25 musical artists who reinvented themselves mid-career

Miley Cyrus did a major rebrand post-Hannah Montana. Her wholesome PG music transitioned into more adult hits and music videos. Today, she’s an authentic and balanced voice in the pop music industry.

The Beatles were originally a touring pop group. However, mid-career, they transitioned into a highly influential, experimental band. In fact, they stopped touring in the mid-60s to focus solely on studio work, creating technologically complex music that would be impossible to perform live.

Legendary pop icon Taylor Swift started her career as a country artist. Since then, she’s embarked on countless “eras” of music, experimenting with indie-folk, alt-rock, and even synth-pop, among others. The singer-songwriter is constantly reinventing herself as an artist. 

David Bowie reinvented himself countless times throughout his career, constantly creating and discarding personas. Think: Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke. His theatrical alter egos and experimentation with different music genres contributed to his ongoing success.

The indie rock, shoegaze band Turnover originally started as an emo, pop-punk group. However, they moved away from those genres with their iconic 2015 album Peripheral Vision. Now, the band doesn’t dare dip their toes back into their earlier discography. To this day, it’s become a long-running joke to request them to play one of their earlier songs, Sasha, live. 

Scott Walker rose to fame when he was part of The Walker Brothers, an American pop group. After leaving, he launched a successful solo career. This transition from teen pop idol to experimental solo artist earned him a massive fanbase and critical acclaim.

Willow Smith has changed her music style quite a few times. Originally, she started as a pop/hip-hop icon. Think: her infamous hit, "Whip My Hair.” Then, she transitioned into a more indie/R&B direction. Now, she’s in her pop-punk/alternative era, which is my personal favorite.

Rihanna can truly do it all—and she’s proven that through all of her eras as an artist. She launched her career in the Caribbean dancehall/reggae genres and eventually evolved into an experimental R&B/pop artist and cultural icon. Now, she dominates as one of the most iconic modern artists in the music industry.

Gwen Stefani is one of the best examples of a popular artist who successfully reinvented herself in music. She launched her career with the ska-punk band No Doubt, where she gained a massive following throughout the 90s. By the early 2000s, the frontwoman decided to embark on a solo career as a pop and dance artist. However, that wasn’t her only transformation. After being introduced to modern country music while working as a coach on NBC’s The Voice and connecting with country star Blake Shelton, Stefani eventually experimented with country pop and soft rock, and even revisited her alternative rock roots.

Another successful pop icon who continuously reinvented herself throughout her music career is Madonna. However, she wouldn’t use that word herself: In a 1998 interview for USA Today, Madonna said, “I am not reinventing myself; I am going through layers and revealing myself. I am on a journey, an adventure that’s constantly changing shape.” From her music style and genre to her aesthetics and fashion choices, the “Queen of Pop”’s evolution will inspire the industry for generations to come.

Perhaps one of the most successful reinventions in modern music is Machine Gun Kelly’s transition from underground rapper to pop-punk/alt-rock star. Along with his music, the singer-songwriter’s grunge style and bold aesthetics also contribute to his lucrative shift. MGK’s evolution has landed him massive commercial success.

Olivia Rodrigo started her music career as a Disney star, but now she’s one of the most famous modern pop-rock icons. Any child actor who becomes a solo artist typically endures a harsh transition. Her most recent album blends pop, indie, rock, and even 80s new wave.

Alanis Morissette has completely reinvented herself multiple times throughout her career. The Canadian-American singer first launched her career as a teen pop star before evolving into an alt-rock icon. Think: her hit song, “Ironic.” In fact, she even gained the title "Queen of Alt-Rock Angst.” Recently, however, she released a more ambient, meditative style of music with her 2022 album (and tenth studio album), The Storm Before the Calm. It seems she’s continuing to show us her many layers.

The Black Eyed Peas are another well-known band that’s evolved through many stages of their music career. Starting as a 1990s alternative hip-hop group, they became well-known 2000s pop stars and, eventually, an EDM-dance group. More recently, they’ve been thriving as a reggaetón-influenced trio, consisting of members will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo. While Fergie was previously an iconic member of the group during their most famous period, she left in 2016.

The Beastie Boys have gone through various transitions throughout their music career. Starting as a punk band in the early 80s and releasing their "frat music" debut, Licensed to Ill, in the late 80s, the group completely reinvented themselves by the early 1990s, becoming a unique, genre-blending hip-hop trio. 

The Beastie Boys weren’t the only hip-hop trio to reinvent themselves. De La Soul broke into the music scene in 1989, earning the title “the hippies of hip-hop.” However, their second album (arguably a nod to their reinvention), De La Soul Is Dead, helped them move away from the brightly colored aesthetics and positive vibes toward darker, more “mature” themes.

Did you know that legendary pop star Katy Perry actually started as a Christian rock artist under her birth name, Katy Hudson? Of course, she completely reinvented herself when releasing her 2008 rock-pop album One of the Boys. The cheeky, provocative party album did wonders in breaking her into the pop music industry, earning her massive recognition as a mainstream artist.

The Bee Gees are another prime example of an ever-evolving band. Starting as a 1960s pop-rock trio, the group eventually transitioned to 1970s disco, which didn't go over well. Chasing commercial success, they once again pivoted toward soft rock and adult-contemporary ballads.

Cher said on CBS Mornings that she sees herself as a “bumper car,” noting that she’s never actually reinvented herself but has remained true to her heart. However, she has certainly pivoted countless times over her decades-long career, experimenting with different genres and styles. In fact, she’s dipped her toes in folk rock, dance-pop, disco, R&B, soul, country rock, and more.

Iconic rock band Genesis has reinvented itself countless times, most notably after drummer Phil Collins took over as vocalist for frontman Peter Gabriel. Starting as a progressive rock band and evolving into a commercially successful pop-rock group, they’ve moved through many stages. 

After an eight-year hiatus from 2010 to 2018, Daughters—which was originally a mathcore group—shocked fans with their album You Won't Get What You Want. Their latest music blends noise rock, industrial rock, and post-punk. This transition has been widely successful.

I think we all remember Carly Rae Jepsen’s break into the music industry with her hit single “Call Me Maybe.” (Or perhaps I am just dating myself by mentioning this.) However, the singer-songwriter has since pivoted from being a one-hit wonder to becoming an indie-pop icon. Jepsen’s music now has that 1980s-infused synth-pop sound we all know and love.

Michael Jackson began his music career as a child star in the Jackson 5, the famous family pop band. Michael was only five years old then. He was still a young teenager when he decided to embark on a solo career (while still performing with the Jackson 5). Eventually, he earned the title “King of Pop.”

The Weeknd (stage name for Abel Tesfaye) originally pursued a music career as an underground R&B artist. However, he eventually evolved into a global, chart-topping pop icon. This transition was incredibly successful for him.

If you’re only familiar with the current version of Poppy, you’d be shocked to learn that she started her music career as a bubblegum pop star. Now, she’s a metal icon experimenting with electric pop and alt-rock. Her current style is considered “post-genre,” letting her express herself more creatively and freely.