10. Cody Simpson. The Australian singer moved from momentum to momentum after last year’s EP, and in September he released a full set of sunlit, hook-filled tracks that kept audiences humming. His songs fuse bright pop melodies with crisp guitar textures and a breezy, positive energy that translates well on stage and on speakers alike. Across North America, fans encountered him in packed clubs, festival sets, and streaming playlists, where his upbeat vibe connected with a wide audience. Critics noted growing craft in his storytelling, while management expanded his North American touring footprint, cementing his status as a rising pop voice.
9. Taylor Swift. In 2011 she did not release a new studio album, yet she stayed fiercely visible. Swift organized a benefit concert for tornado victims in the United States and mapped a global tour that showcased her evolved live identity. Her songwriting continued to resonate with fans while she balanced philanthropic work with high energy performances on the road. In Canada and the United States, her influence extended beyond music, as she became a voice in charitable efforts and pop culture, reinforcing her reputation as a multifaceted artist with consistent storytelling in her records and performances.
8. Katy Perry. She proved the one-hit-wonder label wrong by the end of the year, earning four Grammy nominations and becoming the first woman to score five number-one singles from a single album. Her arena-ready hooks and theatrical visuals kept her at the center of mainstream pop while she broadened her international footprint with tours and television appearances. By year’s end she was a defining voice of the moment in the United States and Canada, where radio and streaming continued to champion her upbeat, anthem-like tracks.
7. Greyson Chance. The teenage singer made a strong impression in 2011 with his debut album in August, complemented by national and international touring and a high-profile cameo on the season premiere of a popular show. His collaboration with pop peers helped him reach new audiences beyond his initial YouTube breakout, and his live performances demonstrated growing stage presence. As the year closed, critics and fans looked forward to his developing sound, recognizing his potential to transform mid-teen pop into something more mature and lasting across North American markets.
6. Hedley. A reliable fan favorite in Canada, this rock-pop outfit continued to attract crowds with high-energy shows and radio-friendly anthems. The band demonstrated versatility through collaborations that mixed rock grit with glossy pop sensibilities, delivering tunes that played well on Canadian charts and abroad. Their music maintained a playful but robust sense of identity, and Hedley’s live experiences kept them in the conversation as one of the country’s enduring rock acts, appealing to audiences across Ontario, British Columbia, and beyond.
5. Beyonce. Even when the fourth studio album drew mixed numbers on the charts, the powerhouse artist marked milestones that year, including the exciting news that she and Jay-Z were expecting their first child. Her performance energy and creative ambition kept her at the center of pop culture, while her influence rippled into fashion, film, and media. Over the next years she built on that momentum with landmark projects and collaborations that solidified her status as one of the most influential entertainers of the decade, both in the United States and globally.
4. Selena Gomez. The year was a whirlwind for Sel: a new album, the closing chapters of her long-running television series, and a memorable stretch hosting and performing at major awards. She continued to expand her audience through film and music projects, pairing a relatable girl-next-door persona with growing artistic versatility. In Canada and the United States, her fanbase remained strong on social media and streaming platforms, making her a constant presence on the pop slate while she balanced acting and music commitments.
3. Rihanna. The Loud era carried her through much of the year, delivering hit after hit and reinforcing her status as a fearless hitmaker. Her songs dominated radio and streaming, shaping pop and R&B trends with a bold, unapologetic voice. As fans anticipated new music, she also explored opportunities in film and media that broadened her appeal. Across North America, Rihanna’s energy and fashion influence kept her at the forefront of pop culture, with a growing global footprint that extended beyond the music charts.
2. Justin Bieber. While his private life drew media focus when he and Selena confirmed their relationship, his music kept climbing. Never Say Never became a major hit and helped propel his career into adulthood, while his business profile grew with Forbes recognition as a top-paid young celebrity. From stadium tours to global media appearances, Bieber maintained momentum in the United States and Canada, transforming his teen-pop breakout into a lasting and evolving career that would continue to shape pop music in the years ahead.
1. Lady Gaga. With one of the year’s most anticipated albums released and a constant public presence, Gaga cemented her status as a driving force in pop culture. Her theatrical style, fashion-risk choices, and fearless performances captivated audiences worldwide, while her music connected with fans across the United States and Canada. Across media, she remained a trendsetter whose influence extended beyond chart performance to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike, making her the undeniable centerpiece of the scene in that year and beyond.