The “Rolling Stone Magazine” recently published a list of what they believe to be the top 200 singers. They had previously made a list of the best 100, but this list is updated and features 100 more. It is important to note that this is their opinion, and this is the “Greatest Singers” list, not the “Greatest Voices” list. This compilation is based on the artists’ originality and influence.

“A voice can be gorgeous like Mariah Carey’s, rugged like Toots Hibbert’s, understated like Willie Nelson’s, slippery and sumptuous like D’Angelo’s, or bracing like Bob Dylan’s,” “Rolling Stone Magazine” said. “But in the end, the singers behind it are here for one reason: They can remake the world just by opening their mouths.”

There has been a lot of controversy over artists’ rankings on the list. The top five artists are Mariah Carey at #5; Billie Holiday, #4; Sam Cooke, #3; Whitney Houston, #2; and Aretha Franklin, #1.

However, many famous and considered amazing singers are placed lower than people thought they would be. For example, Michael Jackson is #86, Rihanna #89, Elton John #100, and Billie Eilish #198.

“Overall, they did a good job at placing the artists in their appropriate placement and did a good job at explaining their placement and their unique, interesting qualities,” freshman Andrew Maddock said.

The “Rolling Stone Magazine” claims that these are the vocalists that have shaped the history of music and defined their lives. The artists range from smooth operators, raw shouters, gospel, punk, and Sinatra to Selena to SZA.

“Al Green is known for the way he can express his voice, [and] Beyonce is seen as the icon and history of Black music,” Maddock said. “Ray Charles, the soulful powerhouse, and Mariah Carey booms a staggering five octaves in her music.”