Rolling Stone has updated its updated 200 Greatest Singers list, but music fans have been left shocked as acclaimed singer Celine Dion did not make the cut.
While many other well-known singers have also been snubbed, or have ranked lower than expected, due to the publication's criteria, the absence of the Canadian pop star on the list has resulted in uproar on social media. Fans of the singer said the list was "garbage" for omitting her, while others called the decision "unbelievable".
Known for her belting range and technically skilled vocals, the singer, 54, is considered to be one of the most powerful voices in pop music. The "My Heart Will Go On" singer is the best-selling French-language artist of all time, has sold more than 200 million records worldwide, and has picked up a number of musical awards and accolades during her career spanning four decades.
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Rolling Stone first published its 100 Greatest Singers list in 2008, using what the publication has termed an "elaborate" voting process that included input from well-known musicians. It's expanded list for 2022 includes Aretha Franklin in the number one spot, followed by Whitney Houston, Sam Cooke, Billie Holliday, Mariah Carey and Ray Charles, while Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, Otis Redding and Al Green also feature in the top ten.
The article, which has drawn thousands of comments online, reminded readers that it is the "Greatest Singers list, not the Greatest Voices List", and to keep that in mind before scrolling and commenting. The article said: "Talent is impressive; genius is transcendent. Sure, many of the people here were born with massive pipes, perfect pitch, and boundless range. Others have rougher, stranger, or more delicate instruments.
"In all cases, what mattered most to us was originality, influence, the depth of an artist’s catalog, and the breadth of their musical legacy."
But despite the clarification, Dion fans were left shocked by her omission from the list, and took to Twitter to express their dismay and disbelief. Entertainment journalist R ama Tampubolon wrote: " Look... you can argue Celine Dion's music is not your cup of tea and that's fair. You can argue Celine's songs are now irrelevant in today's Billie Eilish generation and that's also fair. But to say that Celine Dion is not among all-time greatest singers is unbelievable."
Responding to Rolling Stones' post, another wrote: "I am shocked that Celine Dion is not listed… especially cause it is “singers” of all time. (I’m slightly shocked that Madonna isn’t there but she’s more an entertainer than singer) but Celine Dion???? No excuse for that… none."
A third person added: "Oh but she didn’t make the cut?!? As a VOCALIST?!?! Garbage. Your list is garbage. Celine Dion is one of the greatest there is. Top 10 easy!!!", while another said, "no Celine? that is absolutely insane are you joking."
Commenting generally on who made the cut, others noted the absence of singers including Boy George, Adam Lambert, Tina Turner and Bill Withers, amongst others. Last month, Celine Dion was forced to postpone her world tour including a date in Manchester after being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome.
Dion announced the news via a video on Instagram in December 2022 and explained that she had been dealing with her problems with her health for a "long time". Stiff-person syndrome (sps) is a rare autoimmune movement disorder that affects the central nervous system.
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