In a resounding victory for soulful ballads and timeless classics, George Michael has been named the greatest artist of all time in Smooth Radio’s sixth annual Smooth Icons countdown. This marks the second consecutive year that the “Careless Whisper” singer has clinched the top spot, solidifying his legacy as a musical icon.
The results were determined by a public vote, with over 34,000 listeners and SmoothRadio.com users casting their ballots for their favorite musical acts. The competition was fierce, but George Michael emerged victorious, beating out legendary rock band Queen, who secured the second position.
George Michael performing on stage.
Whitney Houston, the powerhouse vocalist behind iconic hits like “I Will Always Love You,” achieved the highest ranking among female solo artists, securing an impressive fourth place. The poll also saw notable upward movement from Blondie and Coldplay, demonstrating their enduring appeal across generations of music lovers.
The complete list of Smooth Icons’ top 10 artists for 2024 reflects a diverse tapestry of musical legends:
- George Michael
- Queen
- Michael Jackson
- Whitney Houston
- ABBA
- Elton John
- Celine Dion
- Tina Turner
- Fleetwood Mac
- Bee Gees
This eclectic mix of artists represents the enduring power of music to transcend time and connect with audiences across generations. From soulful crooners to pop icons and rock legends, the Smooth Icons list is a testament to the power of music to move us, inspire us, and leave an indelible mark on our lives.
For those who missed the live countdown on Smooth Radio on August 26th, fret not! The entire broadcast, featuring all 100 iconic artists, is available for streaming on Global Player for a limited time.
Relive the musical magic, discover new favorites, and celebrate the timeless power of music with Smooth Icons 2024.
