Top Female Artists by Year:
Top Female Artists of the last 20 Years, according to Billboard Year-End Artists Lists.
1993: Janet Jackson
1994: Mariah Carey
1995: Sheryl Crow (TLC was higher overall, but counted for Groups/Duos, instead of Females)
1997: LeAnn Rimes
1998: Shania Twain
1999: Britney Spears (TLC was #1 overall, but counted for Groups/Duos, not Females)
2000: Christina Aguilera (Destiny's Child was #1 overall, but not counted for Females, counted for 'Groups/Duos' instead.)
2001: Jennifer Lopez (Again, Destiny's Child was #1 overall, but not counted for Females, counted for 'Groups/Duos' instead.)
2002: Ashanti
2003: Christina Aguilera
2004: Alicia Keys
2005: Kelly Clarkson
2006: Rihanna
2007: Fergie
2008: Rihanna
2009: Taylor Swift
2010: Lady Gaga
2011: Adele
2012: Adele
2013: Taylor Swift