Queens of Pop

Beyonce Knowles, the leader of Destiny's Child, always knew she wanted to be a star. She formed the first incarnation of Destiny's Child in 1990 -- when she was 9 years old.

Raised on a musical diet of Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, Lady Gaga brings a sense of theatrical fashion and attitude to her dance-inspired, electro-rock performances. Named after Queen's "Radio Gaga," the pop fashionista took the fast lane to success, starting at age four when she learned to play piano by ear.

Even if the "genius" term for female pop stars has not used often - with Kate Bush, the genius is difficult to dismiss. She is a British musician with a visionary interaction of melody, rhythm, instrumentation and singing.

Donna Summer had the talent and charisma to climb to the top of the Disco heap. Considering that Disco was a style which showcased a producer's sound and faceless studio skill, the fact that Summer became a household name says a great deal about the power of her personality.

Thanks in part to a voice that could compete with Dionne Warwick on the level of pop appeal -- and let's not forget Berry Gordy's loving adoration for her -- Diana Ross not only became the lead singer of the Supremes, she became the quintessential image of the band in the public eye. What might have been had she remained part of the Supremes' backing vocal section will never be known, but the end result of Ross' being placed center stage was a later ascent to uber-diva as a solo artist.