Popular Female Singers in the past 2 decades


Hi, can you name 10 most popular/favorite female singers (vocalist, artist) in the past 2 decades?

I want to collect the CDs for these singers and very often I heard those songs (mostly pop, movie theme sound track, etc) on radio FM103.5 or 107.9. But I don't remember or recognize their names or the songs.

Celine Dion and Britney Spears are just 2 examples. Thanks.
r0817
At this particular moment I've started to collect Jane Siberry records that I did not value before (whatta fool!). I purchased her record (Bound By the Beauty) in mint condition more than decade ago that I listened only once and in the background never realizing how powerful and awesome this album is.
Marakanetz

Great to see some love for Jane Siberry. She can write some powerful songs and also some very playful and funny stuff such as "Everything Reminds Me Of My Dog."
At this particular moment I've started to collect Jane Siberry records that I did not value before (whatta fool!). I purchased her record (Bound By the Beauty) in mint condition more than decade ago that I listened only once and in the background never realizing how powerful and awsome this album is. The second time I spinned this album before wishing to sell it and immediately changed my mind. It's one of not too many albums that I would want to spin again after the sideB finished playing.

It takes some time to appreciate her as songwriter, arranger, musician and unique composer. I don't think that she's popular singer but definitely SHE'S WONDERFUL and likely will always be!
Special kudos ought to be sent out to Ronstadt who, more than anyone else on this list, has successfully taken on the challenges of the various genres. Whether it's country, torch, Mexican, classical, rock, or whatnot, Ronstadt has tried and nailed just about everything thrown at her. As good as many or most of the leading ladies listed here are, Ms. R. has done it in style and a way that no-one has come close to beaing.

BTW: One more name for the lists: Annie Haslam
Given the two you mentioned, check out

Linda Rondstadt
Rhianna
Leann Rimes
Joss Stone
Adele
Natasha Bedingfeld
Katy Perry
P!nk
Sara Evans
Stevie Nicks
R0817, what genres of music do you favor? Jazz, pop, rock,folk, bluegrass? That would make recommendations more relevant.
All of the above, plus Natalie Merchant. My wife just bought Adele's "21" album. It's very pop sounding, but not bad.
Jane Siberry - When I Was A Boy
Ani Difranco - Up Up Up Up Up
Tori Amos - Little Earthquakes
I see Bjork finally mentioned above. I recommend her album titled Serpentine or Debut.
Maybe I should add (trying not to be redundant):

Joni Mitchell
Byork
Annie Lennox
Cyndi Lauper
Madonna
Whitney Houston
Sinead O'Connor
Laurie Anderson
Diane Krall
Amy Winehouse

Can't say I listen to all of these ladies, but you wanted popular, no?
Few more favorites I need to mention:
Ricky Lee Jones
Carly Simon
Carol King
Pat Benatar
Ann and Nancy Wilson
Sara Bareilles
Gloria Estephan
Natalie Merchant
Anita O'Day
Uta Lemper
Lisa Stansfield
Diane Schurr
Eva Cassidy Live at Blues Alley
Madeline Peyroux Dreamland
Patty Griffin Children Running Through
Eva Cassidy Live at Blues Alley
Jane Monheit Over the Rainbow
Jeez.. no one mentions Joni Mitchell?! I mean one of the all time absolute greats, ask any of the other artist mentioned who their influences are and I guarantee that they'd all say Joni! And for the OP, which Albums.. sure Blue, Court and Spark, For the Roses, all are amazing.
Thanks for the list so far. I'll research the albums of these singers.

Meanwhile, do you have any great albums (CDs), songs that you can recommend for these singers?
Jennifer Warnes
Patricia Griffin
Carrie Underwood
Holly Cole
Madeline Peyroux
Patricia Barber
K D Lang
Bonnie Raitt
Jane Monheit
Annie Lennox
Shawn Colvin
Linda Ronstadt
Jennifer Warnes
Sara K
Susan Tedeschi
Amy Winehouse
Adele
Melody Gardot
Renee Olstead
Jacintha
Duffy
Caro Emerald
Cassandra Wilson
Kate Bush
Sarah Jarosz
Ingrid Michaelson
Diane Birch
All worth taking a good listen to.
Of all so far mentioned, I only own one album of. Sam Goody was unloading all of their LP stock for $1.00 ea. when CDs were becoming popular. Whitney looked good in the white bathing suit, on the back cover. Say no more.
all of the above plus,
Alison Krauss
Lisa Hannigan
Sarah McLaughlin
Paula Cole
Alanis Morissette
Most Popular female singers in the past 20 years?

Mariah Carey
Christina Aguilera
Janet Jackson
Natalie Cole
Diana Krall
Sade
Madonna
Whitney Houston
Beyonce
Lady Gaga