IU ranks 135th, Jungkook 191st
IU surpasses Aguilera and Lauryn Hill as well
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Singer IU and Jungkook, a member of the group BTS, were ranked in the 'The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time' list selected by the famous American music magazine Rolling Stone.
On the 1st (local time), Rolling Stone announced the rankings compiled based on opinions from in-house staff and major contributors, targeting singers who have been active in the popular music scene over the past 100 years. IU ranked 135th, surpassing pop star Christina Aguilera (141st), 'country music legend' Merle Haggard (138th), and eight-time Grammy Award winner Lauryn Hill (136th). Jungkook took 191st place. Following Jungkook were Kelly Clarkson (194th), Billie Eilish (198th), and others. This is the first time a Korean singer has been included in this ranking.
In the description of the rankings, Rolling Stone introduced IU as "one of the most highly regarded singers in the Korean music scene since her 2010 hit 'Good Day'," and praised her for "a wide vocal range and powerful delivery, as well as versatility that skillfully moves from bossa nova to 90s indoor pop, jazz, and ballads."
Jungkook of BTS performing at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Qatar World Cup on November 21, 2022. Photo by AP Yonhap News
Regarding Jungkook, they explained, "As the youngest member of BTS, he boasts a wide range of talents, including various activities and songwriting," and noted that "despite his young age, he is known to be very diligent and humble."
Founded in 1967 with a history spanning over 55 years, Rolling Stone is an influential media outlet that publishes various rankings related to popular music, such as '500 Greatest Albums,' '500 Greatest Songs,' and '100 Greatest Artists.' The 'Greatest Singers' category last released a '100 Greatest Singers' list in 2008, but this year, after a long hiatus, they expanded the list to include 200 singers.
The number one spot on the 'The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time' was awarded to Aretha Franklin, who won 18 Grammy trophies and was the first female singer inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the United States in 1987. She also topped the '100 Greatest Singers' list in 2008. Following her were Whitney Houston, the 'Queen of Pop' known for singing 'I Will Always Love You,' and soul singer-songwriter Sam Cooke.
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