21 Under 21 is an annually ranking by American music magazine Billboard beginning in 2010. It honours young musicians under the age of 21 in the music for impact over the previous and their potential to "rule pop culture zeitgeist over the next 12 months".
Taylor Swift topped the first ranking in 2010 at age 20. Justin Bieber (2011), Lorde (2014) and Billie Eilish (2019) are the youngest acts to be #1 (all aged 17). Willow Smith is the youngest act to appear on any ranking, (aged 9 in 2010). Smith also has the longest period of inclusion, appearing on five rankings across 11 years (2010, 2011, 2017, 2019 and 2021). Bieber; Camila Cabello; Billie Eilish; Lorde; Shawn Mendes; Smith and Grace VanderWaal are tied for the most appearances, with five each. Bieber and Mendes are the only acts to top the ranking more than once (twice each).
Poll results by year
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Musicians with multiple wins
2 wins
Justin Bieber (consecutive) Shawn Mendes (consecutive)
People with multiple nominations
5 placements
Justin Bieber (2010-2014) Billie Eilish (2018-2022) Lorde (2013-2017) Shawn Mendes (2014-2018) WILLOW (2010-2011, 2017, 2019, 2021) Grace VanderWaal (2016-2019, 2021)
4 placements
Chloe x Halle (2016-2017, 2019–2020) Fifth Harmony (2013-2016) Mindless Behavior (2011-2013, 2017) Sabrina Carpenter (2016-2019)
3 placements
CNCO (2016-2018) The Kid Laroi (2020-2022) Moore Kismet (2020-2022) NCT Dream (2018-2020) NLE Choppa (2020-2022) One Direction (2011-2013) PRETTYMUCH (2017-2019)
2 placements
Jxdn (2020-2021) Manuel Turizo (2019-2020) Snail Mail (2018-2019) Eslabon Armado (2021-2022) Castilla Clark (2021-2022) The Linda Lindas (2021-2022) Olivia Rodrigo (2021-2022) Tate Mcrae (2021-2022)