In today’s fast-paced music industry, standing out means owning at least one core skill, and the greats know exactly what I mean

In today’s music industry, it’s not enough to just make noise; you have to master something. With so many artists emerging daily and attention spans getting shorter, the ones who truly stand out are those who have a clear strength. Whether it’s the ability to control a stage, deliver powerhouse vocals, or write lyrics that stay with people long after the music fades, a great artist needs to dominate at least one of the three pillars: the performer, the vocalist, or the lyricist.

Let’s start with the performer – the artist who may not have the most technically perfect voice or deepest lyrics, but who owns the stage and knows how to keep an audience locked in. Think about artist like Beyoncé, Doja Cat, or Tate McRae; they bring a level of energy, choreography, stage design, and showmanship that turns a concert into an experience. Beyoncé, for example, is the blueprint. Her Coachella performance wasn’t just a show, it was literally a cultural reset. Even when she’s not belting every note, she gives you precision, and power. Similarly, Doja Cat uses visuals, character, and fluid movement to create a performance that feels both fresh and unpredictable. If you’re not the strongest singer or lyricist, mastering performance gives you a staying power; because fans will remember how you made then feel in the movement.

Then there’s the vocalist – the type of artist who doesn’t even have to move a muscle on stage to leave you in awe. Their gift is in their voice, and they know how to use it like an instrument. Artist like Ariana Grande, Jazmine Sullivan, and Mariah Carey shine here. Ariana’s control, whistle notes, and vocal layering make her a standout in today’s pop/R&B space. Jazmine, on the other hand, brings pure soul and technique; her vocals alone can carry an entire album without needing flashy visuals. Even someone like Mariah Carey is widely celebrated for her vocal precision, marked by a five-octave range, crystal clear whislte register, and masterful control over melisma, making her one of the most technically gifted and influential vocalist in modern music history. In an era full of auto tune and pitch correction, being a true vocalist is rare – and unforgettable.

Finally, you have the lyricist – the storyteller, the poet, the truth-teller. This category is all about crafting words that mean something, we see this mostly in Hip-Hop and R&B. J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Nicki Minaj are standouts here. Kendrick, for example, weaves history, trauma, and personal growth into his bars, using his voice to educate and elevate. J.Cole has made a name for himself by rapping about introspection, social justice, and everyday struggles in a way that feels relatable and honest. Nicki, especially in her earlier mixtape and Pink Friday era, proved that her pen was sharp, clever, and often unmatched; all while adding humor and personality. If only she wasn’t a literal terrible human and probably mentally insane, but I’ll give her a bar or whatever. A great lyricist doesn’t need a vocal run or a viral dance to make an impact; their words do the heavy lifting.

Of course, the rare artist are those who dominate more than one category. Beyoncé’s vocal control, stamina, and live consistency are rare, and when paired with her choreography, visuals, and showmanship, she becomes the blueprint for what a true artist looks like. Ariana Grande, a true triple threat when it comes to a perfect artist. She’s the best of the best when it comes to vocals of her time, no one is touching her vocal technique and mastery of her craft. A stellar performer known for her unique stage presence and flamboyant visuals she’s a true broadway nerd. Let’s not forget lyrics, since Dangerous Woman she’s been delivering the most raw, heartfelt, emotional lyrics in pop music, we all saw it get real depressive in her groundbreaking album thank u next. Megan Thee Stallion with her sharp lyrics, confidence, and flow which are undeniable, she is the only one going pen for pen in female rap with Nicki in my personal opinion. She’s also a high-energy performer with strong visuals and charming charisma. These are the people who are often regarded as legends in the making; becoming they’re multidimensional and intentional with every part of their craft.

The truth is, if an artist wants longevity, they need to tap into at least one of these categories and perfect it. Not every artist needs to be everything, but they need to be something. Fans today are more tuned in than ever. They can see through gimmicks, but they gravitate towards talent, authenticity, and mastery. In a world of constant content and competition, standing out means knowing who you are, what you bring, and how you’re going to deliver it: on stage, on track, or on paper.