10) Ariana Grande. In 2013 Ariana Grande emerged as a defining voice in pop, delivering a debut album that fused bright, honeyed vocal tone with hooks that linger. The release Yours Truly introduced a signature sound that appealed to a wide audience, bridging classic pop charm with modern polish. She joined Justin Bieber on the Believe tour, extending her reach from television beginnings to sold out arenas across North America. Her first major award win, Best New Artist at the American Music Awards, signaled a shift from rising talent to a recognized cultural presence. She balanced onscreen work as Cat Valentine in Sam & Cat, keeping a dynamic profile in both music and TV. The year confirmed Grande as a major cultural force, visible in charts, social media, and headlines.
9) Selena Gomez. When Wizards of Waverly Place ended, Selena Gomez expanded into film with Spring Breakers and Getaway, widening her acting range while continuing music ventures. She reprised the role of Alex Russo in The Wizards Return: Alex vs Alex, offering a nostalgic moment for longtime fans. In parallel she released the solo album Stars Dance, which featured the hits Come and Get It and Slow Down. The year balanced screen work with chart success, reinforcing her status as a leading figure in entertainment in 2013.
8) Prince George. A year and a half after the royal wedding, the world welcomed a new royal baby. Prince George Alexander Louis was born on July 22, 2013, becoming third in line to the throne. The birth drew global attention and added a fresh chapter to the royal narrative. His arrival brought warmth and a sense of continuity to coverage that year, a note of shared excitement around the world.
7) Bruno Mars. Bruno Mars dominated the charts again in 2013, releasing four singles from Unorthodox Jukebox and launching the Moonshine Jungle Tour across North America and Europe. A peak moment came as he earned recognition for his prolific run and broad appeal, becoming a central figure in pop conversations. Mars combined showmanship with radio-friendly songs, keeping him at the center of music and cultural chatter.
6) Malala Yousafzai. At sixteen Malala became a global symbol for girls education, drawing worldwide attention from the Swat Valley in Pakistan and beyond. Her advocacy sparked conversations about access to schooling and the right to learn. That year she published her memoir I Am Malala and drew nominations for several prestigious awards, signaling broad acknowledgement of her brave stance and educational advocacy. Her example ignited ongoing discussions about education rights and empowerment for young people everywhere.
5) Justin Timberlake. After seven years away from the spotlight, Justin Timberlake returned with momentum in 2013, releasing two albums and six singles across North America and Europe. A collaboration with Jay Z on Holy Grail and a Legends of the Summer Stadium Tour underscored his reach. The world tour kicked off in November and was set to extend into 2014, signaling a powerful comeback and sustained relevance in pop and R&B circles.
4) Jennifer Lawrence. Jennifer Lawrence held a powerful presence on the big screen in 2013, embodying Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games Catching Fire and appearing in American Hustle alongside Christian Bale and Bradley Cooper. Her performances earned major accolades, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Silver Linings Playbook, underscoring her continued rise in Hollywood.
3) Lorde. Lorde, born Ella Yelich O Connor, exploded onto the scene in 2013 with Royals. The track topped charts worldwide and helped her become the first solo New Zealand artist to reach number one in the United States. Her distinctive voice and sharp storytelling helped redefine pop music for a generation and established her as a standout international artist that year.
2) Miley Cyrus. Miley kept the conversation buzzing through the latter half of 2013, navigating personal headlines while releasing major hits such as We Can’t Stop and Wrecking Ball. The momentum hinted at a bold new direction for her career, with the Bangerz era on the horizon and bigger moments anticipated in 2014.
1) One Direction. One Direction closed a remarkable year with a global footprint, extending the Take Me Home tour across Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia. They released a 3D concert movie and documentary titled This Is Us, visited Ghana to volunteer at a children’s hospital, and issued their third studio album Midnight Memories, marking 2013 as a landmark year for the group.