Best British Singers Female: Icons of Music Industry

This guide details British female singers who have taken the world by storm with their powerful and heart-rendering voices. Chronicling multifaceted talents, influential contributions, and enduring impact of iconic female British artists, we detail the legacy of prolific crooners who reached out and touched the souls of audiences.

British female singers

With a singing legacy spanning generations, British female singers have long been at the forefront of shaping the global music landscape. From setting trends in fashion to belting out hit after hits, women have done it all. However, the singing divas of today had humble beginnings in the church.

Catholic musical establishments first allowed women to congregate and compose hymns. As time and music evolved, women were gradually allowed vocal training. At the turn of the century, women singing at public venues was socially acceptable. Operas and orchestras regularly employed musically gifted women singers. With the explosion of liberal ideas in the 1960s, British women started gaining recognition for their singing talents and started carving an identity from their male counterparts.

Numerous British singers have since emerged and surpassed men in popularity and talent. We list famous British singers who broke through all barriers and achieved worldwide fame.

Top 10 British female singers

Adele

Adele, a quintessential British singer-songwriter, stands as a towering figure in contemporary music with her soulful voice and emotionally resonant lyrics. Born Adele Laurie Blue Adkins on May 5, 1988, in Tottenham, London, her musical journey began at a young age. She drew inspiration from artists such as Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald.

Her debut album, “19,” was released in 2008 and showcased her remarkable vocal range and songwriting prowess. However, her sophomore album, “21,” released in 2011, propelled her to global stardom. The album featured chart-topping hits such as “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” and “Set Fire to the Rain,” earning Adele critical acclaim and numerous accolades.

Adele’s deeply introspective and heartfelt lyrics combined with her powerful voice have resonated with audiences worldwide. Her album “25”, released in 2015, continued her streak of success, featuring songs like “Hello”, “When We Were Young”, and “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)”.

Throughout her career, Adele has been honored with numerous prestigious awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and Brit Awards. She won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Skyfall”. Her ability to connect on an emotional level through her music, coupled with her authenticity and stage presence, has solidified her status as one of the most influential and successful artists of her generation.

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa, a dynamic British pop singer-songwriter, has emerged as a force in the pop music scene with her distinctive sound and magnetic stage presence. Born on August 22, 1995, in London to Albanian-Kosovar parents, Lipa’s passion for music was evident from a young age.

Her self-titled debut album, “Dua Lipa,” released in 2017, showcased her genre-blending style and infectious hits like “New Rules,” “Be The One,” and “IDGAF.” This breakout album propelled her to international fame, establishing her as a chart-topping sensation.

Dua Lipa’s music seamlessly blends pop, dance, and R&B elements, creating a fresh and empowering sound that resonates with her audience. Her confident stage presence and compelling performances have further solidified her position as a contemporary pop icon.

Following the success of her debut, Lipa’s second studio album, “Future Nostalgia,” released in 2020, garnered critical acclaim and featured hits such as “Don’t Start Now,” “Physical”, and “Levitating.” This album showcased her evolution as an artist, incorporating retro-inspired sounds while maintaining her modern edge.

In addition to her musical achievements, Dua Lipa has been the recipient of numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, and MTV Europe Music Awards, among others. Her impact on the music industry extends beyond her chart-topping hits, as she continues to use her platform to advocate for inclusivity and empowerment.

Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding, a British singer-songwriter, has captivated audiences with her ethereal vocals and eclectic musical style. Born on December 30, 1986, in Hereford, England, Goulding discovered her passion for music at an early age and began songwriting during her teenage years.

Her debut album, “Lights,” released in 2010, showcased her unique blend of indie-pop and electronic music. The album’s title track, “Lights,” became a massive hit, along with singles such as “Starry Eyed” and “Guns and Horses,” solidifying her presence in the music industry.

Goulding’s distinct soprano voice and emotionally charged performances have set her apart, earning her a devoted fan base. Her subsequent albums, including “Halcyon” (2012), “Delirium” (2015), and “Brightest Blue” (2020), continued to showcase her evolving sound, featuring songs like “Burn,” “Anything Could Happen,” “Love Me Like You Do,” “Close to Me.”

She has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including BRIT Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and a Grammy nomination for her hit single “Love Me Like You Do,” featured in the film “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Goulding’s ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with captivating melodies has resonated with audiences globally, cementing her status as a versatile and accomplished artist.

Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis, a British singer-songwriter, has made an indelible mark on the music industry with her stunning vocal range and emotive performances. Born on April 3, 1985, in London, Lewis showcased her exceptional singing abilities from a young age, participating in talent shows and musical theater productions.

Her breakthrough came in 2006 when she won the third season of “The X Factor UK,” gaining widespread recognition for her powerhouse vocals and heartfelt renditions of songs such as “A Moment Like This” and “Bleeding Love,” which became a global sensation, topping charts worldwide and establishing Lewis as a chart-topping artist.

Leona Lewis’ debut album, “Spirit,” released in 2007, featured hits such as “Bleeding Love,” “Better in Time,” and “Run,” showcasing her soulful voice and emotional depth. The album’s success earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, including Grammy nominations and BRIT Awards.

Lewis continued to release albums that highlighted her vocal prowess and versatility. Her subsequent albums, including “Echo” (2009) featured singles such as “Happy,” “Trouble,” and “Fire Under My Feet,” demonstrating her ability to navigate various musical styles while maintaining her signature emotive delivery.

Kate Bush

Kate Bush, an innovative and influential British singer-songwriter, is renowned for her unique style, artistic vision, and boundary-pushing music. Born on July 30, 1958, in Bexleyheath, Kent, England, Bush showed an early aptitude for music and songwriting.

She burst onto the music scene in the late 1970s with her debut single, “Wuthering Heights,” which topped the charts in several countries. Her ethereal voice, poetic lyrics, and theatrical performances captivated audiences, establishing her as a distinctive and visionary artist.

Bush’s debut album, “The Kick Inside,” released in 1978, featured the iconic “Wuthering Heights” and other notable tracks such as “The Man with the Child in His Eyes.” Throughout her career, she continued to push creative boundaries, incorporating elements of art-rock, pop, and experimental music into her work.

Her albums “Lionheart” (1978), “Never for Ever” (1980), “Hounds of Love” (1985), showcased her musical versatility and storytelling prowess. “Hounds of Love” included hits like “Running Up That Hill” and “Cloudbusting” solidified Bush’s reputation as a trailblazer in the music industry.

Throughout her career, Bush received numerous awards and accolades, including Brit Awards, Ivor Novello Awards, and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to music.

Florence Welch

Florence Welch, the lead vocalist of Florence & The Machine, is a British singer known for her powerful voice, emotive performances, and poetic songwriting. Born on August 28, 1986, in London, Welch cultivated her passion for music from an early age and formed Florence & The Machine in 2007.

Her band’s debut album “Lungs,” released in 2009, propelled them into the spotlight with captivating tracks like “Dog Days Are Over,” “You’ve Got the Love,” and “Cosmic Love.” The album’s success showcased Welch’s evocative vocals, unique style, and the band’s blend of indie rock, soul, and baroque pop.

Florence Welch’s music often explores themes of love, vulnerability, and personal growth, resonating with audiences on an emotional level. Her poetic lyrics, combined with the band’s grandiose sound, have garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.

Florence & The Machine have received Grammy nominations, BRIT Awards, and Mercury Prize nominations, among other accolades, for their impactful music and captivating performances.

Anne-Marie

Anne Marie, a British singer-songwriter, has captivated audiences with her infectious pop tunes, relatable lyrics, and dynamic stage presence. Born Anne-Marie Rose Nicholson on April 7, 1991, in Essex, England, her passion for music developed at a young age, leading her to pursue a career in the industry.

Her breakthrough came with her collaboration on Clean Bandit’s hit single “Rockabye” in 2016, which topped charts internationally. Anne-Marie’s solo debut album, “Speak Your Mind,” released in 2018, featured chart-topping tracks such as “2002,” “Friends,” and “Alarm.” These songs showcased her catchy melodies, honest songwriting, and charismatic vocals, solidifying her place in the pop music scene.

Anne-Marie’s music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, empowerment, and self-acceptance, resonating with a diverse audience. Her ability to infuse her songs with personal experiences and authenticity has connected her with fans worldwide.

Anne-Marie’s engaging performances and relatable songwriting style have contributed to her rise as a prominent figure in contemporary pop music. Her energy, authenticity, and ability to connect with audiences through her music continue to solidify her status as a rising star in the British music scene.

Ella Mai

Ella Mai, a British singer-songwriter, emerged as a breakout R&B star known for her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Born on November 3, 1994, in London, England, Mai moved to New York at the age of 12 and later returned to London to pursue her passion for music.

Her breakthrough came with the release of her EP “Change” in 2016, which included the hit single “Boo’d Up.” The song gained widespread attention and became a chart-topping sensation, earning Mai critical acclaim for her smooth vocals and nostalgic R&B sound.

In 2018, Ella Mai released her self-titled debut album, featuring tracks such as “Trip” and “Shot Clock.” The album showcased her knack for storytelling through music, as she navigated themes of love, relationships, and personal growth, solidifying her presence in the R&B genre.

Mai’s distinctive voice, coupled with her ability to convey raw emotions through her music, has resonated with audiences, earning her a devoted fan base. Her songs often reflect relatable experiences and emotions, drawing listeners in with their authenticity and sincerity.

Charli XCX

Charlie XCX, a British singer-songwriter, stands out in the music industry for her edgy pop sound, artistic creativity, and boundary-pushing approach to music. Born Charlotte Emma Aitchison on August 2, 1992, in Cambridge, England, she demonstrated a keen interest in music from an early age.

Charli XCX gained initial recognition with singles “Boom Clap” from the soundtrack of the film “The Fault in Our Stars.” Her collaboration with Iggy Azalea on the chart-topping single “Fancy” catapulted her into the mainstream music scene in 2014.

Her unapologetic attitude and innovative approach to pop music have garnered many mainstream awards. Charli XCX has received nominations for Grammy Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and Brit Awards, reflecting her influence and impact on the music industry.

Charli XCX’s bold and avant-garde approach to pop music, coupled with her infectious melodies and unconventional style, continues to solidify her reputation as an artist who pushes the boundaries of contemporary pop music.

Rita Ora

Rita Ora, a British singer, actress, and fashion icon, rose to prominence with her powerful voice, chart-topping hits, and versatile talent. Born on November 26, 1990, in Pristina, Kosovo (then Yugoslavia). Ora and her family moved to London when she was a child.

Her musical career gained momentum with collaborations, notably on tracks such as “Hot Right Now” with DJ Fresh and “R.I.P” featuring Tinie Tempah, which topped the UK charts. These successes paved the way for her debut album, “Ora,” released in 2012, featuring hits such as “How We Do (Party),” solidifying her status as a rising star in the music industry.

Despite legal battles and label issues affecting her music releases, Rita Ora’s impact on the music scene remains undeniable. She’s received various award nominations, including BRIT Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards, acknowledging her contributions to the industry.

Rita Ora’s blend of musical talent, charismatic performances, and multifaceted creativity has positioned her as a dynamic figure in the entertainment industry, leaving a mark as a versatile artist and style icon.