The Best Female R&B Singers Of 2020, Ranked
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Here are the best female R&B singers of 2020, ranked by fans everywhere. Only including artists releasing new music, this list of current female R&B singers features new artists and rising stars, like Summer Walker and Ella Mai, as well as famous singers, like Alicia Keys, Lizzo, H.E.R., and Janelle Monae. Who are the top female R&B solo artists of 2020?
Vote up the best women of R&B in 2020, and add any popular artists missing from the list.
Gabriella Wilson, better known by her stage name H.E.R., has made a significant mark on the R&B scene since she emerged in 2016. With her soulful voice and emotional lyrics, she's captured the hearts of music lovers around the world, racking up numerous awards and nominations, including Grammys. H.E.R.'s remarkable ability to convey complex human emotions through her music is a testament to her skills as a singer and songwriter. Her enigmatic presence and velvety tones help her stand out among the most talented R&B artists of 2020.
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Oakland-born artist Kehlani Parrish has risen to prominence in recent years due to her captivating sound and honest storytelling. Known for her raw vulnerability and powerful vocals, Kehlani's music strikes a chord with listeners who appreciate authenticity in their R&B. She's collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, blending genres and further proving her talents as a versatile artist. Kehlani continues to push boundaries and solidifies her spot as one of the top R&B singers of 2020.
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Jhené Aiko's ethereal voice and introspective songwriting have solidified her as a force to be reckoned with in the modern R&B landscape. Since her debut in the early 2000s, she's evolved as an artist, continuously delivering mesmerizing tracks that explore themes of love, self-discovery, and healing. Aiko's ability to fuse traditional R&B elements with contemporary sounds has garnered her a dedicated fan base and a well-deserved place among the R&B elite.
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SZA
Solána Imani Rowe, better known as SZA, brings a unique sound to the R&B genre with her poetic lyricism and distinct vocal style. Her songs, often sprinkled with elements of neo-soul and alternative R&B, leave listeners captivated by her honesty and vulnerability. SZA's steady rise to fame since her debut in 2012 has solidified her presence among the most talented artists of the genre. With a Grammy nomination under her belt already, there's no doubt SZA will continue to make waves in the R&B world.
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Since her debut in 2008, Jazmine Sullivan has been captivating audiences with her powerhouse vocals and emotive storytelling. Combining her soulful voice with a modern spin on classic R&B, she's earned multiple Grammy nominations and praise from fans and critics alike. Her ability to command attention with her raw and genuine performances, coupled with her dedication to self-expression, make her a standout artist in the realm of R&B.
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Teyana Taylor's sultry voice and undeniable stage presence have helped her make a lasting impression on the R&B scene. Her vibrant energy and smooth vocal delivery captivate listeners, leaving them wanting more. Taylor's growth as an artist is evident from her debut in the late 2000s to her most recent work, with each project showcasing her increasing mastery of the R&B craft. Her continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of the genre sets her apart as a top talent in 2020.
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English singer-songwriter Ella Mai burst onto the R&B scene with her smash hit single "Boo'd Up" in 2018. Her smooth vocals, catchy melodies, and relatable lyrics have quickly made her a fan favorite. With a Grammy Award already under her belt, Mai's undeniable talent and rising popularity solidify her standing as one of the most exciting R&B artists of 2020.
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The sister duo Chloe and Halle Bailey, known as Chloe x Halle, have been making waves in the R&B world with their harmonious vocals and intricate production. Discovered by Beyoncé and signed to her label, these sisters have since been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards. Their ethereal sound and captivating stage presence make them an undeniable force in the R&B genre, securing their spot among the best talents of 2020.
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Alicia Keys remains a prominent figure in the R&B world, enchanting listeners with her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics since the early 2000s. As a 15-time Grammy Award winner, her impact on the genre is undeniable. Keys' ability to consistently deliver powerful and resonant music has solidified her place among the best R&B singers of 2020.
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Atlanta native Summer Walker has been making waves in the R&B world since the release of her debut album in 2019. Her seductive, velvety voice combined with deeply emotional lyrics have struck a chord with fans, earning her millions of streams and critical acclaim. Walker's soulful sound and raw honesty showcase her undeniable talent and instantly place her among the most revered R&B singers of 2020.
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British R&B sensation Jorja Smith has been capturing hearts with her silky voice and thought-provoking lyrics since her debut in 2016. Her unique blend of R&B, soul, and trip-hop elements have earned her critical acclaim and several prestigious awards. Smith's musical prowess and magnetic presence ensure her place among the top R&B talents of 2020.
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Normani Kordei Hamilton, known mononymously as Normani, has been dazzling audiences since she emerged on the scene as a member of Fifth Harmony. Her sultry and powerful voice, combined with her exceptional dance skills, make her a force to be reckoned within the R&B world. Embarking on a successful solo career, Normani continues to prove she's a dynamic and exciting talent, worthy of recognition among the best R&B artists of 2020.
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As one of the most decorated R&B artists of all time, Mary J. Blige continues to stun audiences with her powerhouse vocals and undeniable charisma. Since her debut in 1992, Blige has proven her ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her roots. Her soulful voice and authentic lyrics resonate with listeners, solidifying her as a timeless talent in the world of R&B and earning her a well-deserved place among the genre's best in 2020.
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Toni Braxton's exceptional vocal abilities and sultry delivery have made her a prominent figure in the R&B world for decades. Her timeless hits and undeniable charm continue to captivate audiences today, proving her staying power in the ever-evolving genre. Braxton's ability to evoke emotion through her music has earned her numerous accolades, solidifying her as an R&B icon and one of the genre's best talents in 2020.
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Brandy Norwood, also known simply as Brandy, has been a fixture in the R&B world since the early '90s, earning her legendary status with her mesmerizing vocals and emotive songwriting. Her ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her roots has helped her remain relevant across generations. With numerous awards and widespread acclaim, Brandy's powerful voice and undeniable talent secure her place among the top R&B singers of 2020.
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Ari Lennox
Ari Lennox brings a refreshing voice to the R&B genre with her soulful sound and relatable lyrics. Her 2019 debut album garnered critical acclaim, showcasing her distinct vocal delivery and vulnerability. Lennox's creative approach to the genre and her passionate performances have quickly earned her a devoted following, making her an artist to watch in the R&B scene.
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Ashanti's smooth voice and catchy hooks have been captivating R&B fans since her debut in the early 2000s. Her relatable lyrics and engaging stage presence have helped her maintain a dedicated fan base, leading to continued success throughout her career. Ashanti's talent and commitment to her craft solidify her standing as one of the top R&B singers of 2020.
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Joanna Noëlle Levesque, known professionally as JoJo, first captured the world's attention with her powerful vocals at a young age. Despite facing many challenges throughout her career, JoJo has persevered, re-establishing herself as a prominent figure in the R&B scene. Her emotional songwriting and distinctive voice continue to delight fans, proving her lasting impact on the genre.
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Monica Arnold, known simply as Monica, has been a staple in the R&B scene since her debut in the mid-'90s. Her soulful voice and emotionally charged lyrics have captured the hearts of fans and earned her numerous awards and accolades. As she continues to release new music, Monica's sustained success cements her place among the genre's most talented singers of 2020.
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Mariah Carey's impressive vocal range and unforgettable melodies have made her an indisputable R&B legend. Known for her incredible ability to hit whistle register notes and her flawless vocal control, Carey's influence on the genre is undeniable. Her continued success and dedication to her craft place her among the top R&B talents of 2020.
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Oakland-native Keyshia Cole burst onto the R&B scene in the mid-2000s with her powerful, emotive voice and confessional songwriting. Her ability to convey raw vulnerability through her music has resonated with fans worldwide, earning her multiple awards and nominations. As she continues to release new material and captivate audiences, Cole's undeniable talent and staying power place her among the best R&B singers of 2020.
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Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, known professionally as Doja Cat, has taken the R&B world by storm with her genre-bending sound and unique stage presence. Known for her quirky, infectious hooks and her ability to blend rap and soulful singing, Doja Cat has quickly garnered a dedicated fan base. Her innovative approach to the genre and undeniable talent has established her as one of the top R&B talents of 2020.
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Tinashe Kachingwe, known mononymously as Tinashe, has made a name for herself in the R&B world with her sultry vocals and unique sound, blending elements of pop, electronic, and hip-hop. Since her debut in 2012, she has released a string of successful projects that showcase her versatility as an artist. Her captivating stage presence and innovative approach to the genre have quickly cemented her as one of the top R&B talents of 2020.
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Janelle Monáe's ability to merge futuristic soundscapes with classic R&B and soul elements has made her an undeniable force in the music industry. Her intricate storytelling and empowering messages resonate deeply with listeners, earning her a dedicated fan base and helping her transcend genre boundaries. Monáe's unique sound and unapologetic artistry solidify her standing as one of the most exciting and talented R&B singers of 2020.
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Keri Hilson's smooth vocal delivery and catchy melodies have been enchanting R&B fans since her debut in the late 2000s. Known for collaborating with some of the industry's biggest names, Hilson has showcased her talents as both a singer and songwriter. Her dedication to her craft and ability to stay relevant in the ever-evolving genre make her one of the standout R&B talents of 2020.
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Amerie Rogers, known mononymously as Amerie, has been captivating R&B audiences with her perky vocals and infectious hooks since the early 2000s. Her ability to blend R&B with elements of pop, hip-hop, and electronic music has helped her carve out a unique space in the genre. With a loyal fan base and timeless hits to her name, Amerie remains a standout talent in the R&B world.
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Queen Naija first gained attention on YouTube before taking the R&B world by storm with her heartfelt songs and soothing voice. Her candid lyrics and relatable stories of love, heartbreak, and personal growth have struck a chord with fans, earning her widespread acclaim. Queen Naija's undeniable talent and dedication to her craft make her a rising star in the R&B genre, among the best talents of 2020.
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Leona Lewis first captured the hearts of millions with her powerful, soaring vocals and passionate performances. Her distinctive voice and emotive songwriting have made her an R&B favorite for well over a decade. Lewis's continued success and ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level affirm her standing as one of the most talented R&B singers of 2020.
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Since her debut in the mid-'90s, Faith Evans has been captivating R&B audiences with her silky-smooth voice and emotive lyrics. With numerous hit singles and accolades to her name, Evans has solidified her place among the genre's most influential artists. Her continued dedication to her craft and ability to connect with listeners make her one of the best R&B singers of 2020.
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Mýa Harrison, known mononymously as Mýa, has been a mainstay in the R&B world since the late '90s, known for her sultry voice and memorable dance tracks. With numerous hits and awards to her name, she has earned her place in the annals of R&B history. Mýa's continued dedication to her artistry and ability to evolve with the genre cement her spot among the best R&B singers of 2020.
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