Britain has become renowned for its musical contributions to the world over the years, and few countries have produced the kind of female singers we have: amazing voices, charisma, strong stage presence, and a unique connection with fans from all ages and times.
There are hundreds of amazing voices throughout our music history. The United Kingdom is relatively small, but it brought us a musical revolution through awe-inspiring stars such as Lulu and Dusty Springfield, forming part of the “British Invasion” on both sides of the Atlantic.
From punk and new wave to the 1980s synth-pop era, the “Girl Power” of the 1990s, the soulful feel of the early 2000s, and the electro-pop of the 2000s, there have been some incredible female British singers hitting the charts. We’re celebrating the top British female singers in this article; these are just a selection of those who have had the most influence.
| Most Famous British Female Singers | Hit Songs | Date of Birth |
|---|---|---|
| Dusty Springfield | Son of a Preacher Man, You Don't Have to Say You Love Me | 16 April 1939 |
| Lulu | Shout, To Sir With Love | 3 November 1948 |
| Shirley Bassey | Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever | 8 January 1937 |
| Adele | Rolling in the Deep, Someone Like You, Hello | 5 may 1988 |
| Elkie Brooks | Pearl's a Singer, No More the Fool | 25 February 1946 |
| Kate Bush | Wuthering Heights, Running Up That Hill | 30 July 1958 |
| Annie Lennox | No More “I Love You’s”, Why, Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) | 25 December 1954 |
| Amy Winehouse | Rehab, Back to Black | 14 September 1983 |
| PJ Harvey | Down by the Water, Good Fortune | 9 October 1969 |
| Florence Welch | Dog Days Are Over, Shake It Out | 28 August 1986 |
| Joss Stone | You Had Me, Super Duper Love | 11 April 1987 |
| Bonnie Tyler | Total Eclipse of the Heart, Holding Out for a Hero | 8 June 1951 |
| Emeli Sandé | Next to Me, Heaven | 10 March 1987 |
| Jessie J | Price Tag, Domino | 27 March 1988 |
| Raye | Escapism, Genesis, Worth it | 24 October 1997 |
| Sheena Easton | 9 to 5 (Morning Train), U got the Look, For Your Eyes Only | 27 April 1959 |
| Vera Lynn | We'll Meet Again, The White Cliffs of Dover, Auf wiederseh'n sweetheart | 20 March 1917 |
| Dua Lipa | New Rules, Don't Stop Now, Levitating | 22 August 1995 |
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield was hailed as the Queen of Blue-Eyed Soul, and was one of Britain’s most influential female English singers. Springfield achieved fame during the 1960s with her distinctive voice and emotionally charged performances. Springfield’s ability to blend pop with soul and R&B set her apart from her contemporaries, earning her international acclaim.
Her hits include timeless classics, such as “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,” and “I Only Want to Be With You.” Beyond her incredible vocal prowess, Springfield was known for her striking look with her iconic (and of its time) beehive hairstyle and glamorous style making her a cultural icon of the era as well as being one of the best British singers.
Lulu
Lulu shot to fame in the 1960s with a powerhouse style that seemed strange for her petite frame. Born in Scotland as Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie, she broke onto the scene with her 1964 hit "Shout", a fiery cover that set the tone for her success. In 1969, she won the Eurovision Song Contest with Boom Bang-a-Bang, proving her appeal across Europe.
Beyond her solo success, she collaborated with major acts like David Bowie showcasing her versatility across decades. She also found success on TV, acting and presenting. Lulu remains one of Britain’s most enduring vocalists and she's still on screens today.
Shirley Bassey
Things don’t get much more British than Bond films, and Bassey was known for being the voice of Bond for a long period.
A legendary figure in Brit music, known for her powerful singing and dramatic delivery, Shirley Bassey was from the Welsh capital, Cardiff. She became one of the most successful vocalists of her time. Her music spans several decades, with iconic performances and timeless hits.
Bassey is best remembered for recording the themes to three James Bond films: Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, and Moonraker. These songs cemented her status as an artist of grandeur and sophistication.
Bassey’s voice has been celebrated worldwide, earning her accolades, including a Damehood in 2000 for her contribution to music and culture. Bassey played up to the glamour of her reputation, but she has also been a prolific force as she has continued to release music into the 2020s.
In 2020, with the release of her most recent album, I Owe It All To You, Bassey became the first female artist to chart an album in the top 40 of the UK Albums Chart in seven consecutive decades.
Adele
Adele Adkins, better known simply as Adele, is a global superstar whose heartfelt lyrics and powerhouse vocals have captured hearts everywhere. Born in London in 1988, Adele shot to fame with her debut album 19, featuring major hits like "Chasing Pavements." Her follow-up albums, 21 and 25, solidified her as one of the most successful English singers of all time.
Known for her soulful voice and deeply personal songwriting, Adele is one of the best British female pop singers and has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammys, BRIT Awards, and even an Academy Award for her James Bond theme, Skyfall. Her ability to channel raw emotion into her music has resonated with men and women alike, making her albums some of the best-selling records of the 21st century. She’s also one of the few Brits in recent decades to truly become huge in America.
Elkie Brooks
Brooks boasts a career spanning over 60 years as a singer and successful songwriter, touching a wide variety of genres from jazz to blues and even rock. Having begun performing professionally at the age of 13, she covered established artists like Etta James. Her powerful voice, wide vocal range, passion for jazz, and piano skills led her to sing with the renowned Humphrey Lyttelton's band in the 1960s.
In the 60's, she opened for The Beatles, while her hit song "Something's Got A Hold On Me, featured a young, Jimmy Page on guitar. Her notable stint in rock was marked by her brief but significant time with the now-cult band Vinegar Joe, where she shared credits with Robert Palmer.
Elkie's multifaceted talent bore fruit throughout the 1970s and 80s, achieving great commercial success with singles like "Fool (If You Think It's Over)" and "No More the Fool." These hits earned her several achievements; her records spent over 100 weeks on the charts, making her the best-selling British female singer in UK history at that time.
Now in her 80s, with over 20 albums recorded, Elkie and her powerful, intact voice (maintained through martial arts practice) are giving her fans a chance to say goodbye with what will be her final tour after six decades of professional activity.
Bonnie Tyler
Bonnie Tyler, was born in Wales (home to many British bands and artists). She is best known for her dramatic rock ballads that dominated the charts in the 1980s. Born in 1951, her breakthrough came with the hit "It’s a Heartache," showcasing her distinct, husky voice. Her fame skyrocketed with the release of "Total Eclipse of the Heart," a Jim Steinman-penned mega-anthem that became a sensation and a defining song of the decade.
Tyler's mix of rock, pop, and country influences made her stand out in an era of big voices and larger-than-life performances. She continued her success with tracks like "Holding Out for a Hero," further cementing her place in pop-rock history. She’s one of many stars to come from Wales, including both male singers like Tom Jones and women like Shirley Bassey.
Kate Bush
Kate Bush is one of Britain’s most famous female singers, a unique artist, blending art, music, and storytelling into an extraordinary catalogue of work. She rose to fame in 1978 with "Wuthering Heights," a beautiful track inspired by the Emily Brontë novel.
Bush became the first female artist to top the UK charts with a self-written song, marking the start of a trailblazing career.
Known for her experimental approach, her many collaborations with iconic British male singers, Bush has never shied away from pushing new boundaries, incorporating unique theatrical elements, dance, and intricate arrangements into her work. Albums such as Hounds of Love and The Kick Inside are widely regarded as masterpieces.
She disappeared from the public eye for years but made a triumphant return with her 2014 concert series Before the Dawn. Her massive hit single “Running Up That Hill” also saw a huge renaissance in recent years after being used in Stranger Things.
Florence Welch
Florence Welch, the lead singer of Florence + The Machine, has become one of Britain’s most distinctive voices thanks to her combination of ethereal vocals and a theatrical stage presence. The band’s debut album entitled Lungs, propelled them to fame with hits like "Dog Days Are Over" and "You’ve Got the Love." Their follow-up albums, including Ceremonials and How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, cemented their place in alternative music.
Joss Stone
An icon of soul from recent decades, Joss Stone possesses one of the most powerful voices in the British music industry. Recognition came early for this British female singer, as she broke records in 2003 with her debut album and her famous song "You Had me". "The Soul Sessions," topped the charts when Stone was just 17 years old.
During the golden age of pop, dominated by Britney Spears and boy bands, it was Joss Stone who brought variety to the charts, introducing an entire generation to soul, R&B, and blues with a powerful voice, earning her thousands of positive reviews (initial critics compared her to voices like Aretha Franklin's).
But, despite her critics and audience acclaim, Joss's creative freedom was limited by her first record label, prompting her to establish her own record label in the early 2010s.
On this independent journey, Joss ventured into acting, appearing in series such as "The Tudors" and "Empire." Creatively, and she committed to one of the most ambitious challenges: travelling the world to meet her fans in over 100 countries. The adventure, known as the "Total World Tour," began in 2014 and lasted over five years, including a performance in North Korea.
Joss keeps surprising her fans, and not long ago became the composer of the music and lyrics for the stage adaptation of the famous movie and book, "The Time Traveler's Wife," further demonstrating the enormous talent that made her the youngest Brit Award winner and led her to sell over 15 million albums since her debut 20 years ago.
Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews is one of the nation's cultural icons and a star of the screen as well as music. She has been celebrated for her crystalline voice and unforgettable roles in film and theatre. Born in Surrey in 1935, Andrews started performing on stage as a child, wowing audiences with her astonishing vocal range. For those inspired by performers like Andrews, there are options such as online singing classes for adults to develop technique and stage presence.
She gained international fame for her roles in Mary Poppins, for which she won an Academy Award, and The Sound of Music, where her portrayal of Maria became iconic. This movie is undeniably shown every Christmas in the UK!
While her film career is legendary, Andrews also excelled on Broadway, starring in productions like My Fair Lady and Camelot. The major career of Andrews is still very widely known due to how well-loved the movies she was involved in, but her voice was truly incredible.
Annie Lennox
A key figure of the new wave movement and an androgynous fashion icon, many might be surprised to learn that Annie Lennox has a classical music background, with the piano as her first instrument and studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London (though she didn't complete them, choosing instead to pursue her dreams).
Annie cemented her name in contemporary music history through the duo Eurythmics, formed with Dave Stewart, achieving massive success with the classic "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)." Her powerful contralto voice marked a before and after in the world of pop music; her solo career also brought her a Grammy and an Academy Award for the original song "Into the West," from the final part of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Since the 1980s, her efforts to combat AIDS and support those affected, especially women and children, have been well-known, alongside her participation in environmental and disadvantaged causes with Amnesty International and Greenpeace.
Annie used her platform beyond the artistic realm. Her relentless dedication earned her an OBE in 2011; she continues her work today, even asking fans to make donations on her birthday to contribute to this vital and ongoing labour she has carried out for over 40 years.
The 70-year-old Scottish singer's catchy choruses like "No More 'I Love You's" constantly come to mind for any of her fans, but her indelible mark is truly made through her tireless work for women's rights outside the music world.
Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse was a rare talent whose soulful voice and deeply personal lyrics left an indelible mark on music. Born in London in the year 1983, she burst onto the scene with her debut album Frank, showcasing her jazz influences and smoky tones. Her follow-up, Back to Black released in 2006, catapulted her to global fame, featuring hits including "Rehab" and "Back to Black."
There were some other young female English singers who came along at the same time with big voices and throwback styles, but Winehouse is the best remembered thanks to ther music blended soul, jazz, and R&B, creating a unique sound that was both retro and modern.
She was part of a movement as older styles made a comeback and really worked for modern audiences, earning her six Grammy Awards and critical acclaim. Despite her immense talent, Winehouse faced personal struggles that tragically ended her life in 2011.
PJ Harvey
PJ Harvey carved out a unique space in the female british singer industry blending poetic lyrics and experimental sounds. Born in Dorset, she emerged in the early ‘90s with Dry and Rid of Me, two albums that introduced her intense, often unsettling approach to alternative rock.
Known for constantly reinventing herself, she moved from grunge-infused fury to delicate, folk-inspired storytelling with albums like Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea, which won the Mercury Prize.
Her lyrics explore love, war, politics, and human vulnerability, among a lot of other topics. The songs are often set against dark and haunting instrumentals. Harvey became the first artist to win the Mercury Prize twice and is known for being an alternative music powerhouse.
Who is your favourite British female singer?
Emeli Sandé
One of the most outstanding vocalists to emerge from the UK in recent years, Emeli Sandé is recognised not only for the power and clarity of her voice but also as one of the most talented female british songwriters of her generation.
She is a frequent collaborator with some of the women on this list, such as Leona Lewis ("Trouble" and "Sugar" were penned by Emeli). Alicia Keys, Cheryl Cole, Rihanna, and Katy Perry are also among the artists for whom Sandé has written.
With her first record "Our Version of Events", Emeli established a powerful presence in the UK charts, consistently achieving high sales thanks to songs like "Next to Me," "Heaven," and "Read All About It".
Emeli, has secured an influential spot in the pop scene of recent years accompanied by the piano and a unique charisma, performing soul and pop music like no other contemporary fellow vocalist. Sandé has sold over 5 million albums, distinguished by their frank lyrics.
Her talent has earned her appearances at iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall; she has built her own home studio to gain greater ownership over her musical legacy, following more than a decade with major record labels. Be sure to catch Emeli Sandé on her next tour and be amazed by her outstanding voice and brilliant stage presence.
Jessie J
Jessie J's powerful and distinctive voice was first recognised at the age of 11, when she was chosen to participate in a West End musical by the renowned Andrew Lloyd Webber. Participating in Whistle Down the Wind in a production of one of the biggest geniuses in musical theatre, was a turning point that prepared Jessie for the great solo career that awaited her.
In 2011, she quickly rose to fame as a pop singer with her hit single "Price Tag." But even before dominating the charts with her own songs and duets with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj ("Bang Bang" from 2014 was a Top 10 hit in over 20 countries), Jessie was already a well-known and respected songwriter, with credits for artists like Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus's famous "Party in the USA."
The singer lived in Los Angeles for about 10 years, which connected her talent with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Dr. Luke (producer for Katy Perry, Kesha, Kelly Clarkson, and Avril Lavigne).
Jessica Cornish (her real name), is recognised in the pop world for her wide vocal range and energetic performances, such as her rendition of Queen's iconic "We Will Rock You" at the 2012 Olympic Games closing ceremony, which left millions of spectators astonished.
After proving herself on the world's best stages at festivals like Glastonbury, being nominated for a Grammy, releasing a Christmas album, serving as a coach on the famous reality show "The Voice" in Australia and the UK, and participating in film soundtracks like "Pitch Perfect 2," the singer has chosen an independent path since 2023, and we can’t wait to listen to her next pop hit.
Raye
With a musical director father who taught her to play the piano, Rachel Keen's (Raye's real name) destiny was set for great heights. Raye, like other singers on this list, such as Jessie J, attended the famous performing arts school, the BRIT School, located in her hometown borough of Croydon in London. But, also like other artists on our list of the best UK vocalists, she left school to focus 100% on her career and, at just 16, signed her first music contract.
Raye's performances seem like something out of a dream, with notes that seem unreachable. The singer exudes glamour combined with an elegant, energetic, and powerful stage presence.
More and more fans are falling at her feet, and she is in the midst of rapid international growth; one only needs to see her appearance at the 2025 Oscars (in the tribute to James Bond, performing "Skyfall," originally by Adele) or at the Grammys, where she stunned Alicia Keys and Beyoncé with her song "Oscar Winning Tears" and was also nominated for "Best New Artist," "Songwriter of the Year," and "Best Arrangement for an Album."
Raye's conquest has earned her the respect of both the public and her peers, with collaborations with the famous David Guetta and as a songwriter for the most prominent female stars of her generation, check out her work with Charli XCX ("After the Afterparty"), Beyoncé ("Bigger"), and Ellie Goulding ("Sixteen").
Sheena Easton
Not only one of the UK's best voices but also one of the most multifaceted and successful international stars of the 80s and 90s, a clear result of her years of training at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. With over 20 million records sold, Sheena Easton boasts a comprehensive career in television (as a true 80s ambassador, she appeared in "Miami Vice"), film, and, of course, musicals (her West End participatoons in "42nd Street," "Man of La Mancha," and "Grease" are unforgettable).
Sheena became an international icon with hits in English and Spanish, even recording an entire album in Spanish ("Todo me recuerda a ti," which includes the hit "Teléfono"). At her peak, she achieved collaborations with artists of the calibre of Prince—one of her great friends—on "U Got the Look," and Kenny Rogers on "We've Got Tonight."
Her explosion as one of the top female british singers in the 80s, was marked by her aesthetic and simultaneously sweet yet energetic presence, making her an icon of the decade and allowing her to etch her name into British pop culture as the voice of the central theme for a James Bond film, "For Your Eyes Only" (the same name as the film starring Roger Moore).
The Bond soundtrack brought her even closer to international audiences in 1981, leading to exposure that prompted Easton to become a star in Latin America. She gained widespread recognition in 1985 with the song "Me gustas tal como eres," alongside Mexican star Luis Miguel. For this collaboration, Sheena won a Grammy in the "Best Mexican-American Song" category, despite her being Scottish.
Sheena Easton's legacy was destined to be since her 1982 Grammy-winning for "Best New Artist" and continues to be celebrated over 40 years later, thanks to 15 successful recorded albums.
Vera Lynn
A legend of British arts, Vera Lynn, along with her music, became an icon of peace over her more than 90-year career (yes, you read that right), advocating for it for decades. Although she began her career as a child, trained in singing and dancing, her dedication to the people forged a very special bond with the events she experienced during her youth. Vera Lynn's music provided relief and hope during World War II.
Through her radio show, in addition to delighting with her talent, Vera Lynn offered a message of encouragement to all troops sent into combat. Her commitment to entertaining them during those difficult times reached such a point that she gave concerts to soldiers in concentration points in places like India, and her song "We'll Meet Again" became an anthem of hope for families and combatants involved in the conflict.
This song gained such relevance for the British people that during the coronavirus pandemic, it was once again treated as a symbol of hope. Lynn, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 103, broke various records as an international singer across Europe (she even released an album at 100 years old!).
Dua Lipa
Born in the UK to Albanian parents, Dua, whose name means "love" in Albanian, is at the pinnacle of global popularity, thanks not only to her powerful voice, charisma, and stage presence, but also to the connection this modern pop star has forged with her fans.
Dua is the founder of a platform called Service95, where, through a blog, newsletter, book club, podcast (where she has interviewed influential figures like Monica Lewinsky and Tim Cook, Apple CEO), and other media ventures, she has uniquely connected with hundreds of fans beyond her dancefloor hits.
A worthy representative of the best English female pop singers, before turning 30, she has already set several records as one of the most streamed artists (her first two albums, "Dua Lipa" and "Future Nostalgia," are among the most played in Spotify's history), with high ticket sales and a massive international following.
Praise for Dua also comes from her industry peers, as she is well-known for her numerous collaborations with notable artists such as Calvin Harris, Elton John, Chris Martin (of Coldplay), Miley Cyrus, Sean Paul, and J. Balvin, among many others.
At such a young age, Dua already boasts Grammys, BRITs, and American Music Awards; has been nominated for a Golden Globe (for "Dance the Night Away" from the Barbie soundtrack); is one of the few British female vocalists to fill Wembley Stadium, has a documentary about her latest tour in the pipeline and is firmly on track to engrave her name into international popular culture.
Key Takeaways
- Most of the Best British Female Singers have achieved superstar status thanks to their participation in movie soundtracks, big duets and as innovating fashion trend-setters
- The first female British artist to achieve the top positions on the UK Chart was Kate Bush
- The Best-Selling English Female Singer in history is Adele
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