Top 10 Most Underrated Pop Kings of the 21st Century

Theres more to this Grammy-nominated crooner than his good looks and TikTok-worthy tunes. Omar Apollo is the poster child of authenticity, painting a raw image of youth in melancholic blue and grey, passionate reds, and bright ivory (pun intended). The self-taught musician, whose Spanish bops go as hard as his English tracks, if not harder, taps into his lived experiences for inspiration. Naturally, this means theyre painfully relatable and often touch a nerve you could have sworn had gone numb. When such lyricism meets his angelic vocals, magic is created.

Limiting GDs artistic oeuvre to K-Pop is a misjudgment, even if he is widely acknowledged as the King of K-Pop. The BigBang member himself is a genre. His sonic signature combines the glamor of pop with the raw edge of hip-hop and a dash of bouncy funk. As one of the most recognizable representatives of Korean music, G-Dragon has brought the worlds attention to its versatility. Besides, his influence on the global fashion industry, both as a designer and a brand ambassador, is further proof of his magnanimous impact on pop culture.

Before frontman Olly Alexander went solo, his band soundtracked many a sweaty rave at clubs across the world. The electro-pop anthems that dominated playlists in the first half of this decade now serve as nostalgic hits, transporting us to more carefree times. Meanwhile, Olly has moved on to more personal releases. Contrary to the glossy bangers of his Years & Years days, his solo music is vulnerable and mature. Through his album Polari, he delves into the complex layers of self-expression in the queer community set to the pulsating beats of eighties pop. Keep an eye out for Olly Alexander because there has to be more where that came from.

Viral popularity can often translate to one-hit wonders. Lauvs smash hit I Like Me Better, famously featured on To All the Boys I've Loved Before, made some wonder if thats what the singer would end up being known for. However, loyal fans who had been following him from the beginning knew he had much more to offer. First, Lauv parlayed his overnight fame into a series of successful tours. Then, he followed up with a consistent stream of catchy pop tracks that established his reputation as a hitmaker. Needless to say, he hasnt looked back since.

The grand success of Justin Timberlake and the scandals that followed him inadvertently overshadowed the massive potential of his fellow NSYNC members in their solo endeavors. JC Chasez not getting his flowers for his ambitious debut album Schizophrenic will always be a fumble in the history of pop. Had he received the JT treatment, Chasezs unique artistry and extraordinary vocal prowess could have shaped the pop landscape of the aughts. Then, we wouldnt have to wait a decade for more music. Better late than never, though, because his comeback with the 2024 concept album Playing With Fire with Jimmy Harry exceeds expectations. This time, fans are determined not to let him down.

Despite boasting one of the most soulful voices in the new generation of pop, this Grammy-nominated singer is criminally underappreciated. He debuted strong, with sensational releases like "Location" and Young Dumb & Broke, cementing his place in the pop R&B scene. High-profile collaborations with artists like Ed Sheeran and Billie Eilish quickly made him a household name. He lived up to his popularity by outdoing himself with each release, becoming a mainstay on music charts. However, Khalid likes keeping things low-key. Hes far from the textbook definition of a flashy popstar following trends. So, he rarely pops up when discussing current icons. Still, his music has mass appeal and comes from a place of sincerity, which resonates with fans. Thats why hes here to stay.

There is such a thing as too popular, and its a blessing and a curse. People still cant get over Heather understandably so but this has affected the rise of Conan Gray. Ask any pop fanatic and theyll vouch for his songwriting brilliance and dreamy vocals. However, the rest of Conans discography is just as sublime, but rarely gets the attention it deserves. Over the years, he has taken his brand of pop from the bedroom to the arenas, drawing on eighties rock legends like Queen and Elton John. However, most will still associate him with the breathy yearning of his early career. Conan has moved on, and we should, too!

Being humble is one thing, but underselling yourself is another. In recent years, Charlie Puth has come to be known as the guy with the perfect pitch. Social media is filled with clips of him making songs from scratch with random sounds as starting points. He makes it look effortless, and so, most believe it is. However, behind those thirty-second TikTok videos is technical mastery of the highest degree. Charlie Puth has a keen eye for what clicks in pop and has given us unforgettable records like We Don't Talk Anymore and Attention. He has lent this talent to fellow artists like Katy Perry, for whom he co-wrote Harleys in Hawaii, also a mega-hit. Its about time we recognize him as one of the greats.

The YouTuber-turned-musicians chronically online boy-next-door image has become his USP. When hes not spilling juicy details about his personal life with his fans on social media, hes hanging out with hyperpop darling Charli xcx. This glitzy lifestyle in the public eye is punctuated by the explosive success of songs like Angel Baby, Rush, and One of Your Girls. However, b-sides in his discography dont get nearly as much love as they should. Hidden gems like Stud and Postcard are testimony to his musical genius beyond TikToks For You page. Its taking some time for the mainstream to catch up, but we have no doubt it will get there.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The X Factor Alums Presence on American Airwaves Is Not as Strong as His UK Fame

Struggles with the Business Side of Music Hindered His Growth

Its a Mystery Why His Addictive Body of Work Hasnt Hit Mainstream Success

The internet has always been more interested in the Canadian heartthrobs love life than his music. It is not surprising, therefore, that despite having all the makings of a pop phenom, he is rarely as celebrated as his peers. His husky voice, extensive range, and outstanding live performances contribute to his excellence as an artist. He wields his guitar with such charisma on stage that he glows with the aura of a rockstar. However, pop is his playground, where he is in his element. Albums like Wonder and Illuminate are proof of his experimental efforts, whereas his self-titled record represents his artistic identity. When the media finally moves on from speculating about his personal life, his rich discography will surely have its time to shine.

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