From chart-smashing hits to the biggest comebacks, the past 12 months have given us plenty to celebrate. And what better way to highlight the best of the best than with Team LSA’s official list of the top 10 artists of the year? Let’s dive into the names that defined 2024 and kept our playlists on repeat.
As 2024 winds down to its final moments, it’s the perfect time to take a nostalgic shuffle back to January and replay the year’s greatest hits—figuratively and literally. The past twelve months have been a wild ride for the music industry, with artists dropping chart-toppers, setting streaming records, and filling arenas left and right all around the globe. Naturally, Team LSA couldn’t resist the temptation to weigh in on the biggest names who dominated 2024. Cue the drumroll: it’s time to unveil the definitive list of the top 10 artists of the year.
Whether they were shaking up social media, soundtracking your gym sessions, or turning every road trip into a karaoke competition, these artists brought the energy and maybe even a little chaos to the music scene. You know the type—those musicians who release an album and suddenly, the whole world acts like it’s the only thing that’s ever been played on Spotify. And if you’ve been wondering who made the cut, spoiler alert: your playlists probably did a good chunk of the nominating.
This year wasn’t just about music; it was about the drama, too—like the whole Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud that had fans choosing sides. Whether you were Team Kendrick, Team Drake, or Team ‘I’m just here for the tea,’ the entertainment never stopped.
So, grab your headphones and let’s dive into the artists who made 2024 a year worth dancing to.
Team LSA Picks: 10 artists that dominated the music industry in 2024
Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar needs no introduction, but 2024 reminded us why he’s in a league of his own. His scathing diss track Not Like Us, aimed squarely at Drake, was a cultural reset, topping charts for months and earning him five Grammy nominations. The song became an anthem, with fans reciting every line like it was Shakespeare for the modern age. And just when we thought he’d take a victory lap, Kendrick dropped GNX, a 12-track album packed with sharp lyrics, iconic collaborations with artists like SZA and Roddy Ricch, and subtle nods to the ongoing feud. Honestly, Kendrick, I’m here for all the drama, keep them coming please. — Melissa Foong
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina gave us Espresso and made it our collective personality. Then came Please Please Please, and it was game over—Barry Keoghan fumbled, and we’re all judging. She’s the pop princess we didn’t know we needed. — Puteri Yasmin Suraya
Charli XCX
If summer 2024 had a soundtrack, Charli XCX would be the headliner. Her album ‘Brat’ was a masterclass in dance-pop, bringing the energy that turned every party into a throwback to my wild college days. With neon-green aesthetics and beats that made the world feel a little more electric, Charli became the season’s definitive vibe. It was a lifestyle, and frankly, I didn’t want it to end. — Mallie Maran
G-Dragon
After a seven-year hiatus, G-Dragon’s triumphant return was everything I hoped for—and more. His single POWER was a bold, genre-defying track that reminded us why he’s K-pop royalty. Released under his own Galaxy Production and the Palestinian-American-owned label EMPIRE, the song made waves not just musically but politically, showcasing his ability to fuse artistry with advocacy. And just when I thought I’d heard it all, G-Dragon teamed up with BIGBANG members Taeyang and Daesung for HOME SWEET HOME, capped off with a jaw-dropping performance at the MAMA 2024 awards. Legends don’t just make music—they make history. — Melissa Foong
2NE1
In a year filled with surprises, 2NE1’s comeback might have been the biggest. After more than a decade away, the K-pop group returned in spectacular fashion, embarking on a global tour that sold out within minutes. Yes, I battled thousands to snag tickets and, no, I’m not over it. The queens are back, and the world is better for it. — Ronn Tan
Miley Cyrus
This was Miley Cyrus’s year, and she owned every second of it. From winning her first Grammy to releasing the critically acclaimed ‘Endless Summer Vacation,’ Miley proved she’s in her prime. Her collaboration with Beyoncé on II MOST WANTED became an instant classic, and tracks like Used To Be Young struck a chord with fans (and me too), blending vulnerability and raw power. — Martin Teo
Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars started the year quietly but ended it with a bang—several, actually. First, he released Die with a Smile, a country-infused pop-rock ballad with Lady Gaga that shot to number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Then came Apt., his collaboration with Rosé, proving Bruno’s still got the magic touch—and a knack for surprise hits. — Mallie Maran
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan didn’t just drop music; she set the internet on fire this year. HOT TO GO! and Pink Pony Club became viral sensations which showcased her unique style and charisma. Then came Good Luck, Babe!, a song so catchy it practically demanded to be played on repeat, trust me, it was playing on the speakers literally everywhere I went. Fans declared that Chappell was “saving pop music,” and with her bold stage presence and fresh perspective, they weren’t wrong. — Puteri Yasmin Suraya
Rosé
BLACKPINK’s Rosé reached new heights in 2024, making history with her solo single Apt., which debuted at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. No other South Korean female soloist had ever cracked the top 10, none, nada, and now Rosé has done it. Her record-smashing success left me asking, “What can’t she do?” No shade to her bandmates, but Rosé stole the show in 2024. — Ronn Tan
Dua Lipa
Dua’s third album ‘Radical Optimism’ gave us tracks like Anything for Love that had me contemplating old-school romance and belting out choruses like life depended on it. Missed her live in KL? Same. She better circle back to Malaysia, or I’m drafting a strongly worded letter. — Martin Teo
(Hero and feature images credit: Unsplash/ @mynameisiknow & @charlesdeluvio)
