The Most Famous Scottish Singer: Celebrating Scotland's Musical Icons

Voting rules: Choose the Singer you think is the most famous!

Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Nov 30, 2023 11:28)

Welcome to StrawPoll's ultimate ranking of the most famous Scottish singers! Scotland's rich musical heritage has gifted the world with some truly exceptional talents, and now it's high time to settle the debate on who takes the crown. We've compiled a list of the most iconic and influential Scottish voices that have dominated the charts and etched their names in musical history. From legendary rockers to soulful crooners, it's your turn to cast your vote and make your voice heard! But wait, do you think we've missed a hidden gem? Don't hold back, suggest your favorite Scottish sensation and watch as the rankings unfold. So, dive into the melodious world of Scottish talent and let the battle of the bonnie voices begin!

Who Is the Most Famous Scottish Singer?

1

72
votes
Library of Congress Life · CC0

Annie Lennox

Known for her powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics, Annie Lennox is one of the most successful Scottish singers of all time. She has won numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Annie Lennox in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Annie
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous artist in Scotland
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Scottish woman
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Scottish celebrities
2

42
votes
Wasforgas · CC BY-SA 3.0

Susan Boyle

Susan Boyle

Susan Boyle rose to fame after appearing on the reality show Britain's Got Talent in 2009. Her unique voice and inspirational story captured the hearts of audiences around the world.
Description

Susan Boyle is a rendition of the song 'Hallelujah' performed by Scottish singer Susan Boyle. Her version gained immense popularity and became widely recognized worldwide.

Year of release: 2009

Album: I Dreamed a Dream

Genre: Pop

Length: 3:47

Label: Syco/Columbia
Susan Boyle in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous BGT contestants
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Glaswegian
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous person with Asperger's
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Scottish celebrities
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular version of "Hallelujah"
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous AGT contestant
3

19
votes

Harald Krichel · CC BY 3.0

Lewis Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi is a rising star in the music industry, known for his emotionally raw and honest lyrics. He has already won multiple awards and his debut album, "Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent," was a huge commercial success.
4

22
votes

Harald Krichel · CC BY-SA 4.0

Amy Macdonald

Amy Macdonald is a singer-songwriter known for her upbeat, folk-influenced music. She has released multiple successful albums and has sold over 12 million records worldwide.
5

7
votes

Ueli Frey · CC BY-SA 4.0

Paolo Nutini

Paolo Nutini is a soulful singer-songwriter with a distinctive voice and a loyal fanbase. He has released multiple successful albums and has won numerous awards, including three Brit Awards.
6

12
votes

Jaguar MENA · CC BY 2.0

Emeli Sandé

Emeli Sandé is a singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics. She has won multiple awards, including four Brit Awards, and has sold over 17 million records worldwide.
7

17
votes

Eddi Reader

Eddi Reader is a folk singer-songwriter who first rose to fame as the lead singer of the band Fairground Attraction. She has since released multiple successful solo albums and has won multiple awards, including three Brit Awards.
8

4
votes

GWO · CC BY-SA 3.0

KT Tunstall

KT Tunstall is a singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of folk, rock, and electronic music. She has released multiple successful albums and has won multiple awards, including a Brit Award.
9

4
votes

P.g.champion · CC BY-SA 2.0 uk

Sandi Thom

Sandi Thom is a singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and folk-influenced music. She gained fame in 2006 with her hit single "I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in My Hair)" and has since released multiple successful albums.
10

6
votes
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jareed/ · CC BY 2.0

Shirley Manson

Shirley Manson is a Scottish singer-songwriter best known as the lead singer of the band Garbage. She has won multiple awards, including two Brit Awards, and has sold over 17 million records worldwide.
Shirley Manson in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Scottish woman

Missing your favorite Singer?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for famous singer

International recognition

A famous Scottish singer should have achieved popularity and recognition not only within Scotland but also on an international level. Consider their success in terms of album sales, chart positions, and international awards.
Cultural impact

The influence of the singer's music on Scottish culture and their ability to represent and showcase Scotland's musical traditions is important. Consider the artist's ability to bridge traditional Scottish music with contemporary genres, and their impact on popularizing Scottish music worldwide.
Legacy and longevity

Consider the singer's longevity in the music industry and their lasting impact on the industry. Look at their continued relevance, influence on newer artists, and how their work has stood the test of time.
Critical acclaim

Recognition and awards from critics are valuable indicators of a singer's talent and impact. Consider accolades received from reputable sources, such as Grammy Awards, BRIT Awards, and other relevant music industry honors.
Concert attendance and ticket sales

The ability to draw large crowds and sell out concerts is a strong indicator of fame and popularity. Consider the singer's ability to consistently attract a significant audience and the demand for their live performances.
Chart success

Consider the singer's chart performance, including the number of hit singles and albums they have achieved. High-charting songs and albums indicate widespread popularity and commercial success.
Social media following and online presence

In the digital age, a strong online presence and a significant following across social media platforms can be used to gauge popularity and fame. Consider the singer's number of followers, engagement, and online influence.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Scottish singer. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Singer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1829 views
205 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Singer once every 24 hours. The rank of each Singer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous scottish singer

Scotland has a rich history of music, with a long list of talented artists who have made a significant impact on the global music scene. When it comes to Scottish singers, there are many iconic names that come to mind, each with their unique style and sound. From the legendary Annie Lennox and the soulful Emeli Sandé to the traditional folk stylings of Dougie MacLean and the rock anthems of Biffy Clyro, Scottish singers have made their mark on the world of music in a big way. But who is the most famous Scottish singer? This is a question that has sparked much debate and discussion among music fans and critics alike. With so many talented artists to choose from, it's not an easy question to answer. However, through the power of StrawPoll, we can get a better idea of who the people consider to be the most famous Scottish singer of all time.