In a landmark victory that signals the evolving landscape of heavy metal, Suzuka Nakamoto (Su-metal) of BABYMETAL has been named Female Metal Singer of 2024, securing an impressive 39.34% of votes in a global poll that drew nearly 100,000 participants.
The 27-year-old vocalist’s triumph marks a significant moment in metal history, as she outperformed some of the genre’s most renowned artists, including symphonic metal legends Tarja Turunen and Floor Jansen, who claimed second and third places respectively.
The poll results revealed strong support for Nakamoto, with 38,498 votes cast in her favor from a total of 97,905 participants. Former Nightwish vocalist Tarja Turunen secured second place with 19.45% of votes, while current Nightwish frontwoman Floor Jansen followed with 13.51%.
Breaking Barriers in Metal
Nakamoto’s victory represents more than just personal achievement; it symbolizes the growing acceptance of fusion genres in metal music. As the face of BABYMETAL, she has been instrumental in pioneering "kawaii metal," a genre that combines heavy metal’s intensity with Japanese pop’s melodic elements.
Top Five Rankings
- Suzuka Nakamoto (BABYMETAL) – 39.34%
- Tarja Turunen (Solo artist) – 19.45%
- Floor Jansen (Nightwish) – 13.51%
- Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy) – 6.94%
- Amy Lee (Evanescence) – 4.58%
Impact and Legacy
Since BABYMETAL’s formation in 2010, Nakamoto has helped reshape perceptions of what metal music can be. Her vocal versatility has earned her respect from both traditional metal audiences and newcomers to the genre.
The recognition comes at a time when BABYMETAL continues to expand their global influence, regularly headlining major festivals and selling out venues worldwide. Their unique approach to metal has inspired numerous artists and helped bridge the gap between Eastern and Western metal scenes.
As metal music continues to evolve, Nakamoto’s achievement highlights the genre’s growing inclusivity and willingness to embrace diverse musical influences. Her success paves the way for future artists who dare to challenge traditional metal conventions while maintaining the genre’s core intensity and power.
