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List of best-selling female music artists in the United Kingdom

The following is a list of the best-selling female music artists in the United Kingdom, based solely on sales units published by reliable music industry-related organizations, including the British Phonographic Industry, the Official Charts Company, Music Week and Record Mirror.


30 million or more units

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Artist Country of origin Period of activity Genre(s) Total certified units Claimed sales
Rihanna Barbados 2005–present Pop / R&B / Dance[1] 61.3 million[2]
Taylor Swift United States 2006–present Pop / Country / Folk[3] 58.6 million[4]
Adele United Kingdom 2008–present Pop / soul 40.7 million[5]
Beyoncé United States 1997–present R&B / pop / dance 33.84 million[6]
Ariana Grande United States 2011–present Pop / R&B 31.5 million[7]
Madonna United States 1982–present Pop / dance / electronic 32.42 million[8]
Little Mix United Kingdom 2011–2022 Pop / R&B / dance-pop 30.00 million[9]

20 million to 30 million units

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Artist Country of origin Period of activity Genre(s) Total certified units Claimed sales
Dua Lipa United Kingdom 2011–2022 Pop / house / disco / R&B 28.4 million[10]
Lady Gaga United States 2008–present Pop / dance / electronic / jazz / pop rock 25.36 million[11]
P!nk United States 2000–present Pop / pop rock / R&B 26.5 million[12]
Nicki Minaj Trinidad and Tobago 2004–present Hip-hop / pop 24.26 million[13]
Whitney Houston United States 1984–2012 R&B / Pop / Soul / Gospel[14] 23.045 million[15]
Katy Perry United States 2001–present Pop 22.51 million[16]

10 million to 20 million units

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Artist Country of origin Period of activity Genre(s) Total certified units Claimed sales
Sia Australia 2013–present Pop / electronica 19.86 million[17]
Billie Eilish United States 2015–present Pop / alt-pop / electropop 18.695 million[15]
Jess Glynne United Kingdom 2013–present Pop / R&B / dance 17.9 million[18]
Britney Spears United States 1998–present Pop / dance / electronic 17.385 million[19]
Celine Dion Canada 1981–present Pop rock[20] 16.715 million[21]
Mariah Carey United States 1990–present R&B / Pop[22] 16.66 million[23]
Kylie Minogue Australia 1987–present disco-pop 15.61 million[24]
Spice Girls United Kingdom 1994–2000 / 2007–2008 / 2012 / 2016 / 2018–present Pop / dance-pop 15.55 million[25]
Ellie Goulding United Kingdom 2009–present Electropop / synth-pop / indie / pop / folktronica 14.7 million[26]
Christina Aguilera United States 1999–present R&B / pop / rock 13.21 million[27]
Miley Cyrus United States 2007–present Pop 13.02 million[28]
Amy Winehouse United Kingdom 2002–2011 Soul / blue-eyed soul / neo soul / rhythm and blues / jazz 12.61 million[29]
Rita Ora United Kingdom 2008–present Pop / electropop / R&B 12.6 million[30]
Becky Hill United Kingdom 2012–present Pop / R&B 12.2 million[31]
Cardi B United States 2015–present Hip-hop 11.7 million[32]
Camila Cabello Cuba 2012–present Pop / Latin 11.6 million[33]
Lana Del Rey United States 2005–present Alternative pop / baroque pop / rock / dream pop 11.52 million[34]
Anne-Marie United Kingdom 2013–present pop / grime / R&B 11.2 million[35]
Zara Larsson Sweden 2008–present Pop / dance-pop / electropop 11.1 million[36]
Tina Turner United States 1964–2020 Rock / Pop 10.875 million[37]
Emeli Sandé United Kingdom 2008–present R&B / soul / gospel 10.725 million[38]
Halsey United States 2012–present Pop / alternative pop / R&B 10.5 million[39]

8 million to 10 million units

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Artist Country of origin Period of activity Genre(s) Total certified units Claimed sales
Destiny's Child United States 1990–2006 R&B / Pop 9.6 million[40]
Leona Lewis United Kingdom 2006–present R&B / Pop / soul 9.56 million[41]
Demi Lovato United States 2002–present Pop / pop rock / R&B 9.26 million[42]
Shakira Colombia 1991–present Latin pop / pop / pop rock 8.90 million[43]
Alicia Keys United States 2001–present Hip-hop / R&B / pop 8.62 million[44]
Jessie J United Kingdom 2006–present Pop / pop rock / R&B / soul 8.36 million[45]
Shania Twain Canada 1993–present Country pop 8.22 million[46]

1 million to 8 million units

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Artist Country of origin Period of activity Genre(s) Total certified units Claimed sales
Cher United States 1965–present Pop / rock / dance / folk 7.94 million[47]
Diana Ross[A] United States 1967–present R&B / Pop 7.69 million[B]
Girls Aloud United Kingdom 2002–2009 / 2012–2013 Pop / electropop / dance-pop / dance-rock 7.4 million[50]
Barbra Streisand United States 1963–present Pop / rock / dance / showtunes / standards 7.097 million
Avril Lavigne Canada 2002–present Pop / rock 6.885 million[51]
Kate Bush United Kingdom 1975–present Art pop / progressive pop / experimental pop / art rock 6.61 million[52]
Sugababes United Kingdom 1998–present Pop / R&B 6.56 million[53]
All Saints United Kingdom 1993–2001 / 2006–2008 / 2013–present Pop / electronic / R&B 5.8 million[54]
Kelly Rowland United States 1997–present R&B / Pop / hip hop / soul / dance 4.76 million[55]

5.211 million
  • Certified: 4.76 million[55]
  • Uncertified songs: 451,000 units[C]
Eternal United Kingdom 1992–2000 / 2013–2014 R&B / soul / gospel 4.25 million[57]

4.38 million
  • Certified: 4.25 million[55]
  • Uncertified songs: 130,000 units[D]
Kyla United Kingdom 2008–present UK funky / house 3.8 million[59]
Duffy United Kingdom 2004–2011 / 2015 Soul / blue-eyed soul / pop 3.4 million[60]
Missy Elliott United States 1991–present Hip-hop / R&B / progressive rap 3.32 million[61]
Alexandra Burke United Kingdom 2008–present R&B / Pop / soul / dance 3.2 million[62]

4-5 million

Reported sales:

TLC United States 1991–PRESENT R&B / soul / gospel 3.9 million[73]
Kelis United States 1997–present R&B / pop / hip-hop / soul / electronica 3.12 million[74]
Aretha Franklin United States 1954–2017 R&B / soul / gospel 3.06 million[75]
Mary J. Blige United States 1988–present R&B / hip-hop / hip-hop soul 3.02 million[76]
The Supremes United States 1959–1977 R&B / soul / pop / doo-wop / disco 1.88 million[77]

3.118 million
Toni Braxton United States 1989–present R&B 2.9 million[82]
Nina Simone United States 1954–2002 Classical / folk / gospel / blues /jazz /R&B / soul 2.06 million[83]
Dusty Springfield United Kingdom 1958–1995 Soul / blue-eyed soul / pop 2.02 million[84]
Macy Gray United States 1990–present R&B / soul / jazz 1.96 million[85]
Shirley Bassey United Kingdom 1953–present Pop 1.6 million[86]
Jennifer Hudson United States 2004–present R&B / soul 1.5 million[87]
Dione Warwick United States 1963–present Pop / R & B 1.4 million[47]
Robyn Sweden 1989–present Electropop / synth-pop / dance-pop / R&B 1.1 million[88]

1.502 million
  • 1,502,408 units[I]
Aaliyah United States 1989–2001 R&B 1 million[94]

Notes

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  1. ^ Excludes all titles credited solely to The Supremes
  2. ^
    • Diana Ross: 7.37 million[48]
    • Diana Ross & The Supremes: 320,000[49]
  3. ^ Reported chart sales for songs yet to meet certification threshold:[56]
  4. ^ Reported chart sales for songs yet to meet certification threshold:[58]
  5. ^ Includes certified units combined with reported sales. Most titles listed below have reported sales higher than current certifications:
  6. ^ Reported sales of 20 Golden Greats, as of 2020.[78] The album was previously certified Platinum in 1977, when the thresholds were based on monetary revenue: Platinum (£1,000,000).[79] However, this certification is not listed on the British Phonographic Industry website.
  7. ^ Reported sales of albums yet to meet certification threshold:[80]
  8. ^ Reported chart sales of songs yet to meet certification threshold:[81]
  9. ^ Includes certified units combined with reported sales.

References

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  1. ^ "Rihanna Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Retrieved 2022-02-19.
  2. ^ "British certifications – Rihanna". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 28, 2024. Type Rihanna in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  3. ^ "Taylor Swift Albums and Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved 2022-02-19.
  4. ^ "British certifications – Taylor Swift". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 28, 2024. Type Taylor Swift in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  5. ^ "British certifications – Adele". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 28, 2024. Type Adele in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  6. ^ "British certifications – Beyoncé". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 28, 2024. Type Beyoncé in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  7. ^ "British certifications – Ariana Grande". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 28, 2024. Type Ariana Grande in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  8. ^ "British certifications – Madonna". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 28, 2024. Type Madonna in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  9. ^ "British certifications – Little Mix". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Little Mix in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  10. ^ "British certifications – Dua Lipa". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 28, 2024. Type Dua Lipa in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  11. ^ "British certifications – Lady Gaga". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 28, 2024. Type Lady Gaga in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  12. ^ "British certifications – Pink". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 28, 2024. Type Pink in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  13. ^ "British certifications – Nicki Minaj". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Nicki Minaj in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  14. ^ "Whitney Houston Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
  15. ^ a b "British certifications – Whitney Houston". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Whitney Houston in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  16. ^ "British certifications – Katy Perry". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Katy Perry in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  17. ^ "British certifications – Sia". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Sia in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  18. ^ "British certifications – Jess Glynne". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Jess Glynne in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  19. ^ "British certifications – Britney Spears". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Britney Spears in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  20. ^ "Céline Dion Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Retrieved 2022-02-19.
  21. ^ "British certifications – Celine Dion". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Celine Dion in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  22. ^ "Mariah Carey Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Retrieved 2022-02-19.
  23. ^ "British certifications – Mariah Carey". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Mariah Carey in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  24. ^ "British certifications – Kylie Minogue". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Kylie Minogue in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  25. ^ "British certifications – Spice Girls". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Spice Girls in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  26. ^ "British certifications – Ellie Goulding". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Ellie Goulding in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  27. ^ "British certifications – Christina Aguilera". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Christina Aguilera in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  28. ^ "British certifications – Miley Cyrus". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Miley Cyrus in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  29. ^ "British certifications – Amy Winehouse". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Amy Winehouse in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  30. ^ "British certifications – Rita Ora". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Rita Ora in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  31. ^ "British certifications – Becky Hill". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Becky Hill in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  32. ^ "British certifications – Cardi B". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Cardi B in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  33. ^ "British certifications – Camila Cabello". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Camila Cabello in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  34. ^ "British certifications – Lana Del Rey". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Lana Del Rey in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  35. ^ "British certifications – Anne-Marie". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Anne-Marie in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  36. ^ "British certifications – Zara Larsson". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Zara Larsson in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  37. ^ "British certifications – Tina Turner". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Tina Turner in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  38. ^ "British certifications – Emeli Sandé". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Emeli Sandé in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  39. ^ "British certifications – Halsey". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 12, 2023. Type Halsey in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  40. ^ "British certifications – Destiny's Child". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 13, 2021. Type Destiny's Child in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  41. ^ "British certifications – Leona Lewis". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 13, 2021. Type Leona Lewis in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  42. ^ "British certifications – Demi Lovato". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 13, 2021. Type Demi Lovato in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  43. ^ "BRIT Certified". BPI. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  44. ^ "British certifications – Alicia Keys". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 13, 2021. Type Alicia Keys in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  45. ^ "British certifications – Jessie J". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 13, 2021. Type Jessie J in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  46. ^ "British certifications – Shania Twain". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 13, 2021. Type Shania Twain in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  47. ^ a b "British certifications – Cher". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 13, 2022. Type Cher in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  48. ^ "British certifications – Diana Ross". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 13, 2022. Type Diana Ross in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  49. ^ "British certifications – Diana Ross The Supremes". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 13, 2022. Type Diana Ross The Supremes in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  50. ^ "British certifications – Girls Aloud". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 15, 2022. Type Girls Aloud in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  51. ^ "British certifications – Avril Lavigne". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 28, 2024. Type Avril Lavigne in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  52. ^ "British certifications – Kate Bush". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 13, 2022. Type Kate Bush in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  53. ^ "British certifications – Sugababes". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 13, 2022. Type Sugababes in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  54. ^ "British certifications – All Saints". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 21, 2022. Type All Saints in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  55. ^ a b c "British certifications – Kelly Rowland". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 13, 2022. Type Kelly Rowland in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  56. ^ Copsey, Rob (17 April 2020). "Kelly Rowland's Official Top 10 biggest songs". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on April 19, 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  57. ^ "British certifications – Eternal". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 13, 2022. Type Eternal in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  58. ^ Myers, Justin (May 21, 2019). "The biggest Disney songs on the UK singles chart". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
  59. ^ "British certifications – Kyla". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 21, 2022. Type Kyla in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  60. ^ "British certifications – Duffy". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 15, 2022. Type Duffy in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  61. ^ "British certifications – Missy Elliott". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 15, 2022. Type Missy Elliott in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  62. ^ a b "British certifications – Alexandra Burke". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 15, 2022. Type Alexandra Burke in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  63. ^ "Alexandra Burke - Money Management UK". Money Management UK. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  64. ^ "Official Charts Analysis: Justin Bieber takes singles summit but misses out on albums". Musicweek. November 21, 2015. Archived from the original on January 9, 2016.
  65. ^ "Official Charts Analysis: Bieber beats Cheryl to No.1 by 3,181 sales". Retrieved 30 June 2012.
  66. ^ Myers, Justin (1 December 2017). "The winner takes it all? The biggest selling X Factor winner's singles revealed". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  67. ^ Myers, Justin (10 December 2020). "The Official Top 20 bestselling Christmas Number 1s". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  68. ^ a b c Copsey, Rob (15 March 2018). "Alexandra Burke's Official Top 10 biggest hits revealed". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  69. ^ Jones, Alan (19 March 2012). "Official Chart Analysis: Military Wives album sells 59k to hit No.1". Music Week. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  70. ^ "Official Charts Analysis: Gary Barlow LP sells 40k". Music Week. Joe Hosken. 3 June 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
  71. ^ "Official Charts Analysis: Gary Barlow tops Album and Singles lists - News - Music Week". Music Week.
  72. ^ "BBC One - Strictly Come Dancing - Alexandra Burke". BBC One. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  73. ^ "British certifications – Aretha Franklin". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 13, 2022. Type Aretha Franklin in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  74. ^ "British certifications – Kelis". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 15, 2022. Type Kelis in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  75. ^ "British certifications – Aretha Franklin". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 13, 2022. Type Aretha Franklin in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  76. ^ "British certifications – Mary J. Blige". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 15, 2022. Type Mary J. Blige in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  77. ^ a b "British certifications – The Supremes". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 13, 2022. Type The Supremes in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  78. ^ White, Adam (April 17, 2020). "Number One Across the Pond". adampwhite.com. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
  79. ^ "TOP 60 ALBUMS" (PDF). Music Week. November 26, 1977. Retrieved January 17, 2022 – via worldradiohistory.com.
  80. ^ Phillips, Paul (December 25, 1971). "U.K. Motown in Biggest Ever Year". Billboard. p. 46. Retrieved 1 January 2020 – via Google Books.
  81. ^ Copsey, Rob (August 26, 2019). "The Official Top 100 Motown songs of the Millennium". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 26, 2019.
  82. ^ "British certifications – Toni Braxton". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 18, 2022. Type Toni Braxton in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  83. ^ "British certifications – Nina Simone". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 18, 2022. Type Nina Simone in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  84. ^ "British certifications – Dusty Springfield". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 22, 2022. Type Dusty Springfield in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  85. ^ "British certifications – Macy Gray". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 18, 2022. Type Macy Gray in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  86. ^ "British certifications – Shirley Bassey". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 22, 2022. Type Shirley Bassey in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  87. ^ "British certifications – Jennifer Hudson". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 20, 2022. Type Jennifer Hudson in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  88. ^ a b "British certifications – Robyn". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 22, 2022. Type Robyn in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  89. ^ McLean, Craig (11 June 2010). "Swedish Pop Sensation Robyn Brings 'Body Talk' To United States". Billboard. Retrieved 21 June 2010.
  90. ^ Jones, Alan (2010-09-20). "Science & Faith get The Script to number one". Music Week. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  91. ^ Jones, Alan (2 June 2014). "Official Charts Analysis: Sam Smith surpasses 100k week one sales with debut LP". Music Week. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
  92. ^ a b Copsey, Rob (24 October 2018). "Robyn's Top 10 hits on the Official Chart". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  93. ^ Copsey, Rob (13 August 2020). "Official Charts Flashback 2007: Robyn – With Every Heartbeat". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  94. ^ "British certifications – Aaliyah". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 18, 2022. Type Aaliyah in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.

See also

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