Fans outraged over Céline Dion exclusion from Rolling Stone’s ‘Greatest Singers’ list

One of La Belle Province’s most iconic singers, Céline Dion, didn’t make the cut for Rolling Stone magazine’s “200 Greatest Singers of All Time” list.

The snub from the article is sparking outrage and confusion among fans.

Although Rolling Stone claimed that it encompasses 100 years of pop music, many believe the Quebec-born pop singer’s absence from the list is a mistake.

The magazine says the list was compiled using “an elaborate voting process that included input from well-known musicians” and Rolling Stone staff writers.

“I do think that Rolling Stone, they definitely have certain biases in favour of certain artists, especially ones that are more rock oriented and ones that came around in the Sixties and Seventies,” said David MacIntyre, a music journalist.

“What readers should keep in mind is that, one, music is very subjective. So any list will be bound to invite criticism. And, two, that ultimately it’s just one magazine’s opinion,” MacIntyre added.

Rolling Stone wrote that what mattered most to them “was originality, influence, the depth of an artist’s catalog, and the breadth of their musical legacy.”

Yet, people are shocked to find that the legendary Canadian artist did not meet that criterion, despite her signature song “My Heart Will Go On” recognized as one of the biggest radio hits in history and topping the charts of Billboard Hot 100 on February 28, 1998.

“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,” said one fan in a tweet. “But to say that Celine Dion is not among all-time greatest singers is unbelievable.”

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. https://t.co/wvmLYvE059

— Rama's Screen (@RamasScreen) January 2, 2023

The Rolling Stone provided a disclaimer to readers that “this is the Greatest Singers list, not the Greatest Voices List.”

“[…] the singers behind [the list] are here for one reason: They can remake the world just by opening their mouths,” said Rolling Stone.

Many tweets have pointed out other notable singers such as Britney Spears, Jennifer Hudson, Janet Jackson, and Madonna off the list.

“Celine has changed even just the way people vocalize and project their voice and stuff like that. And so, I don’t know, I just feel like it’s good to just show her love,” said one Montreal CityNews spoke to.

People are also disagreeing over the rankings, as they found Michael Jackson lowly ranked on the list at 86th, far behind Rihanna and Beyoncé.

That list is insulting. Celine Dion is not there, Madonna is not there, Rihanna and Ariana are higher than Michael Jackson. It’s truly disgusting. Rihanna who can not sing the high notes of the Monster and Bebe Rexha has to do it for her. If Rihanna is there so should Britney.

— AlbanianQueen (@AlbanianQueen21) January 2, 2023

“She’s a world class vocalist and I don’t see why they couldn’t have put her somewhere on the list, even at like 150 or something. But even then, that might be a little low,” said MacIntyre.

So far, Dion has not responded to the article or the reactions from fans offended by her absence on the list.

Recently diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome (SPS), the 54-year-old artist announced that she is battling this neurological disease causing muscle spasms.

READ MORE: Celine Dion diagnosed with rare neurological condition, cancels some tour dates

The 2023 spring concerts for her European Courage World Tour are now scheduled for the spring of 2024, while her 2023 summer shows have been cancelled.