Pop Is Back, Baby! The New Era of Pop Queens Taking Over Our Playlists

After a few years of trap beats, indie melancholy and minimalism ruling the charts, pop music is making a bold, glittery comeback, and we’re living for it. Artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift are proving that pop isn’t just alive—it’s thriving and they’re each doing it in their own unique way.

Let’s talk about the new wave of pop divas and what makes them so unforgettable right now:

Sabrina Carpenter

With “Feather” still floating on everyone’s lips and her single “Espresso” giving flirty, carefree energy, Sabrina Carpenter is fully leaning into her pop girl era. She released her new album, Short n’ Sweet, on August 23, 2024, and if the early singles are any hint, the album was pop perfection.

Songs on the album like “Juno,” “Taste,” and “Bed Chem” each show a different side of her. “Juno” is fun and upbeat with a mature vibe and the lyrical content is a nod to legendary divas like Britney Spears. “Taste” is a sultry confidence anthem, and “Bed Chem” dives into late-night intimacy with a smooth vibe. This album has really solidified Sabrina Carpenter as a pop girl that is going to give us many interesting moments in her career.

Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan is the moment, and she’s not just making pop music—she’s creating a whole world. With her major track “Pink Pony Club,” she burst onto the scene singing about leaving a conservative hometown to chase dreams, dance freely, and live authentically in a queer identity. The song became an instant cult classic, especially among LGBTQ+ listeners who saw themselves in its joyful rebellion. Chappell is campy, euphoric and empowering. It’s a breath of fresh air and important for representation.

Beyond the music, Chappell’s fashion and visuals are a whole experience. She has mentioned that she draws inspiration from drag queens, and it makes so much sense because of the level of camp she puts into her outfits. From giant wigs to exaggerated makeup to sparkly cowboy boots, she’s camp in the most fabulous way possible.

Charli XCX

Let’s be real, 2024 was the summer of BRAT. Whether you were scream-singing “Von Dutch,” dancing to “360” at the bar or being so obsessed with “Girl, so confusing,” Charli XCX took over our speakers and our minds. It wasn’t just a pop album; it was a cultural shift.

After years of being your favorite pop star’s favorite pop star, BRAT finally gave Charli her main character moment. The album is messy, bratty, fast and brilliant: a collection of club-ready bangers. Charli doesn’t follow the rules of pop, she rewrites them. She mixes hyperpop, techno and pure bratty energy into a sound that’s addictive and alive. She’s finally getting the credit she’s always deserved, and if BRAT is any indication, she’s not slowing down.

Ariana Grande

With the release of eternal sunshine, Ariana Grande reminded the world that she’s not just a pop star, she’s a shapeshifter. Each era of hers feels like a new lens, a new character, a new mood and eternal sunshine is her most emotionally mature and introspective project to date.

Tracks like “yes, and?” delivered old-school diva energy with a side of house-pop confidence, while “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” showed off her more delicate, aching side. Then there’s “the boy is mine,” a sultry, campy nod to ’90s R&B that proves Ariana still knows how to keep things playful. The album is cohesive: layered fun but emotional, light but complex.

As pop music continues to evolve, these artists are proving that the genre is anything but predictable. With these women, pop music has a very bright future and is in very good hands. The diversity and the artistry that these women have is one that can inspire a whole new generation and bring a lot of fun and joy. The world is curiously waiting for what they do next.