33 Best British Female Singers

While many of the world’s top musicians are based in America, the UK has a number of very talented artists who are on par with the best in the world. These are the best British female singers ever.

1. Adele

Adele is one of the most popular British female singers to grace the global music scene. Born as Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, she rose from anonymity to become a chart-topping sensation and one of the best-selling artists of all time. This is both globally and in her native United Kingdom.

Adele is not just a singer; she’s an award-winning powerhouse who has significantly changed how the music industry markets female acts. Her incredible 8 Brit Awards speak volumes about her contributions to pop culture; she received Best British Female Artist six times!

2. Dua Lipa

Let's talk about a vocalist who took the music industry by storm, Dua Lipa. This multi-talented singer-songwriter of Albanian heritage was born and raised in London to Kosovo-Albanian parents. She has a mezzo-soprano vocal range that captures listeners' attention instantly and has skillfully carved out her unique space within pop music.

Did you know her first name means ‘love' in Albanian? A fitting name for someone whose songs often touch on themes of love and relationships. Music runs deep in her family – Dua's father is also a singer! Amassing an impressive collection of songs, from early breakthrough tracks to more recent chart-topping hits, she continues to evolve musically.

3. Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding is an incredibly talented British singer and songwriter who has captivated audiences with her unique voice and catchy pop songs. Born in Hereford, England, Ellie was raised in a small village before bursting onto the music scene.

She achieved great success in the UK music industry after releasing her debut album “Lights” in 2010, which showcased her incredible vocal range and stellar songwriting abilities. One of Ellie's biggest achievements came when she won Best British Female Solo Artist back in 2014 at the Brit Awards, solidifying her status as an influential figure in the industry.

4. Anne-Marie

Anne-Marie is a talented British singer-songwriter who has captured the hearts of music fans worldwide. With her chart-topping hits and powerful vocal range, she has become a force reckoned with in the industry.

She also advocates for LGBTQ+ representation, using her platform to spread love and acceptance. She's also penned a best-selling book showcasing her creativity beyond the realm of music. Whether it's through her inspiring lyrics or infectious melodies, Anne-Marie aims to make people smile and find joy in their lives through her uplifting music.

5. Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse is a name that resonates deeply with British music lovers. We fell in love with her deep and expressive contralto vocals, which garnered comparisons to iconic singers like Sarah Vaughan and Dinah Washington.

Her talent was undeniable; she was an artist who had the power to captivate audiences worldwide, while her unique voice and knack for writing heart-touching lyrics made her stand out amongst other English female singers. She bagged five Grammy Awards in a single night, including Best Artist.

6. M. I. A

M.I.A., whose real name is Mathangi Arulpragasam, is a talented British female singer who has made a significant mark in the music industry. Her infectious songs and charismatic stage presence have captivated audiences worldwide.

Her music career started as part of the alternative hip-hop group XL Recordings, eventually becoming a solo artist and gaining widespread recognition for hits like “Paper Planes” and “Bad Girls.” Despite facing some personal challenges, including battling kidney cancer, M.I.A continued to create impactful music that resonates with fans to this day.

7. Dido

Dido Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O'Malley Armstrong, simply known as Dido, gifted us timeless anthems during the late '90s and 2000s with hits like “Thank You” and “White Flag.” She has also lent her voice in collaboration with musicians like rap artist Eminem who helped to introduce her to American artists.

The British songstress, born in London, elegantly blends pop, trip-hop, and electronica, resulting in soothing tracks that have garnered her worldwide acclaim. With her smooth vocals and poignant songwriting, Dido's albums, especially No Angel, have left an indelible mark on pop culture.

8. Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis is one of the industry's most talented and influential British singers. Born in the London Borough of Islington, she has captured the hearts of music fans worldwide with her powerful vocals and emotional performances.

She became the first British female solo artist to achieve eight top 5 singles and continues to be a respected and adored figure in the music industry. Beyond her musical achievements, she also actively uses her platform for activism, raising awareness about important issues that need attention.

9. Jorja Smith

At just 21 years old, singer-songwriter Jorja Smith has already achieved so much in her career. She was named Best British Female Artist at the Brit Awards in 2019, won the BRITs Critics' Choice Award in 2018, and has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

Born and raised in Walsall, West Midlands, England, Jorja's mixed ethnicity adds to the unique style of her music. Not only does Jorja have a beautiful voice, but she is also making waves in the beauty industry. She is the new face of Dior Beauty and serves as a makeup ambassador for the brand.

10. Annie Lennox

Annie Lennox’s powerful voice and androgynous style have been captivating audiences since her days with The Eurythmics in the '80s. Hailing from Aberdeen, Scotland, Lennox ventured into a solo career, blessing us with soul-stirring tracks like “Why” and “Walking on Broken Glass.”

Known for her dynamic vocal range and philanthropic efforts, Annie Lennox's illustrious career has garnered her numerous awards and an esteemed position in the annals of British music. She was given an OBE in 2011 for her humanitarian work and charitable causes, including raising awareness for HIV/AIDS.

11. Dusty Springfield

Dusty Springfield was an iconic British singer who captured the hearts of music fans in the 1960s. She was known for her soulful and unique voice and flawless sense of style that added to her allure as an artist. But it wasn't just her talent and fashion choices that made Dusty stand out – she challenged taboos with her personal life, breaking barriers along the way.

In addition to her solo success, Dusty was part of a group called The Springfields. This cheerful pseudo-folk-pop group helped launch Dusty's career, but it was ultimately, as a solo artist, that she shone the brightest.

12. Florence Welch

Florence Welch is an incredible British singer-songwriter who has significantly impacted the music industry. As the lead vocalist and songwriter of the indie rock band Florence + the Machine, she has created remarkable music that resonates with audiences worldwide thanks to her powerful vocals and unique style.

Born in Camberwell, London, Florence Welch comes from a mixed heritage background with a British father and an American mother. From a young age, Florence had a passion for singing and developed her skills as she grew older. She eventually formed a musical partnership with Isabella Summers and performed under the name Florence Robot/Isa Machine.

13. Kate Bush

Kate Bush is an incredibly talented and influential British female singer. She has received numerous nominations and awards, including 13 Brit Award nominations and winning the Best British Female Artist award in 1987.

Born in Bexleyheath, Kent, England, Kate Bush remains iconic in British music history and has also been recognized internationally, nominated for three Grammy Awards. Her first TV appearance was on Top Of The Pops in 1978, where she captivated audiences with her unique style and captivating performances.

14. Kate Nash

Kate Nash is an incredibly talented British singer-songwriter and actress that has made a name for herself in the music industry with her unique indie-pop style and captivating vocals. In 2008, Kate Nash received the prestigious Brit Award for Best British Female Artist, solidifying her place among the top female singers in Britain.

Still, one of Kate's biggest accomplishments was the success of her debut album, which not only reached number one in the UK but also gained recognition internationally. With catchy tracks like “Foundations,” she quickly became a household name within the music scene, who then turned to acting and creating music.

15. Jessie J

Jessie J is an incredible British female singer born in London, England. She quickly rose to fame and received two Brit Award nominations in 2012 for Best British Female Artist and Best British Single for “Price Tag.”

Her chart success is undeniable. She became the first British female artist to have six top 10 hits. However, one thing that makes Jessie J stand out is her soulful voice and ability to seamlessly blend contemporary R&B, electropop, and hip-hop into her music. She's a true musical chameleon!

16. Lily Allen

Lily Allen comes from a family with strong ties to the entertainment world, as her father is actor Keith Allen and her mother is film producer Alison. She has also gained attention for tracks like “The Fear” and “Not Fair,” which display her clever songwriting skills and distinctive voice.

Lily Allen's best-known song, “Smile,” best showcases her unique pop sound and catchy melodies. In recognition of her talent, she won a Brit Award for British Female Solo Artist in 2010.

17. FKA Twigs

Tahliah Debrett Barnett, popularly known as FKA Twigs, is an avant-garde British artist who melds R&B with electronica. Arriving with flair onto the scene in the mid-2010s, Twigs' ethereal voice, combined with her hauntingly surreal visuals, marks her as a standout artist.

Born in Cheltenham and raised in Gloucestershire, her music often delves into love, pain, and femininity themes. Twigs' ballet background heavily influences her artistic visuals and stage performances, making her one of the most fascinating performers of her generation, both digitally and physically.

18. PJ Harvey

Polly Jean Harvey, professionally known as PJ Harvey, is a groundbreaking British artist celebrated for her profound lyricism and evolving soundscapes. She broke out in the early '90s with music that bridges rock, punk, and blues, setting her apart from her contemporaries.

Not only a singer but a multi-instrumentalist, Harvey's albums such as “Let England Shake” and “To Bring You My Love” have solidified her as a British music icon, continuously pushing boundaries both musically and thematically. She was awarded an MBE in 2013 for services to music.

19. Joss Stone

Joss Stone, born Joscelyn Eve Stoker, is an English soul singer who has captivated audiences with her powerful and unique voice. She made a significant mark in the music industry by becoming the youngest British female singer to top the UK Albums Chart.

Her talent was recognized as she won Best Female British Solo Artist and Best British Urban Act awards. Stone's success can be traced back to her early beginnings when she won a singing contest in the UK called “American Idol,” which helped catapult her career into the spotlight at a young age.

20. Charli XCX

Charli XCX, also known as Charlotte Emma Aitchison, is a British singer and songwriter who has made waves in the music industry with her innovative style and chart-topping hits. One of her biggest successes was releasing the song “Boom Clap,” which became her first solo top-ten hit.

Known for revolutionizing pop music and changing how it is made, released, and heard, she succeeded entirely on her terms in 2020. Then, despite facing backlash for a controversial nomination where no female artists were recognized for a gender-neutral music prize, Charli XCX continues to make waves with her collaborative relationships and rising star status.

21. Lianne La Havas

Lianne La Havas is a British singer, record producer and songwriter. One of her notable albums is “Blood,” which explores her Jamaican heritage. Growing up as the only mixed-race member among her diverse crew of friends impacted Lianne and influenced her music.

Known for her finger-picking rhythms, confessional lyrics, and effortless vocals, Lianne La Havas creates music that speaks to the soul. Adding light percussion into her compositions adds a unique touch to each song.

22. Birdy

Birdy, a talented artist with a mesmerizing voice, has garnered widespread acclaim for her haunting and soul-stirring vocals. Her music has been featured on various platforms and playlists, evoking deep emotions and drawing listeners into her world.

Influenced by artists like Bon Iver and Eva Cassidy, Birdy's unique style blends indie-folk and alternative pop elements, creating a distinctive and captivating sound. Following global success, she released her eponymous debut album, featuring a mix of original songs and well-chosen covers that showcased her raw talent and heartfelt storytelling.

23. Duffy

Duffy is a talented Welsh singer, songwriter, and actress who has significantly impacted the music scene. Often compared to Amy Winehouse for her soulful sound, Duffy has established herself as one of the top female singers of our time. Yet her unique blend of soul and blue-eyed soul sets her apart from other artists.

In 2008, she released her debut album Rockferry, which quickly became the best-selling album in the UK that year. This incredible achievement was followed by three BRIT Awards in 2009, including Best Female Solo and Best British Breakthrough. Her success not only propelled her career but also had a lasting impact on the music industry.

24. Geri Halliwell

Geri Halliwell, best known as “Ginger Spice,” is a British singer who rose to fame in the 1990s as part of the iconic girl group Spice Girls. Geri's distinctive personality and powerful vocals made a lasting impact on the music industry.

Geri boasts an impressive eleven number-one singles, seven of which were with the Spice Girls and four as a solo artist. One of Geri's notable hits is “It's Raining Men,” which showcased her dynamic range and captivating stage presence. The song was recognized when nominated for Best British Single at the BRIT Awards in 2002.

25. Ellie Rowsell

Ellie Rowsell is the lead singer of British rock band Wolf Alice and a powerhouse in the music industry. With her unique voice and captivating stage presence, she has gained recognition as one of the best British female singers today.

Known for her introspective lyrics and raw performances, Ellie has opened up about her personal experiences in relationships and navigating the ups and downs of the music industry. One memorable moment in Ellie's career was her collaboration with Harry Styles during his ‘Love on Tour' concert, showcasing their incredible chemistry on stage.

26. Ella Mai

Ella Mai has made quite a name for herself in the music industry. Born in London to a Jamaican mother and Irish father, Ella Mai's singing career began at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute. She has quickly risen to fame as an R&B artist to follow and has garnered critical acclaim for her soulful voice and captivating performances.

One of Ella Mai's biggest achievements was winning the Billboard Music Awards for Top R&B Artist and Female R&B Artist. This just goes to show how highly regarded she is within the industry.

27. Jess Glynne

Jess Glynne has made a significant mark on the music industry. She holds the impressive title of being the first British female solo artist to achieve seven number-one singles on the UK Singles Chart. Yet what sets Jess apart is her ability to connect with her audience through her heartfelt songs, particularly resonating with young women who appreciate her honesty and relatable lyrics.

With a net worth of around $7 million, it’s clear that Jess's talent has brought her immense success. She has been recognized for her achievements, receiving nominations for Best Female Solo Artist and Best British Single at the prestigious BRIT Awards in 2019.

28. Laura Marling

Laura Marling is an incredibly talented singer-songwriter known for her captivating folk music who set off with her sisters to make music at 16. She has been recognized as one of the most gifted artists in the industry, and over her 12-year career, she has released seven studio albums that have garnered critical acclaim.

From 2006-2008, Laura was part of the British indie band Noah and the Whale. She has been nominated for and won several prestigious awards, including the Brit Award for Best Female and the Shockwaves NME Award for Best Solo Artist.

29. Emeli Sandé

Emeli Sandé, a talented Scottish singer and songwriter, has captivated audiences with her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Born in Sunderland, Tyne, and Wear and raised in Alford to a Zambian father and English mother, Emeli Sandé has established herself as an award-winning artist.

She has been recognized for her immense talent with an MBE honor and several Brit awards, including Best British Album and best female solo artist. One of the highlights of Emeli Sandé's career was being chosen as the voice of the Olympics. Her powerful performances during the 2012 Olympic Games showcased her incredible vocal range.

30. Marina Diamandis

Marina Diamandis, better known as Marina and the Diamonds, is a talented Welsh singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences with her unique style and powerful vocals. Born in Brynmawr, Wales, Marina grew up near Abergavenny alongside her elder sister Lafina. In recent years, Marina decided to change her stage name to MARINA.

With diverse musical influences and styles, Marina has achieved great success in the music industry, including having a No. 1 album and building a dedicated fanbase. She’s also known for her memorable moments onstage and fashion choices. Despite her accomplishments, she remains humble and down-to-earth, not becoming the household name some might expect.

31. Ella Henderson

Ella Henderson, born Gabriella Michelle Henderson, is a talented British singer and songwriter who gained recognition after competing in The X Factor UK. Known for her soulful pop sound, Ella captivated audiences with her powerful vocals and emotional performances. One of her biggest hits is the track “Ghost,” which shot up the charts.

Then, in 2014, she released her debut studio album, “Chapter One,” which reached number one on the UK Albums Chart. Ella has collaborated with notable artists such as Becky Hill and David Guetta on various projects.

32. Paloma Faith

Paloma Faith has made her mark in the music industry. She released her debut studio album “Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?” and quickly gained popularity among audiences.

She won the prestigious Best British Female Solo Artist award at the BRIT Awards in 2015 and has been nominated for the same category multiple times. Paloma's unique style of singer-songwriting and talent have set her apart from other British female singers of the 21st century.

33. Sade

Smooth operator? That's Sade Adu for you. Leading her eponymous band, Sade, this Nigerian-British singer-songwriter redefined smooth jazz and soul in the '80s and '90s. Tracks like “Sweetest Taboo” and “No Ordinary Love” have immortalized her sultry voice and sophisticated style.

Born Helen Folasade Adu in Ibadan, Nigeria, and raised in Essex, England, Sade's fusion of cultural influences is evident in her timeless music. Her passion and success have made her one of Britain's most adored vocalists and a historic musician and has helped her leave her mark on contemporary music.

Top British Female Singers, Final Thoughts

British female singers have left an indelible mark on the music industry with their soulful and influential voices. These women have captivated audiences worldwide, from Adele's chart-topping success to Amy Winehouse's raw talent.

Whether it be Ellie Goulding's ethereal vocals or Florence Welch's captivating stage presence, these talented artists continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of British female musicians.