To 10 Female Artists of 2025

It’s time again to celebrate Funktasy’s Top 10 Female Artists of 2025! Last year saw a record-breaking year for female artists, with women topping the music charts for the majority of 2024. Female artists also dominated the list of the Top 10 most streamed albums globally, with releases from Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande and SZA all claiming their spots.

As the new year gets underway, there’s a surge of new female talent that’s taken the industry by storm, whether it’s Doechii’s characterful contributions in hip-hop, Sabrina’s meteoric rise through her playful pop tunes or Chappell Roan’s theatrical, empowering synth-pop anthems. In no particular order, here’s a look at Funktasy’s Top 10 Female Artists who are set to dominate 2025!

Sabrina Carpenter 

A well-deserved repeat from last year’s list is undoubtedly Sabrina Carpenter, who is having the kind of year most pop stars can only dream of. Entering the industry at just 12 years old, 2025 has marked her most explosive chapter yet, transforming her from an underrated gem to a full-blown global icon. Her rise has been building for a while, from her “emails i can’t send” tour to opening for Taylor Swift on the “Eras Tour”. However, her “Short n’ Sweet” era officially changed everything.

The “Short n’ Sweet” tour became a cultural phenomenon. Every single show sold out in minutes, forcing Sabrina to add dates across the globe just to keep up with demand. The tour is on track to gross nearly $50 million, making it one of the biggest of the year. But it wasn’t just about the numbers – it was about the moment. Each show was a glitter-drenched, ultra-feminine spectacle, with custom outfits that went viral night after night.

Fans waited eagerly for the now-iconic “Juno moment” – where the singer acts out a new sex position each night while singing her song “Juno” – turning the performance into a playful, highly anticipated highlight that had social media buzzing after every show. It became a frisky trademark of the tour, combining Sabrina’s bold confidence, comedic timing and undeniable stage presence into a moment that felt uniquely her.

Her star power only soared higher when she took home not one, but two Grammys this year, winning Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance. Her Grammy and BRIT Awards performances had everyone talking, showcasing not only her voice but also her commanding stage presence. Sabrina also stole the spotlight on Saturday Night Live, both hosting and performing with her signature wit and charisma, proving she’s as much a natural in comedy as she is in music.

Off-stage, she continued to captivate fans with her now-ended high-profile relationship with actor Barry Keoghan. The two sent the internet spiralling with his cameo in her “Please, Please, Please” music video – a steamy, cheeky performance that quickly became a fan favourite. And just when you thought she couldn’t dominate more cultural spaces, she’s just teamed up with Fortnite for a surprise collaboration, bringing her pop stardom into the gaming universe.

With a sold-out world tour, multiple award wins, viral fashion moments, and pop culture dominance, Sabrina Carpenter has officially arrived. She’s no longer the girl opening for someone else – she’s the main event, and 2025 is hers.

Doechii 

Everyone can remember the moment they heard Doechii for the first time. Whether it was from one of the countless TikTok dancing videos that featured her viral and now platinum song “What It Is” or hearing her musicality and humour shine in her single “DENIAL IS A RIVER”, it was clear from the start that Doechii was here to stay. Her third album, “Alligator Bites Never Heal”, was met with much positive acclaim from both the public and critics. This skyrocketed her from being just a “TikTok rapper” to an established musician in the industry.

Furthermore, the 26-year-old received numerous accolades for the tracks, most notably “Best Rap Album” at the 67th Annual Grammys. Her win made hip hop history, as she was the third woman to ever win in the category, after Lauryn Hill and Cardi B.  

Right now, Doechii’s newest single, “Anxiety”, is her first song to debut in the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is also her first song to peak in the Top 10. Sampled from the famous “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye and Kimbra, the song’s release was most like an ode to the rapper’s older fans, because it was originally a part of her self-released first mixtape, “Coven Music Session, Vol. 1”. Her part was then sampled by another musician, Sleepy Hallow, but it was Doechii’s version of the song that became popular on TikTok.

She also recently released a music video for the song, and the visuals did not disappoint. On top of the intricate and thoughtful choreography, easter eggs were sprinkled throughout, like references to the original music video for “Somebody That I Used to Know”, as well as her bedroom where she recorded the song originally four years ago.

One thing that set the Tampa-born rapper apart almost immediately was her attitude. Doechii’s performances pack such a mighty punch that leaves viewers exhilarated and raving for more, as seen in the audience reactions to her performance at this past Grammys. Her breathtaking visuals are backed up by Doechii’s passionate and animated delivery, and it’s almost like her songs come alive on stage, becoming more than just words and beats. Doechii’s meteoric rise to fame has certainly caught the eyes of everyone around, and it’s left everyone anticipating what her next move will be in 2025. 

Chappell Roan 

Chappell Roan’s rise in the ranks of the music industry has been meteoric. Her striking visuals, empowering synth-pop songs with classic influences and her personal lyrics on love, identity and sexuality have been a breath of lively energy onto our playlists. After years of grinding hard and periods of self-discovery on her quest to being an artist, she released “Pink Pony Club” in 2020, inspired by Roan’s first experiences in West Hollywood’s queer nightlife scene.

Though the song failed to gain much momentum, leading to her being dropped from her label, it was still described by Vulture as “the song of summer 2021” and racked up millions of streams by 2022. With her theatrical presence and heartfelt lyrics, she was onto something.

She would release her debut album in 2023, ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’. The album received widespread critical acclaim, with DIY commending her “merging the alt-pop seriousness of Lana Del Rey with the untethered preppy charm of Lorde to go full throttle into messy, emotional fun.” Her style is campy, it’s big, it’s atmospheric, and it’s genuine – able to be sincere while witty at the same time.

In 2024, her track “Good Luck, Babe!” became her breakthrough hit, with its 80s-keyboard chords and vocal arrangements that remind us of Kate Bush. The song peaked at number 4 on the Billboard 200 and is now certified quadruple platinum in the US.

She’s already kicked off 2025 with a bang, dropping country-pop single “The Giver”, a joyful, bold and bouncy tune that explores themes of sexuality that are rarely given thought in the world of country. She’s also picked up awards and nominations at the Grammys, taking home the prize for ‘Best New Artist’ in 2025. She won big at the Brits and claimed the prestigious honour of BBC’s Sound of 2025. She also had several hits climb the charts, including “Pink Pony Club”, which won its revenge after a resurgence in popularity. 

She’s scheduled to shine on the stages of some major festivals this year, including Reading and Leeds Festival and Primavera Sound. Whether she’s rubbing shoulders with rock royalty like Elton John, gaining industry-wide support for her open letter on invasive ‘superfans’ or re-defining the pop landscape with her queer-positive, unapologetically playful pop hits, it doesn’t seem like the “Midwest Princess” will be relinquishing her crown any time soon.

Charli XCX 

If 2025 belongs to anyone, it’s Charli XCX. With her latest album “BRAT”, she didn’t just release the most successful project of her career – she created a full-blown era. After years of being ahead of the curve, Charli finally got her flowers, with “BRAT” grossing nearly $24 million and her “BRAT” Tour, as well as her and Troye Sivan’s “SWEAT” Tour, selling out across the globe. This wasn’t just an album drop – it was a cultural shift.

Charli launched the chaotic, neon-soaked movement that was “Brat Summer”, a sweaty, euphoric aesthetic that took over everything, from fashion to nightlife and TikTok. And just when people thought the moment might be over, she reignited the conversation during her Coachella Weekend 1 set, with a screenshotted monologue: “Brat Summer is FINALLY over????? idk? MAYBE?… I just want this moment to last forever. Please don’t let it be over.” An ultimate meltdown moment that perfectly captured the collective vibe.

With her party-girl persona and underground roots, Charli has long been a muse for club-goers and night owls – but “BRAT” finally brought her to the forefront of pop. And the twist? She found success by ditching mainstream expectations and writing fully for herself. Albums like “CRASH” set the stage, but “BRAT” proved that when Charli leans into her chaotic brilliance, she wins big. Her iconic bestie crew – Addison Rae, Lorde, Troye Sivan, and Billie Eilish – only added to the cool-girl mythology.

Then came the deluxe. Instead of a standard reissue, Charli remixed every track on “BRAT”, added extra songs and teased wild collaborations with Ariana Grande, The Japanese House, Bon Iver and more. It quickly became one of the most anticipated deluxe albums of the year because when Charli does something, she does it big.

This year also marked her long-overdue Grammy wins, plus a wave of other major awards. And in true Charli fashion, just as the mainstream finally caught up to her, she revealed her next album is “completely opposite” of “BRAT”. She’s not chasing charts anymore – she’s following instinct, proving that her confidence and creative freedom are now her biggest flex.

Charli XCX has officially stepped into her power. She’s chaotic, self-assured, genre-defying, and not done evolving. If “Brat Summer” is over, it’s only because she’s about to give us something even better.

Selena Gomez 

It’s hard to find a time when Selena Gomez hasn’t been in the spotlight, and this past year has been no exception. In December 2024, she announced her engagement to longtime collaborator and producer Benny Blanco, marking a new chapter in both her personal and professional life. Their relationship blossomed into a creative partnership, with the release of their collaborative album “I Said I Love You First” on March 21, 2025. Crafted in Blanco’s home studio, the album delves into themes of love, vulnerability and self-discovery, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into their shared journey.

The album stands out as Gomez’s most personal work to date. In interviews, she described the songwriting process as organic and cathartic, with conversations between the couple naturally evolving into lyrics. Blanco likened himself to her “personal journal,” capturing candid moments and raw emotion as they unfolded. Tracks like “Don’t Take It Personally” and “Ojos Tristes” showcase Gomez’s lyrical depth, exploring her past relationships, identity and connection to her Latin heritage.

Her collaboration with The Marías on “Ojos Tristes”, in particular, reflects a beautiful homage to her roots, reimagining a classic Spanish melody through a modern, melancholic lens. “Don’t Take It Personally” hit especially hard for fans – and with good reason. Gomez revealed that the lyrics came directly from something someone once said to her, making the track feel like a reclaiming of a painful experience. It’s a soft yet cutting reflection on emotional invalidation and the lasting impact of toxic relationships. 

In contrast, “How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten” offers a moment of empowerment. Rather than dwelling in heartbreak, Gomez uses the track to reflect on what it means to truly move on – to be with someone who loves her the way her past partner couldn’t. It’s less about bitterness and more about quiet triumph, a graceful yet assertive declaration that she’s no longer tethered to the pain of the past. The juxtaposition of these two tracks perfectly illustrates the emotional range of the album, navigating both the weight of trauma and the lightness of healing. Through this album, Selena doesn’t just tell a love story – she confronts old wounds, gives voice to silent pain and, most importantly, allows herself the grace to move on.

From surprise karaoke performances of their track “Bluest Flame” during Passover to viral prom-themed date nights, Selena and Benny’s public romance has been whimsical and warm. But what makes this era of Selena so special is the way she’s allowed her personal evolution to unfold through her art. With “I Said I Love You First”, she has not only redefined her musical direction – she’s redefined herself as an artist brave enough to say exactly what she feels.

Kali Uchis 

Kali Uchis has been in the music industry for a long time now, releasing her debut mixtape in 2012 and establishing herself apart from others in the field. You may have heard popular songs like “telepatía” and her various collaborations with rapper Tyler, the Creator as the background of different social media videos and challenges, but Uchis’s sound and discography go beyond her influence on social media. Her albums over the years have developed her sound further and further, with the sweet and sultry vocals interweaving between English and Spanish. Her mixed-language albums foster a bridge between the English and Latin music industries. Uchis has successfully built her legacy on the foundations of staying true to oneself and being proud of her heritage and history. 

Not only has she created a deep connection with her fans, but she has also found immense success commercially. Her career brought her numerous accolades, including five Grammy nominations and a Grammy win for her song with Katrayanda, “10%”. Some of her most recent Grammy nominations include Best Latin Album for her 2024 album, “Orquídeas”. This album was the artist’s second Spanish album and featured many notable Latin musicians like Peso Pluma, Karol G, and Rauw Alejandro.

This album was released early January 2024, but her work wasn’t done there. Uchis welcomed her first child in March of the same year, but despite the big change and her new hectic schedule of being a new mother, she still gave back to her fans with a follow-up album that summer. Almost doubling as a deluxe, “Orquídeas Parte 2” features three new songs that didn’t make it on the original album and a remix from producer Katrayanda of “Young, Rich & In Love”, a song on the original track listing. 

While Kali Uchis has been enjoying her downtime with her son after the success of her new album, she has also been very active in the studio. The musician has been featured on Korean pop star Jennie’s debut album on the song “Damn Right” with Childish Gambino and she also lent her vocals to breakout artist d4vd’s song, “Crashing”, which is featured on his debut album.

More importantly, her fifth studio album is already on its way to her fans, and listeners have already been experiencing the effects of its rollout. The new album, “Sincerely”, is a love letter to her fans and even herself. It’s about trying to find joy even in the complexities of life. Her first single, “Sunshine & Rain…”, released on March 27th, received a positive reaction from both fans and critics alike, proving that there’s going to be plenty more coming. Keep an ear out for Kali Uchis’ new album, “Sincerely”, out on May 9th!

Glorilla 

One of the most charismatic and likeable female artists in hip-hop, Glorilla’s Houston twang doesn’t flow at breakneck speeds like Megan, or with hyper-animated expression like Doechii’s, but with a classic Southern, deep delivery that lines up with her influences from native Memphis like Three 6 Mafia. First making a mark with “F.N.F”, she showed the world her raw rhythm and attitude, a stomping trap banger for the ladies out there who’re tryna stay “f**k n***a free” and “hanging out the window with their ratchet ass friends”.

The bumping tune ended up earning millions of views on YouTube, peaking at #42 on the Billboard 200 and winning her the BET Hip-Hop award for “Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist” in 2022.

There’s a lot about her that modern rap fans are fond of – that thick Memphis accent, her aggressive, unapologetic brags, her gritty production choices, her more simple substance-over-style bars. After a steady release of EPS, features and mixtapes over the year, she dropped her debut album “Glorious” in October 2024. The project reached high on the Billboard 200, debuting at No.5, and was well-received by critics, noting the soulful inflections within the production choices.

Pitchfork praised her “blending mid-tempo musings on romance and religion with the turnt-up anthems her fans love most.” The album was supported by two singles, one of which was “T.G.I.F”, featuring an old-school trumpet trap type beat with some great bars that sum up her ride-or-die energy: “These bitches with me pretty, and they all can fight.”

The record raked in a nomination for “Outstanding Album” at the 56th NAACP Image Awards. Her appeal and artistry have been recognized by the Grammy’s too, earning nominations in both 2023 and 2025 for “Best Rap Song” and “Best Rap Performance”. She was also recently honoured with the “Powerhouse Award” at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 ceremony, accepting the trophy with the same authentic, charming energy that her admirers love.

So far in 2025, she’s embarked on her own headline “Glorious Tour” during spring, stopping by New York, Atlanta, Chicago and other major cities. She’s also appeared at festivals like Coachella and J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival in April. She’s set to take the stage at Summer Jam 2025 alongside Gunna, Muni Long, Ayra Star and more.

The Memphis musician has also been announced as the first face of Rihanna’s four Fenty Beauty brands. With hip-hop heads holding love for her punchy delivery, persona and powerful production choices and themes, Glorilla has definitely carved her lane within today’s rap landscape.

Lady Gaga 

Lady Gaga is still regarded as one of mainstream pop’s most influential and innovative creators. From first gracing us in the 2000s with electro pop classics like “Bad Romance” and “Poker Face”, her discography has seen entries of experimentation, such as her collaborative jazz album with Tony Bennet, Cheek to Cheek and her strides into stripped-down, soulful Americana-inspired music on 2016’s Joanne.

But she’s probably best known for her dancefloor hits, instilling a sense of dramatism and high art into her poppy, synth-driven songs, that still get played in the clubs today, even inspiring some of the other names on this year’s Top 10 Female Artists list, such as Chappell Roan and Charli XCX.  

Her sudden release of “Mayhem” in March 2025 was a welcome surprise for pop heads everywhere. The album hit No. 1 on the charts, selling 219,000 units in the first week – the highest for any female artist so far in 2025. It brought back everything we loved about Gaga, turned up with an industrial edge. All the dramatic flair, the maximalist arrangements and the catchy hooks were repackaged within an eclectic sonic palette.

From the bass-heavy beginner of “Disease” to the Prince-inspired pop-funk of “Killah (feat. Gesaffelstein)” and the beautiful balladry of Bruno Mars collaboration “Die With A Smile”, the record held a colourful comeback beneath its black-and-white cover. Fans and reviewers alike held the project in high regard, with Pitchfork calling it “a massive attack of good vibes” and a “reminder of why fans fell in love with Gaga”.

In years before, Gaga has shown her chops as a versatile actress with a commanding presence on screen. Both her roles, alongside Bradley Cooper, in “A Star Is Born” (2018) and “House of Gucci” (2021) drew critical acclaim, with the former earning her a Golden Globe nomination. In 2024, she continued her foray into film with her role as Harley Quinn in “Joker: Folie à Deux”. Though the film received mixed reviews, her singing and acting were seen as highlights among many critics. She’s also set to star in the upcoming second season of Netflix’s “Wednesday”, coming later in 2025. 

She delivered in her Coachella performance in April 2025, giving spectators a standout set with a nearly two-hour performance which revisited her classic material, as well as hosting her latest tunes. Theatrically organized into different acts examining her eras and experience with fame, the return to the stage showed a master of melodies who isn’t afraid to be ambitious, to think outside the box and bring a spectacle. As one of the modern era’s most vital expressionists, she walked so others could run – but her recent records and dazzling live set show that she can still set the pace in the pop landscape.

TYLA 

2025 also sees the rise of an undisputed queen, South African sensation Tyla. Following her breakthrough year in 2024, she secured her spot in the scene, wisely building upon the momentum of her hit song “Water”. Her self-titled debut album “Tyla”, released in 2024, was a bold statement of genre-blending craftsmanship. She successfully managed to take amapiano to the top of the charts, reenacting it under her perspective with a pop flavour.

Needless to say, her album achieved astonishing results, amassing over 1.5 billion streams, also thanks to tracks like “Truth or Dare” and “Butterflies”. Her most popular song, “Water”, peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first African female solo musician in Billboard history to reach such an achievement. 

Critics praised her vision and unique style of music to such an extent that she was nominated at the 2024 Grammys, winning the inaugural award for “Best African Music Performance”. In October 2024, she dropped her bouncy “Push 2 Start” single, proving again her artistry in mixing multiple genres such as reggae, R&B, pop and amapiano. Furthermore, Tyla’s efforts to become a fashion icon didn’t go unnoticed. Her Met Gala sand-moulded dress, which made her outshine other very iconic celebrities, is just an example of her fearless fashion choices. 

Her talent goes beyond music. She proved to be a genuine soul, showing a funny and playful attitude that resonates very well with Generation Z. Just consider the massive success she had on TikTok, where her music sparked global trends and dances, such as the so-called “Tyla Dance”. What makes Tyla so magnetic is her effortless elegance combined with her refined glamour. Few people can rely on such an influential personality like her. It is almost impossible not to be fascinated by her charm, her simple yet enchanting coolness.

If 2024 was only her year of launch, it’s only up to you to imagine what 2025 holds for her. She’s creating a lane that’s completely her own and running fast without looking back. New generations are already being inspired by her music and performances, proving that she’s already heavily influencing the whole musical landscape, despite her meteoric rise. Rest assured, she’s only getting started. 

Billie Eilish

Another returning name from last year’s Top Ten Female Artists, Billie Eilish has once again proven that her reign is far from over. In fact, she’s only gone bigger. Her latest album “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” became an instant success story – bold, emotional and deeply personal, it showcased Billie at her most vulnerable and artistically evolved. The album’s tour followed suit, with just the opening night grossing a jaw-dropping $1.64 million and the full tour pulling in over $74 million globally. If that’s not superstar status, what is?

But nothing captured the world’s attention quite like “Birds of a Feather”. With nearly 2.5 billion streams on Spotify alone, it officially became the #1 most-streamed song of the year. The ballad, a heart-wrenching ode to intense connection and quiet longing, took over TikTok, playlists, and hearts everywhere, cementing itself as Billie’s biggest song to date.

And while the 2025 Grammy Awards left fans fuming over Billie’s shocking snubs, the industry still came calling. She took home “Song of the Year” at the BRIT Awards, “Album of the Year” at the iHeartRadio Music Awards and has been nominated for “Pop Tour of the Year” at the Pollstar Awards. The message? Even when the Grammys miss, the world knows Billie Eilish is that artist.

This past album also marked a major personal moment: Billie came out as bisexual in 2023, after years of public speculation and accusations of queerbaiting during her “Happier Than Ever” era. With characteristic honesty and openness, she shared that much of “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” was written about a woman she had fallen in love with.

However, a lot of the album was also written about herself, her growth in experiencing life’s emotions, and dealing with them. This confession added a whole new layer of emotional depth to songs that were already laced with intensity. Her fans embraced her with open arms, and Billie, in turn, leaned even more confidently into her artistry.

At just 23, Billie continues to redefine what it means to be a modern pop star – introspective yet explosive, mysterious yet deeply relatable. She’s not chasing trends: she’s setting them. And as always, she’s doing it her way.

In 2025, These 10 Female Artists Are Bound To Crush Every Music Chart While Being Busy Redefining Genres And Reshaping The Rules Of The Industry

Whether it’s through iconic performances on stage, finessed acting on the big screen or boundary-breaking songs, these powerful women are taking the music scene by storm in 2025 and establishing themselves as future icons for many years to come. Sabrina’s live shows and Gaga’s ventures in front of the camera are just a few examples of what these 10 female artists are capable of. Their exploits mark a profound shift in the rules of the game, proving their relentless commitment to becoming all-around influential figures. As they keep inspiring the new generations, one thing is clear: stay tuned, because there’s plenty more coming. 

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