Top 40 Most Popular Opera Singers Of All Time

Plácido Domingo is celebrated worldwide as both a gifted singer and a distinguished conductor. His rise to global fame accelerated after joining The Three Tenors, a collaboration that captivated audiences everywhere. Today, he stands among the most iconic opera singers ever to grace the stage.

Beginning his career in the late 1950s, Domingo has established lasting connections with the Los Angeles Opera and the Washington National Opera. Throughout his remarkable journey, he has performed roles in more than 150 different operas, showcasing incredible versatility.

Honored with multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, Domingo has also played a significant role in nurturing emerging talent through Operalia, an international competition he helped establish. This event continues to launch the careers of promising young opera singers each year.

Marian Anderson was a trailblazer in the world of opera, making history as the first Black woman to perform at both the White House and the Metropolitan Opera. Her immense talent and perseverance broke barriers, inspiring generations of singers of color who followed in her footsteps.

Anderson began her musical journey singing in her church choir, but her early aspirations were met with prejudice, as she was denied college admission because of her race. Despite these setbacks, her breakthrough came after winning a prestigious singing competition hosted by the New York Philharmonic.

Her remarkable talent quickly propelled her onto the stages of North America and Europe. After an influential and celebrated career, Marian Anderson retired from professional singing in 1965.

Luciano Pavarotti is widely regarded as the most famous opera singer in history, celebrated as the unparalleled "King of the High C's" for his extraordinary ability to hit high notes with clarity and power.

Renowned for his performances in acclaimed Italian operas like La Bohème, Madama Butterfly, Turandot, and Tosca, Pavarotti graced the world's greatest opera houses with a mesmerizing stage presence reminiscent of a rock star.

A legendary member of the iconic "Three Tenors," he electrified audiences at events such as the 1990 World Cup final and numerous high-profile concerts in Los Angeles and beyond.

Pavarotti's career was marked by a wealth of televised concerts and media appearances, showcasing his exceptional tenor voice from his professional debut in 1961 until his moving final performance at the 2006 Winter Olympics.

With more than 100 million records sold globally, he remains a classical music titan, and the debut recording of The Three Tenors stands as the best-selling classical album of all time.

Andrea Bocelli, an acclaimed Italian singer, songwriter, and record producer, is one of the world's best-selling opera artists, boasting global record sales exceeding 90 million. His incredible career has earned him countless awards, including a place on the prestigious Walk of Fame, and his inspiring artistry motivates aspiring opera singers everywhere.

Renowned for his outstanding impact on live theatre, Bocelli has received numerous well-deserved honors in recognition of his contributions to the world of opera and classical music.

Leontyne Price stands as a trailblazer among African American opera singers, being the first to achieve international acclaim. Renowned for her commanding presence, she graced the stages of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera, captivating audiences with her artistry.

Famed for her roles as Aida and Bess, Price was celebrated both as a stellar vocalist and an exceptional actress. While some critics suggested her dramatic abilities occasionally outshone her singing, her talent earned her widespread respect. Over her illustrious career, Price has been honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and has won 19 Grammy Awards.

Beverly Sills, born in Brooklyn, New York, was a remarkable child prodigy who began singing on the radio at just 4 years old. By the age of 16, she made her professional stage debut performing Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, showcasing her exceptional talent early on.

At 10, Sills captured national attention by winning a prestigious amateur singing contest. Although the Metropolitan Opera was close by, her journey there was lengthy and required immense perseverance.

While Sills received acclaim at several European opera houses, she chose to spend most of her career in the United States to be close to her two children, both of whom had special needs. After nearly three decades as a professional, she finally made her eagerly anticipated debut at the Met.

Montserrat Caballé is widely celebrated as one of the most powerful soprano voices in opera history. She first gained international recognition in 1965 when she delivered a stunning performance as a substitute in Carnegie Hall's production of Lucrezia Borgia.

As one of the few Spanish singers to excel in German opera, Caballé made her mark in productions such as Der Rosenkavalier. She also achieved global fame for her unforgettable duet with Freddie Mercury, which became the official theme song for the 1992 Olympic Games.

Fans of Caballé may also recall her earlier success when she stepped in as a last-minute substitute in a 1956 Basel Opera production of La Bohème, showcasing her remarkable talent from the start of her career.

Jessye Norman, born in Augusta, Georgia, is a celebrated opera singer and five-time Grammy Award winner. From a young age, she was inspired by Saturday radio broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera, which sparked her passion for music.

Renowned for her versatility, Norman performed an impressive range of operatic roles, as well as oratorios, orchestral pieces, and art songs. After captivating audiences in Europe for nearly 15 years, she made her much-anticipated debut at the Metropolitan Opera during its 100th anniversary season.

Among her many achievements, Norman left a global mark by singing the French national anthem during the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution in 1989. Her powerful voice also graced the opening ceremony of the Atlanta Olympics, further cementing her legacy in music history.

Cecilia Bartoli, a celebrated mezzo-soprano, is renowned for her brilliant interpretations of Rossini operas such as The Barber of Seville, Otello, and La Cenerentola. Hailing from Rome, she graced the stage in her first opera at just 9 years old.

She made her professional opera debut at the age of 21 and has since captivated audiences with numerous performances of Mozart's works. In 2005, she notably starred as Cleopatra in Haydn's Giulio Cesare, further showcasing her remarkable artistry.

Bartoli currently serves as the artistic director of the Salzburg Whitsun Festival and is the proud recipient of five Grammy Awards for Best Classical Vocal Performance, cementing her status as a true icon in the opera world.

Kathleen Battle, a true diva in every sense, remains an iconic figure in the world of opera. Though she was dismissed from the Metropolitan Opera in 1994 following a series of professional disagreements, her legacy as a soprano endures.

Renowned for her exceptional coloratura technique and impressive vocal range, Battle achieved international acclaim performing with leading opera companies and major symphonies around the globe. She is a three-time Grammy Award winner and made her operatic debut in 1980 as Adina in L’elisir d’amore with the Zurich Opera Company.

Throughout her celebrated career, Battle has graced stages in cities such as San Francisco, London, Geneva, Vienna, and Berlin, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing voice.

Alfredo Arnold Cocozza, better known by his stage name Mario Lanza, chose his new identity as he set out to make a mark in the motion picture industry. Remarkably, his professional singing career had started at just 16 years old.

Although he only appeared in two operas after signing with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Lanza continued bringing opera to the silver screen. Many of his movie performances produced hit songs, which dominated radio airwaves and sold millions of records.

Sadly, Lanza struggled with alcoholism, leading to severe health complications that caused his untimely death at just 38 years old.

Anna Netrebko's remarkable journey began humbly, working as a janitor before immersing herself in the world of opera by attending free rehearsals at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. Her dedication and passion soon set her on the path to stardom.

With the guidance of a renowned Russian conductor, Netrebko honed her vocal skills and made her operatic debut as Susanna in "The Marriage of Figaro." Her rapid ascent continued as she joined the Metropolitan Opera in 2002, captivating audiences as Donna Anna in "Don Giovanni." Honored as a "People's Artist of Russia,” Netrebko found herself at the center of controversy in early 2022 due to the geopolitical tensions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Marilyn Horne is celebrated as one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos of the 20th century. She began her singing career in the Los Angeles area, lending her voice to background vocals for television sitcoms. Horne, born in Pennsylvania, quickly transitioned to on-camera work, making appearances on television programs such as The Odd Couple and showcasing her vocal talents on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

Renowned for her powerful interpretations of leading roles in operas like Carmen, Rinaldo, and Mignon, Horne frequently collaborated with soprano Joan Sutherland. Together, they performed memorable duets in concert and shared the stage in numerous opera productions, earning widespread acclaim for their artistry and dynamic partnership.

As the third member of the legendary Three Tenors, José Carreras launched his operatic journey at just 11 years old in Barcelona, Spain. Over his remarkable career, he has performed more than 60 leading tenor roles on international stages.

Renowned for his masterful interpretations of Italian composers such as Puccini, Verdi, and Donizetti, Carreras faced a life-threatening battle with leukemia in the late 1980s. Remarkably, he made a triumphant return, captivating audiences at the 1990 World Cup Finals.

Beyond his stage achievements, Carreras established a charitable foundation in the 1990s dedicated to leukemia research and awareness. He further contributed to his hometown by serving as music director for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Bryn Terfel stands out as one of the few bass-baritones featured in our prestigious list. His operatic debut took place in 1990 with “Così fan tutte” at the Welsh National Opera. Born in Wales, Terfel quickly gained critical acclaim for his powerful performances as the Speaker in "The Magic Flute," Figaro in "The Marriage of Figaro," and Ford in "Falstaff."

Renowned among bass-baritones, Terfel has performed the title role in "Don Giovanni" at numerous venues since 1999. He also impressed audiences as the lead in Stephen Sondheim's musical “Sweeney Todd” at Lincoln Center in 2014, demonstrating his remarkable versatility.

Hailing from Australia, Joan Sutherland earned immense acclaim for her unforgettable performances in Lucia di Lammermoor, particularly the iconic "Mad Scene." She captivated audiences worldwide, delivering this piece at premier opera houses throughout her career.

Renowned as one of the most dramatic sopranos of the mid-20th century, Sutherland stood out for her masterful trills and exceptional vocal agility, especially in Italian opera roles. Throughout her illustrious career, she produced numerous recordings and appeared in several operatic films, continually expanding her repertoire with fresh and challenging roles.

Furthermore, Sutherland frequently collaborated with other prominent artists featured on this list, enhancing her reputation as one of opera’s most influential figures.

Renée Fleming has established herself as one of the most outstanding voices in contemporary opera. With five Grammy Awards and the National Medal of Arts to her name, her impact on the world of classical music is truly remarkable.

Interestingly, some of her most celebrated moments have occurred outside the traditional opera stage. Fleming lent her voice to the renowned "Lord of the Rings" soundtrack and delivered a memorable rendition of the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. Notable operatic roles include her portrayals of Mimi in "La Bohème" and the Countess in "The Marriage of Figaro."

She also garnered attention when she performed at the World Trade Center in the wake of the September 11, 2001 events. Renowned for her lyric soprano voice, Fleming is set to be among the distinguished few recognized at the 2023 Kennedy Center Honors.

Fleming's remarkable career has transcended traditional borders. Her ability to reach audiences beyond the classical realm is rare for an artist whose roots lie in opera, highlighting just how exceptional her success has been.

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau was a celebrated German baritone whose illustrious career spanned from the 1950s until his passing in 2012. Renowned as one of the most prolific recording artists in history, he captivated audiences with his exceptional musicianship and artistry.

Fischer-Dieskau was admired for his ability to blend power and beauty in his voice, which allowed him to make a significant and lasting impact on the opera world. His dramatic interpretations of operatic roles earned acclaim and created unforgettable stage moments, still cherished and studied by music historians today.

Rene Pape, born in Dresden, Germany, has risen to international acclaim as one of the most distinguished singers in the world of Wagnerian opera. He achieved a landmark debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1995 and continued to perform at least one role there each season for an impressive 16 consecutive years.

Throughout his illustrious career at the Met, Pape took on roles in celebrated productions such as Die Walküre, Die Meistersinger, Carmen, and Don Giovanni. However, he is most revered for his powerful portrayals of King Marke in Tristan und Isolde and the title role in Boris Godunov.

His extraordinary artistry has earned him two Grammy Awards, further cementing his legacy in the world of opera.

Enrico Caruso stands as one of the greatest opera singers in history, in part because he was among the earliest artists to be commercially recorded after the invention of the phonograph.

Born in Naples, Italy, Caruso recorded approximately 250 pieces in the early 1900s after making his professional opera debut at age 22. He was renowned for iconic roles such as the Duke in Rigoletto and Canio in Pagliacci, spending his final years and much of his career in New York City.

During his time in New York, Caruso frequently performed at the Metropolitan Opera and recorded extensively for the Victor Talking Machine Company. Notably, he became one of the first opera superstars whose work was widely circulated for commercial profit.

Incredibly, Caruso made 247 successful recordings between 1902 and 1920 alone. This achievement established him as an international sensation and a trailblazer in the world of recorded music.

Born in New York City and raised in Greece, Maria Callas is one of the greatest opera singers of all time. She is not only known for her dramatic and tender voice but also her off-stage antics and illicit love affairs.

The artist began singing Italian opera in her late teens and would soon go on to become a staple on the Greek opera stage. However, she decided to move back to the United States of America in 1945.

Callas gained fame for Beethoven's Fidelio at the age of 21 and was one of the few sopranos who could pull off heavy German opera roles with elan. She was offered major roles at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York and several opera theatres in Italy even before she turned 25.

Over time, the artist has been acknowledged by the critics for her bel canto technique, wide-ranging voice, and dramatic interpretations. It is not surprising then that people started to refer to her as La Divina (The Divine One) soon after her rise in the music industry.

Best known for singing at the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, Kiri Te Kanawa is an artist from New Zealand who started her opera career in London in 1968 with The Royal Opera productions of The Magic Flute.

Within a few years of making her debut, she went on to master several crucial roles, including the Flower Maiden in Parsifal, the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro, and the title role in Tosca.

Known for having sung at opera houses globally, her most popular collaboration was in the role of Maria in a recorded version of West Side Story with the fabulous Jose Carreras.

Renata Tebaldi is yet another beloved opera singer who was born and raised in Italy. Since she grew up listening to opera as a child, it was only obvious that she always wanted to be an opera great.

Needless to say, she began singing it in her teens and early 20s. The artist found fame and recognition in Italy and internationally following the culmination of the Second World War.

Tebaldi, who performed almost exclusively at the Met for 20 years and 270 performances, made her American debut at the San Francisco Opera in the title role of Aida in 1950.

An American lyric-coloratura mezzo-soprano, Joyce DiDonato is notable for her interpretations of operas and concert works in the 19th-century romantic era. A thoroughly modern soprano, she has done interpretations of works by Handel and Mozart as well.

Outspoken but never out-sung, she has been a fan favourite for quite some time now and has the credentials to back it up. Those who attended her show in 2007 will perhaps never forget that she broke her leg on stage and, still, managed to finish her performance somehow.

Not only that but she even went on to complete the rest of the run performing from a wheelchair.

Diana Damrau gained prominence in her home country at the very start of her professional career. She always had the desire to sing professionally and, therefore, studied opera in school and attended the Hochschule Music school in Wurzburg.

However, she was diagnosed with an inflammatory condition called Oedema, which threatened to her damage vocal cords. Sooner than later, the artist decided to undergo surgery to fix the problem.

Be that as it may, the challenges that life threw at her didn't deter her from building a solid career as a coloratura soprano. In fact, her determination and hard work made other singers in the music industry respect her.

This German soprano was one of the most renowned opera singers of her generation and for the right reasons. Known to have given various master classes all over the world, she performed at some of the most prestigious opera houses in the world.

Some of her most notable performances came in opera houses such as the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and the Vienna State Opera. Her dedication to her art can be gauged from the fact that she spent her time as a vocal teacher.

It is not surprising then that she is one of the most respected opera singers in history.

Roberto Alagna's career kicked off after he managed to win the Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition. This was a commendable initiative that was backed by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities.

He started receiving several offers after having made his professional debut as Alfredo Germon in La Traviata with the Glyndebourne touring company. Soon after, he was seen performing in smaller cities in Italy and France.

He played the role of Alfredo over 150 times and was invited to sing at major theatres like La Scala in Covent Garden and perform as Rodolfo at the Metropolitan Opera.

Needless to mention, it helped his reputation grow and fetched him fame. Alagna's performance as Romeo in Romeo et Juliette by Charles Gounod at Covent Garden in 1994 continues to be the highlight of his career.

Referred to as one of the most glamorous opera singers of all time, Angela Gheorghiu is known for her incredible style and stunning looks. She rose to prominence in 1992 at the Royal Opera House where she sang Mimi in La boheme.

Not long after that, the artist was seen making her debut at the famous Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Vienna State Opera, respectively. When she sang her much acclaimed and popular Voilette in La Traviata at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden in 1994, the BBC ensured to clear out its schedules to broadcast her performance live.

A lot many media houses and critics reviewed the same by stating that "a star is born." Needless to say, Gheorghiu has been in demand in opera houses and concert halls across the globe ever since.

Opera singer Birgit Nilsson was active from the 1940s until her retirement in the first half of the 1980s. Considered to be one of the greatest sopranos of all time, she possessed a powerful voice that was capable of expressing things wonderfully.

Aside from her performances in the works of Richard Wagner and others, she was also known for her ability to sing with beauty and clarity even at the highest registers.

Needless to mention, Nilsson's stage presence was commanding, to say the least.

Considered one of the greatest Wagnerian sopranos of all time, Kirsten Flagstad is admired by many for her powerful voice and moving performances. So, it didn't come as a surprise when the Metropolitan Opera's manager, Giulio Gatti-Casazza, went on to call her a gift to the United States of America alongside the iconic Enrico Caruso.

One of the most famous performances of her celebrated career was "Liebestod" from the opera "Tristan und Isolde." This aria was about a woman who confesses her love for a man who has passed away.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to assert Flagstad's performance was so moving that it made all those who were present there feel as if they had lost someone that they loved to the moon and back.

Robert Merrill was one of the Metropolitan Opera's resident baritones for no less than 25 years. He is known to have provided vocal work on dozens of roles, including parts in La Traviata, La Boheme, and Pagliacci.

Even though the artist decided to hang his boots at the Met in 1976, he was never really done with singing. We say so because he continued to sing the national anthem at hundreds of New York Yankees games over the years.

Also known for having appeared on television several times, the man was a permanent fixture at Yankee Stadium as he sang for the Opening Day, Old Timer's Day, and at least once each time the Yankees made the World Series.

Known for her coloratura soprano roles, Lily Pons was a French-American opera singer who was born in 1898. While the sound that she created was characterized by its lightness, she was able to hit all the high notes with ease as well.

She sang the role of Lakme in the opera of the same name, and her "Bell Song" is one of the most popular arias in all of opera. The composition is basically about a woman who tries her best to entice a man with the sound of her bell.

Italy has almost always been at the front of the queue when it comes to producing master opera artists, and the inclusion of Claudia Muzio on our list only consolidates the fact.

Born in 1889, she made her operatic debut at the age of just 16 and rose to fame in no time. Since she was the beloved daughter of an operatic stage manager and a choir member, she was exposed to music at an early age.

Muzio, who was known for her fabulous vocal technique and her expressive acting, tragically passed at the age of 47. However, by then, she had cemented her place as one of the greatest female opera singers of all time.

German tenor Fritz Wunderlich, who was born in 1930, is the next legend to make it to our compilation. Born to a violinist and a choirmaster, he was exposed to the art of music at a very young age, and it was in the 1960s when his career started to flourish dramatically.

Known for his exceptionally beautiful voice, he had a stage presence and charisma that was difficult to ignore. Unfortunately, the man met his demise at the age of 66. But, he left behind a legacy as one of the greatest opera artists to have ever been on stage.

The late great Turkish soprano Leyla Gencer was one of the most acclaimed opera singers of her time. Known for her powerful and expressive voice, she was able to bring even the most complex characters to life with utmost grace.

While her most notable performance is "La Danza" from Rossini's Les soirées musicales collection, it's a fact that they were always filled with emotion. That said, it is difficult to deny that she has an incredible vocal range and dramatic ability.

Nellie Melba's success was important because she was the first Australian to experience international fame on the operatic stage or, in fact, in any classical music format. A soprano who performed during the Victorian era, she began learning music at a young age.

After having moved to Paris and been tutored by a German singer named Mathilde Marchesi, she excelled quickly and professionally. She was the first international singer to have a starring role in a radio program and had famous roles in "Romeo and Juliet", "Pagliacci", and "Lucia Di Lammermoor." Before having become one of the most famous opera singers, she had scored a ten-year contract to sing in Paris.

Originally from just outside Chicago, Sherrill Milnes was a principal baritone at the Metropolitan Opera for more than three solid decades. During his time there, he went on to create numerous roles.

Inarguably one of the finest baritones ever on the opera stage, he has sung more than 50 roles in total, including six in Puccini operas and a staggering 17 by Verdi.

Milnes, who gained acclaim for his performance at the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty in New York, opened a non-profit organization to train young singers along with his beloved wife in 2001.

Unfortunately, not a lot of people know about Beniamino Gigli today, possibly because he did not record nearly as much as his compatriot and predecessor Enrico Caruso. However, opera historians would be well aware of the fact that he made his debut at opera houses throughout Italy, including Las Scala, Palermo, Naples, and Rome, between 1914 and 1920.

Rumoured to be Benito Mussolini's one true favourite, he also performed in Buenos Aires and New York City. Following the culmination of the Second World War, Gigli decided to face the microphone for concerts and operas once again.

Add to that the fact that he made appearances in more than 20 movies after the war.

Jussi Bjorling was one of the most popular opera singers during the years leading up to the Second World War. Since he was born into a singing family, he grew up confident enough to make his debut at the Royal Swedish Opera before he turned 20.

Credited with singing more than 50 roles in eight years with his national opera company, the artist is also known to have sung for the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, and Chicago Opera, respectively.

Named a Royal Court Singer by King Gustaf V of Sweden, he returned to American opera houses after the dreadful war came to an end.

Born in Venice and nurtured under the protection of the aristocratic brother composers Alessandro and Benedetto Marcello, Faustina Bordoni made her operatic debut in Venice in 1716 in Carlo Francesco Pollarolo's Ariodante.

Her singing was guided by music composer Michelangelo Gasparini and she was in the service of the Elector Palatine for several years of her life. A legend from the days of Handel, Bordoni continued to sing in her home city until 1725 and her legacy is imprinted on opera history thanks to her fervent following.

Unfortunately for genuine opera fans across the globe, not many recordings of her are available in the real world today.