The 100 Best Songs of 2025: Diversity, Innovation, and Cultural Impact

Lady Gaga, born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta on March 28, 1986, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress renowned for her artistic versatility and influential presence in popular culture. She rose to international fame with her 2008 debut album *The Fame*, which included global hits like "Just Dance" and "Poker Face." Her follow-up projects, including *The Fame Monster* (2009) with singles such as "Bad Romance" and "Telephone," solidified her status as a leading pop icon. Known for her dynamic image reinventions and bold fashion statements, Gaga has continuously evolved artistically, exploring genres from electronic dance music to jazz, as exemplified by her 2014 Grammy-winning collaboration with Tony Bennett on *Cheek to Cheek*[1][3][5]. Throughout her career, Lady Gaga has amassed an impressive array of accolades, including 14 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Sports Emmy. Her 2011 album *Born This Way* became a cultural milestone, addressing themes of self-empowerment and LGBTQ+ rights. In addition to her music, Gaga has garnered critical acclaim as an actress, notably for her lead role in the 2018 film *A Star Is Born*, which earned her an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy[1][2][5]. In recent years, Lady Gaga has maintained prominence by releasing new music, such as her seventh album *Mayhem* in 2025, which featured the hit single "Abracadabra." She also announced the *Mayhem Ball* tour and appeared in the second season of the television series *Wednesday*. Additionally, she contributed the song "Dead Dance" to the *Wednesday* soundtrack, further showcasing her multifaceted talents[6]. Beyond entertainment, Gaga is noted for her advocacy on mental health, inclusivity, and LGBTQ+ rights, connecting deeply with her fanbase known as "Little Monsters." Her influence extends across music, film, fashion, and activism, making her one of the best-selling and most impactful artists of her generation[1][2][6].

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio on March 10, 1994, in Puerto Rico (Vega Baja), is a prominent Puerto Rican singer, rapper, and songwriter who has significantly influenced Latin trap and reggaeton music. He began sharing his music on SoundCloud in 2016 while studying audiovisual communication and working in a grocery store. His early track "Diles" attracted the attention of DJ Luian, leading to a record deal and rising popularity in Puerto Rican nightclubs[1][3][4]. His breakthrough came with the 2018 album *X 100PRE*, which was critically acclaimed for its experimental and genre-blending approach, featuring hits like “Estamos Bien,” “Caro,” and “MÍA” with Drake. Bad Bunny is known for blending reggaeton and Latin trap with influences from salsa, rock en español, and American hip-hop, helping bring Spanish-language urban music to a global audience. He has also collaborated with major artists such as Cardi B, J Balvin, and Drake, notably on the Billboard Hot 100 number-one single “I Like It”[3][4][5]. Bad Bunny has redefined Latin music by challenging traditional norms around masculinity and identity, while also using his platform to address social and political issues affecting Puerto Rico. He has been Spotify's most-streamed artist worldwide from 2020 to 2022, and his 2022 album *Un Verano Sin Ti* holds the record as the most-streamed album on the platform[4]. In 2026, Bad Bunny is set to headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show, joining an elite group of global superstars. This appearance highlights his current relevance and impact as one of the most influential and culturally significant Latin artists internationally[6].

Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter (born May 11, 1999) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her multifaceted career in music and acting. She first gained widespread recognition for her lead role as Maya Hart on the Disney Channel series *Girl Meets World* (2014–2017), which marked her breakthrough in the entertainment industry[1][3]. Carpenter began her music career early, signing with Hollywood Records as a teenager and releasing several albums, including *Eyes Wide Open* (2015), *Evolution* (2016), and *Singular: Act I* and *II* (2018-2019)[1][3][5]. Her musical style evolved from teen pop to a more mature sound, with notable singles such as "Thumbs," which achieved Platinum certification[5]. Carpenter’s sixth album, *Short n' Sweet* (2024), debuted at number one on the US *Billboard* 200 chart and earned her two Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance for the single "Espresso." Her seventh album, *Man's Best Friend* (2025), also debuted at number one, solidifying her status as a leading pop artist[5]. In addition to music, Carpenter has an extensive acting portfolio, including roles in films like *The Hate U Give* (2018), *Tall Girl* (2019) and its sequel *Tall Girl 2* (2022), *Work It* (2020), and *Emergency* (2022), with the latter premiering at the Sundance Film Festival[1][2]. She also made her Broadway debut in *Mean Girls* in 2020, although the production was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic[2][4]. Carpenter has garnered multiple gold and platinum certifications for her music, performed sold-out tours internationally, and continues to be a prominent figure in both music and acting[2][7]. Her recent work maintains her relevance as a versatile artist with a growing fanbase worldwide.