to Do with It" (1984)

Tina Turner's career has been hot for nearly half a century. She started as a featured singer with Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm, first recording in 1958 under the name Little Ann on the song "Box Top". A few years later, she became Tina Turner as a member of the Ike and Tina Turner Revue.

After her divorce from Ike Turner, Tina launched a successful solo career in the '80s with hits including "What's Love Got To Do With It?" Her sex appeal, her stage presence, and her legs' inability to never stop dancing are just a few of the reasons why Tina Turner is hot.

21. Gwen Stefani

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): No Doubt
Genre: Pop, Rock, Ska
Greatest Hit: "Don't Speak" (1996)

Gwen Stefani became the Queen of Cool when she made her musical debut as the lead singer of No Doubt in the early '90s. Her California ska style and haunting voice on Tragic Kingdom, coupled with her undeniable attractiveness and signature platinum blonde hair, catapulted the singer into stardom. After her band established itself as one of the greatest acts in music history, Stefani was able to launch an award-winning solo career.

After almost a decade-long break, No Doubt released new music earlier this fall. Judging by her energy on stage, the incredibly youthful 42-year-old mother of two is still one of the most electric women in music. 

20. Cassie

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop
Greatest Hit: "Me & U" (2006)

We salivated over Cassie's comeback with Nicki Minaj on "The Boys" earlier this year—that video? Phenomenal. But Cassie Ventura has been a lusted after since her debut single "Me and You" in 2006. There's been an over six-year delay between her self-titled debut album and her soon-to-be-released sophomore LP, but Diddy's lady just isn't rushing anything. However, it would be nice if the R&B singer gained more exposure.

19. Susanna Hoffs

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): The Bangles
Genre: Rock, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Eternal Flame" (1988)

Susanna Hoffs began to pursue music after seeing a Sex Pistols show. The exposure to punk rock led her, along with Vicki and Debbi Peterson, to become the pop music group The Bangles. They released their first EP in 1982 but their first full album All Over the Place dropped in 1984. However, it wasn't until 1986, when they released Different Light that "Manic Monday" and "Walk Like an Egyptian," that they became radio staples.

Two years after Bangles released their third album Everything in 1988, the group disbanded. Hoffs went on to have a successful solo career, and she's now married to Jay Roach, the director of Austin Powers and Meet the Parents.

18. Christina Aguilera

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, R&B
Greatest Hit: "Genie in a Bottle" (1999)

Christina Aguilera is one of the most vocally talented artists on our list; her range is phenomenal and while her start in pop music never gave her the opportunity to showcase that, her future works did. Nevertheless, her debut track "Genie In A Bottle" was so subliminally sexy that it launched the young, blonde teen into stardom.

Aguilera now sits as a judge on The Voice, and has been releasing music on and off for the past few years, including her newest album Lotus

17. Fiona Apple

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Rock, Alternative, Jazz
Greatest Hit: "Criminal" (1997)

There has always been something sexy about hearing Fiona Apple sing "I've been a bad, bad girl" on her hit track "Criminal." It launched her entire career and developed her image as the naughtiest girl in rock. Her latest single "Every Single Night" was critically acclaimed as one of the best songs of the year, and while she frequently goes on hiatus from music, her return is always met with a warm welcome.

16. Stevie Nicks

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): Fleetwood Mac
Genre: Rock, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" (1981)

Considering her time as the lead singer of Fleetwood Mac and her following solo career, Stevie Nicks has produced over 40 Top 50 hits and sold over 140 million albums. While that sounds exhausting, it surely hasn't been an easy ride for Nicks, who has battled a cocaine addiction and a dependency on tranquilizers. Although Nicks struggled with the fame she gained through music, the respect that she's garnered in the industry is undeniable. Nicks, whose bewitching hippie style is all her own, has built a legacy on her mystical voice and haunting lyrics.

15. Spice Girls

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Band
Band Name(s): Spice Girls
Genre: Pop
Greatest Hit: "Wannabe" (1996)

The Spice Girls are responsible for launching a new pop wave in the '90s. Baby Spice, Ginger Spice, Scary Spice, Posh Spice, and Sporty Spice broke records with their "Wannabe" track in 1996, which hit number-one in more than 30 countries and helped establish the group internationally. Their debut album, Spice, sold more than 28 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling album by a female group in music history. They're also the best-selling female group of all time, after selling over 80 million albums worldwide.

And if you didn't noticed, they're still in high-demand today. Their performance at the London 2012 Olympics was arguably the most anticipated moment of the entire Games by female twentysomethings around the world.

14. Selena

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Tejano, Latin Pop
Greatest Hit: "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" (1994)

The Queen of Tejano music, singer-songwriter Selena was the top Latin artist of the '90s and best selling Latin artist of the decade with fourteen massive singles, including seven No. 1 hits, such as "Amor Prohibido" and "No Me Queda Mas." She began recording in English in the '90s, when her fame began to grow.

Though most kids of this generation know Selena best as the subject of the biopic Jennifer Lopez starred in in 1997, the singer still has a legion of fans who cherish her legacy.

13. Diana Ross

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): The Supremes
Genre: R&B, Soul, Pop
Greatest Hit: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (1970)

Few artists reach the superstar status of the lovely and talented Diana Ross. From music to major motion pictures, she has done it all and collected just about every award in the process. Starting out with The Supremes in the 1959, Ross eventually branched out into a legendary career as a solo artist. By 1977, she had amassed a catalog of chart-topping hits, earned a Best Actress nod from the Academy, and won a Golden Globe and a Tony Award. Her winning streak continued in the following decades, most recently receiving the Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award earlier this year.

12. Britney Spears

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop
Greatest Hit: "...Baby One More Time" (1998)

Britney Spears on the cover of Rolling Stone holding a Teletubby will remain one of the hottest magazine covers of all time. Spears went from sexy innocent Mickey Mouse Club alum to crazy and deranged, before cleaning up her act. Now, she sits as a judge on The X-Factor.

Spears was a very public victim of fame but that will never damage her image as one of the first iconic pop stars of this generation. Whether it was her wrapped in a snake at the VMAs or dressed as a sexy school girl in the "...Baby One More Time" video, Brit will always hold a special place in our hearts.

11. Janet Jackson

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: R&B, Pop, Dance
Greatest Hit: "Together Again" (1997)

The baby of the Jackson clan, Janet gained fame off her third album, Control, in 1986 and with it came her image as a sex symbol thanks to its sexual lyrics and that infamous album cover of a man covering her boobs with his hands. She's become one of the highest-selling artists in the history of contemporary music with hits including Nasty", "Rhythm Nation", "That's the Way Love Goes," "Together Again," and "All for You."

10. Aaliyah

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: R&B, Hip-Hop
Greatest Hit: "One in a Million" (1997)

Aaliyah was taken from the world too soon, but her music and sex appeal will always live on.  From her spot on Star Search to her debut album Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, Aaliyah became an untouchable force in R&B music. Her work with Timbaland and Missy Elliott earned her a Grammy nomination for "Try Again." Since her untimely passing, Aaliyah's music has continued to achieve commercial success with several posthumous releases.

9. Madonna

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, Rock, Dance
Greatest Hit: "Like a Prayer" (1989)

Madonna is the best-selling female recording artist of all time—really, she's actually ranked that by the Guinness World Records as having sold more than 300 million records worldwide. That's not a surprise considering the "Like a Virgin" singer is notorious for reinventing herself, and maintaining her sex appeal while doing so. Remember her super spiritual "YogaDonna" phase?

It's not difficult to spot her influence to this day. From Lady Gaga copping her style to the cone bra becoming a Halloween costume go-to, Madonna is an indelible figure in pop culture.

8. Sade

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): Sade
Genre: Soul, Jazz, R&B
Greatest Hit: "Smooth Operator" (1984)

Sade was one of the 25 highest paid musicians of 2012, raking in $33 million this year. As the frontwoman of her eponymous band, Sade, the British singer-songwriter and producer achieved success in the early '80s, leading up to her band's 1986 Grammy for Best New Artist. Their albums have ranked high on charts worldwide and gone multi-platinum. In 2002, she received an OBE from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace for her services to music, capping off her title as the most successful solo female artist in British history.

7. Mariah Carey

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: R&B, Pop, Soul
Greatest Hit: "Fantasy" (1995)

Mariah Carey is an OG diva, and we think she'd actually appreciate the title, in the sense that she's one of the most celebrated singers of all time. There aren't many songbirds that possess the vocal range that Carey was able to weave through her pop hits and make way into nearly every genre of the industry—pop, R&B, hip-hop, and even a few classical hits here and there.

Carey has sold more than 200 million records worldwide and, in 1998, she was honored as the world's best-selling recording artist of the 1990s at the World Music Awards. 

6. Nancy Sinatra

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop
Greatest Hit: "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" (1966)

Although she's the daughter of Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra created her own image with hits including "These Boots Are Made For Walkin" and the father-daughter duet, "Somethin' Stupid." Sinatra also had a brief acting career in the mid-'60s, including a co-starring role with Elvis Presley in the movie Speedway, and with Peter Fonda in The Wild Angels. Like her greatest hit, Sinatra's provocative style, complete with big hair and go-go boots, endures.

5. Rihanna

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Pop, R&B, Reggae, Dance, Hip-Hop
Greatest Hit: "Umbrella" (2007)

Five years ago, Rihanna was the cute girl next door from Barbados. These days, the multi-platinum star is a full-blown sex symbol whom every dude in the world has no shame thirsting over. She posed practically naked this month of the cover of GQ as the "Obsession of the Year" and dropped her most personal album, Unapologetic, last month. Whether it's her hot tattoos or her partying ways, Rihanna stays sexy and on top of the game.

4. Shakira

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Latin Pop, Pop, Dance, World
Greatest Hit: "Whenever, Wherever" (2001)

When Shakira first came out with "Whenever, Wherever" in 2001, men and women everywhere were captivated by the way she moved her body. Her hips didn't lie, to this day, the Colombian beauty still embodies sexy. But her body isn't just a stroke of genius, she is one too. With an IQ of 140 and a knowledge of seven languages,  the international superstar (with seven studio albums under her belt) is the perfect combo of beauty and brains.

3. Debbie Harry

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): Blondie
Genre: Punk, New Wave
Greatest Hit: Blondie "Heart of Glass" (1977)

Debbie Harry is easily the greatest female punk icon who's ever lived. Harry's career as the lead singer of Blondie and her following solo work are legendary; the video for "Rapture" became the first rap video ever broadcast by MTV and had appearances by Fab Five Freddy and a number of NYC graffiti artists. The multi-platinum star has numerous No. 1 records under her belt and cemented her place as a bona fide pop culture sex symbol.

2. Jennifer Lopez

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Solo
Genre: Dance, Pop, R&B, Latin Pop
Greatest Hit: "If You Had My Love" (1999)

From getting down as a Fly Girl on In Living Color and starring in Selena to dropping seven studio albums and judging American Idol, Lopez has dominated the entertainment industry and become the archetypal sexy singer. And Jenny from the Block, whose array of hits include "If You Had My Love" and "Ain't It Funny," isn't just an icon in the music and movie world, she's also a trendsetter. Shall we remind you of the "J.Lo booty"?

Now, even as a mother of two, Lopez hasn't fallen off her prime and continues to defy the conventions of age by exercising her right to be a cougar.

1. Beyoncé

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Band Or Solo Artist?: Both
Band Name(s): Destiny's Child
Genre: Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop
Greatest Hit: "Crazy in Love" (2003)

Beyoncé Knowles has it all. Starting out with Destiny's Child, the trio killed the charts with hits including "Bills, Bills, Bills" and "Independent," among others. Eventually, Knowles ventured out on her own, with no shade from the other two stars, Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland. Your memory of her hit singles "Crazy In Love" and "Single Ladies" (and the parodies it spawned) is proof enough of her impact as a solo artist.

Beyond that, Mrs. Jay-Z is physically stunning; her dance moves, her attitude—basically everything about her—makes her beautiful, and she's never steered away from her timeless, classy image. Who can seriously compete with her?

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