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Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists Among High School Students [2025]

If someone asked you, “Who are some famous Western music artists?” would you be able to answer?

In the past, you might not have been able to name many.

But now, we have an environment where we can listen to music from all over the world via the internet.

Here, we’ve put together a list of Western artists popular among high school students.

Be sure to check them out and experience music on a worldwide scale.

Western Music Artists Popular Among High School Students: 2025 Ranking (11–20)

My UniverseColdplay X BTS15rank/position

Coldplay X BTS – My Universe (Official Video)
My UniverseColdplay X BTS

A masterpiece featuring big-name artists together: “My Universe.” This song is a lavish collaboration between the British band Coldplay and the Korean group BTS.

BTS had openly declared they were fans, and Coldplay said they wanted to write a song for them—two acts mutually smitten, culminating in a long-awaited collaboration.

The track carries Coldplay’s hallmark grandeur and crystal-clear sound, with BTS’s vocals adding even more energy to the song.

What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction16rank/position

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (Official Video)
What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction

An encouragement song full of kindness and hope, dedicated to women who struggle with self-confidence.

The popular British group One Direction delivers the importance of loving yourself just as you are through a captivating melody and memorable lyrics.

Its refreshing sound, blending power pop and pop rock, pairs perfectly with the bright, uplifting message.

Released in September 2011 as the lead single from their debut album Up All Night, the track achieved worldwide success.

It has been featured in numerous TV shows and commercials, and won the Brit Award for British Single in 2012.

It’s a perfect song to bring energy and courage as background music for school festivals and cultural events.

EverydayAriana Grande ft. Future17rank/position

Ariana Grande – Everyday (Official Video) ft. Future
EverydayAriana Grande ft. Future

A collaboration between American singer Ariana Grande and Atlanta rapper Future.

Swedish songwriter and producer Ilya Salmanzadeh worked on the production.

Released in 2017, it reached No.

3 on the New Zealand charts.

Stand by MeBen E. King18rank/position

Ben E.

King’s classic song “Stand by Me.” It’s such a famous track that even high school students have probably heard it at least once.

Released in 1961, “Stand by Me” has been loved for decades and has been covered by many artists up to the present day.

While it is also a love song, it became widely known as a work that portrays youth and friendship because it was used in the coming-of-age film of the same name.

The soulful vocals evoke a sense of nostalgia and bring back fond memories.

Bad RomanceLady Gaga19rank/position

Lady Gaga – Bad Romance (Official Music Video)
Bad RomanceLady Gaga

This is one of Lady Gaga’s signature songs, which captivated the world with its overwhelming presence and addictive melody.

Included on the 2009 EP “The Fame Monster,” it went on to achieve explosive popularity.

The lyrics delve into the complexities and darker sides of love, resonating deeply with listeners.

Lady Gaga’s powerful vocals pair perfectly with the catchy rhythm, revealing new charms every time you listen.

It’s a track I especially recommend to high school students.

It’s great fun to sing along with friends, and also rewarding to listen to alone while reflecting deeply.

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)Shakira20rank/position

Shakira – Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Song)
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)Shakira

Unfolding with dynamic energy, this pop number overflows with African spirit atop a powerful, groovy rhythm.

The celebratory sound woven by Colombia’s Shakira and South African band Freshlyground is sure to be the ultimate BGM to fire up any sports day.

Released in May 2010, the track gained worldwide popularity as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, selling over 15 million copies globally.

It topped the charts in 15 countries and has amassed over 4 billion views on YouTube.

Blending a feverish, danceable beat with the spirit of football, this song is a perfect match for sporting events—powerfully propelling athletes toward victory and uniting the entire venue in a shared sense of excitement.

Western Music Artists Popular with High School Students Ranking [2025] (21–30)

bad guyBillie Eilish21rank/position

This track features an innovative sound that fuses electropop and alternative pop.

Its provocative lyrics and distinctive rhythm draw listeners in.

Included on the album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” released in March 2019, it garnered major attention as Billie Eilish’s debut album.

The lyrics cleverly subvert the stereotypical “villain” image, resonating with young people and presenting a new form of self-expression.

Powerful and energetic, this piece is perfect for high school dance performances.

Used at school festivals or club showcases—any setting brimming with youth—it’s sure to electrify the crowd.