A Ranking of the Top Female Vocalists in Music History

With a whisper, she could melt glass. With a belt, she could rearrange your DNA. Mariah Carey didn’t just arrive—she descended, octave by octave, into pop history with vocal runs that defied physics. She fused gospel emotion with pop polish and hip-hop swagger, writing most of her hits while crafting a sonic signature that millions tried (and failed) to imitate.

The whistle register became her calling card, but her true gift lies in storytelling—romance, heartbreak, triumph, all wrapped in melisma. Holiday staple, chart queen, survivor—Mariah is more than “All I Want for Christmas.” She’s the voice that keeps giving.