Top 10 Australian Female Singers: Icons & Rising Stars

Australia has birthed some of the most irresistible voices in music, and its female singers are no exception. From the rugged edge of rock to the polished allure of pop, Australian female singers have carved out distinct musical identities that echo far and beyond. Some are legends who’ve reshaped the global soundscape, while others are emerging stars, ready to leave their indelible marks. With a blend of passion, power, and unparalleled talent, Australian female singers are redefining what it means to solidify their place in the modern music world.

This comprehensive highlights the Australian female singers whose voices are making waves, from iconic hits to fresh sounds that promise to dominate the future.

List of Best Australian Female Singers

1: Kylie Minogue

Date of Birth: May 28, 1968, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Best Songs:

• Get Outta My Way
• In My Arms
• The One
• Timebomb
• I Believe In You

Accolades:

• Grammy Awards
• Brit Awards
• ARIA Music Awards
• Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
• ARIA Hall of Fame Inductee

Kylie Minogue’s musical journey is defined by her dynamic style and remarkable versatility across pop, dance-pop, and disco. Her career took off with the breakout hit “I Should Be So Lucky,” and she quickly gained recognition for her prowess in merging catchy dance beats with innovative pop elements.

With powerful vocals and a natural flair for performance, Minogue earned international acclaim, particularly with hits like “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” which showcased her creative evolution. Often called the “Princess of Pop,” her influence on modern pop and dance music continues to be both profound and enduring, making her one among the list of Australian female singers.

2: Sia

Date of Birth: December 18, 1975, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Best Songs:

• Chandelier
• Elastic Heart
• Titanium
• Breathe Me
• The Fight

Accolades:

• ARIA Awards
• MTV Video Music Award

Sia’s music journey began in the mid-1990s as a vocalist in the Crisp (acid jazz band), but it’s her distinctive, emotive voice that has truly set her apart in pop music. Her collaboration with David Guetta on “Titanium” showcased her ability to blend pop and electronic elements, earning her international acclaim. Sia’s breakthrough came with the album 1000 Forms of Fear, featuring the iconic single “Chandelier,” a powerful track that revealed her gift for combining vulnerability with strength.

Throughout her career, Sia remained committed to exploring personal themes in her lyrics, while her innovative performances—often featuring striking choreography—have further solidified her as a trailblazer in contemporary music.

3: Tina Arena

Date of Birth: November 1, 1967, Melbourne, Australia

Best Songs:

• I Need Your Body
• The Machine’s Breaking Down
• Strong As Steel
• Chains
• Sorrento Moon (I Remember)

Accolades:

• ARIA Awards
• World Music Awards
• BRIT Award
• BMI Songwriting Award
• Induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame

Famed for her powerful, emotive voice and remarkable vocal range, Tina Arena has carved a unique niche in the music industry, seamlessly blending pop, dance-pop, and R&B with incredible versatility. Her international acclaim took off with the release of Don’t Ask, setting a high standard for the albums that followed.

Arena’s ability to perform in English, Italian, French, and Spanish showcases her global appeal, particularly in France, where she was honored with the National Order of Merit. Known for her deep connection with audiences, her stage performances include intensity and emotional depth, cementing her as an enduring icon in Australian music and beyond.

4: Tones and I

Date of Birth: May 13, 1993, Mount Martha, Victoria, Australia

Best Songs:

• Dance Monkey
• Fly Away
• Dance With Me
• Cloudy Day
• Never Seen the Rain

Accolades:

• ARIA Music Awards

Tones and I, the stage name of Toni Watson, with his distinctive voice and vibrant style, gained attention during her busking days in Byron Bay. Her breakout single, “Dance Monkey” (blending pop and indie-pop with infectious hooks and relatable lyrics), catapulted her to global fame. Her energetic, soulful delivery is often layered with looped beats and synths, a technique she perfected during her live performances.

Known for her commitment to authenticity and artistic expression, Tones and I has struck a deep chord with listeners, making her an influential force in contemporary music.

5: Natalie Imbruglia

Date of Birth: February 4, 1975, Sydney, Australia

Best songs:

• Torn
• Big Mistake
• Smoke
• Wishing I Was There
• Wrong Impression

Accolades:

• ARIA Awards
• Brit Awards
• Billboard Music Award

Natalie Imbruglia rose to fame with her iconic single “Torn,” showcasing her distinct raspy voice and emotional depth. Primarily rooted in pop, her music resonates with listeners through introspective lyrics that often explore themes of heartbreak and vulnerability. Her debut album, Left of the Middle, solidified her presence in the music industry, achieving multi-platinum status worldwide. Imbruglia’s style combines melodic pop with hints of rock, reflecting her diverse musical influences.

Beyond her initial success, she has continued to evolve as an artist, delivering heartfelt performances that connect deeply with audiences, making her a significant figure in contemporary music.

6: Iggy Azalea

Date of Birth: June 7, 1990, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Best Songs:

• Fancy
• Black Widow
• Work
• Go Hard or Go Home
• Kream

Accolades:

• American Music Awards
• Billboard Music Awards
• MTV Video Music Award
• People’s Choice Award
• Teen Choice Awards

Iggy Azalea’s music career skyrocketed after moving to the U.S. in 2006, where she seamlessly fused hip-hop with pop-rap, carving out a distinctive space in the genre. Her sharp, rhythmic flow and bold, confident lyrics gained her immediate fame, especially with her debut album, The New Classic, which featured hits like “Fancy” and “Black Widow.”

Known for her daring persona and infectious hooks, Azalea made history as the first non-American female rapper to top the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Being versatile, her influence extended beyond music, becoming a global icon in fashion and social media, where her image resonated with fans, making her one amongst famous Australian female singers.

7: Missy Higgins

Date of Birth: August 19, 1983, Melbourne, Australia

Best Songs:

• Where I Stood
• Ten Days
• Scar
• The Special Two
• Steer

Accolades:

• ARIA Awards
• APRA Awards
• EG Awards / Music Victoria Awards
• MTV Australia Video Music Award

Missy Higgins, an Australian singer-songwriter, is celebrated for her soulful voice and emotional lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners. She blends pop, folk, and rock, creating a unique sound characterized by introspective storytelling. Higgins rose to fame with her debut album, “The Sound of White,” featuring hits that showcase her ability to convey complex emotions via music. Her style is marked by a heartfelt delivery and a knack for making melodies that linger, making her a beloved figure in the music scene.

Beyond her musical prowess, Higgins actively champions social and environmental causes, making use of her platform to raise awareness and inspire change.

8: Jessica Mauboy

Date of Birth: August 4, 1989, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

Best Songs:

• Let Me Be Me
• Can I Get A Moment?
• This Ain’t Love
• Never Be The Same

Accolades:

• ARIA Music Awards
• AACTA Award
• Australian Film Critics Association Award

Jessica Mauboy is celebrated for her dynamic vocal style and ability to seamlessly blend genres like R&B, pop, soul, and dance. She rose to fame after appearing on Australian Idol, quickly captivating audiences with her powerful voice and commanding stage presence.

Mauboy’s songs, often featuring heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies, have earned her both widespread popularity and critical acclaim. Hits like “Burn” and “Running Back” showcases her soulful delivery and versatility, solidifying her as one of the most famous Australian female singers. Beyond music, Mauboy has made notable contributions to acting and philanthropy, further cementing her reputation as a multifaceted talent.

9: Delta Goodrem

Date of Birth: November 9, 1984, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Best Songs:

• Born to Try
• Lost Without You
• Innocent Eye
• Out of the Blue
• Not Me, Not I

Accolades:

• World Music Awards
• ARIA Music Awards
• MTV Video Music Award

Delta Goodrem’s music career took flight in her teens, distinguished by her powerful, emotive vocals that resonate deeply with listeners. Primarily rooted in pop and pop rock, her music blends introspective lyrics with soaring melodies.

Goodrem rose to prominence with her debut single, “Born to Try,” which showcased her exceptional vocal range and lyrical depth. As a singer-songwriter, she has released multiple number-one albums, with her heartfelt performances and relatable themes forging a strong connection with her audience.

Beyond her music, Goodrem is also celebrated for her philanthropic efforts and role as a UNICEF ambassador, solidifying her as a respected figure in both the music industry and the broader community.

10: Courtney Barnett

Date of Birth: November 3, 1987, Sydney, Australia

Best Songs:

• Pickles from the Jar
• Let It Go
• Three Packs a Day
• Nobody Really Cares If You Don’t Go to the Party
• Pedestrian at Best

Accolades:

• AIR Awards
• APRA Music Awards
• ARIA Music Awards
• Australian Music Prize
• J Award
• Libera Award
• Music Victoria Awards

Courtney Barnett, one of the famed Australian female singers, is an Australian singer-songwriter who is celebrated for her unique fusion of indie rock and folk music. Known for her witty, conversational lyrics and laid-back vocal delivery, Barnett first gained attention with her 2013 EP I’ve Got a Friend Called Emily Ferris, which highlighted her storytelling prowess and catchy melodies.

Her music often delves into themes of everyday life, mental health, and self-reflection, striking a chord with audiences worldwide. With albums like Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, Barnett has firmly established herself as a prominent figure in the alternative music scene, earning widespread recognition in contemporary music.