17 Powerfully Beautiful Celebrity Women Mainstream Media Needs To Stop Sleeping On

There's room for more than one black woman, too.

When it comes to black women celebrities, there seems to be an unspoken "there can only be one" rule that doesn't apply to their white peers. Year after year, mainstream media rotates the same black celebs for awards, magazine covers, and major campaigns.

And while black women LOVE us some RiRi, Kerry, Yoncé, and Lupita, we recognize that there are so many other queens out here putting in work and representing the limitless faces of black girl beauty.

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Like who? Glad you asked!

1. Janelle Monae

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Singer, songwriter, activist — and she photographs like THIS! What more do you want?!

2. Danielle Brooks

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But get into this face tho 😩🙌. Danielle Brooks kills it on Orange Is the New Black, and she recently proved that she's a Broadway natural in The Color Purple, too!

3. Jhene Aiko

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Aiko's sweet voice and way with words just make everything better — even bloody crime scenes. And don't even get us started on these cheekbones and brows.

4. Regina Hall

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Black women looove Regina Hall, and we just want the whole world to see why. The gorgeous 45-year-old actress has starred in all of our faves — like The Best Man, Think Like a Man, and Barbershop: The Next Cut.

5. Shingai Shoniwa

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Oh hey, fashion mags. Here's your muse, lead singer of the Noisettes, lookin' FLAWLESS and ready to slay. And to think that her voice is just as beautiful as her presence. We bow down!

6. Teyonah Parris

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Her hair is glory, her skin is a dream, and her style is impeccable. She's also a brilliant actress, nailing standout roles in Dear White People and Survivor's Remorse.

7. Fantasia

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This American Idol's soulful grunts, riffs, and runs are unmatched. Let's not forget that she's also stunning, and she rocks short hair like no other. Stop sleeping on 'Tasia!

*strengthens edges in preparation for her tour with Anthony Hamilton*

8. Jazmine Sullivan

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The Vocal Bible said she "feels God" when Jazmine sings, and Queen Bey literally stopped mid-show to crown Jaz "one of the best." What other co-signs do y'all need to realize this greatness? Also, she has BAWDY and curves for days!

9. Sevyn Streeter

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Sevyn Streeter has written hits for Ariana Grande ("The Way"), Kelly Rowland ("Keep it Between Us"), Chris Brown ("Fine China"), and other major artists. And every time she sings we get to relive the glory days of late '90s and early '00s R&B. Her fresh swag is just an added bonus!

10. Esperanza Spalding

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You remember, Esperanza, right? The genius singer and instrumentalist who beat out Bieber for Best New Artist at the Grammys that one time? Of course you do because such talent and beauty are simply unforgettable!

11. Danai Gurira

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Loc-wearing, zombie-fighting black woman on TV's highest-rated series in history, The Walking Dead? Check. Writer of Lupita-starring Broadway play Eclipsed? Check. Fro that stays on glisten? Check.

12. Andra Day

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Anyone who cries while singing "Rise Up" and manages to flawlessly deliver every note AND keep her cat eye from smudging deserves our endless love and devotion. Period.

13. Chrisette Michele

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Chrisette Michele's voice is proof that Billie, Ella, and Sarah live on. She's a vocal SLAYERRR! Imagine this hair, with this face, and these tats in a major beauty campaign.

14. Dawn Richard

Jonathan Leibson

The indie artist survived Diddy's Making the Band, she consistently charts in the U.S. and abroad as a solo artist, and she does what the hell she wants when it comes to fashion and beauty. Yea, she's basically a superhero.

15. K. Michelle

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So not only has K. Michelle dropped three R&B Billboard chart–topping albums, but she's done so while navigating the tricky world of reality TV. Plus she's GORGE, annnd she freakin' yodels, people!

16. Shanola Hampton

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Shanola Hampton is going on her sixth season of Shameless, playing the unapologetically sexy Veronica. Her smile is a work of perfection, and these locs just give us everlasting life.

17. Keke Palmer

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Keke Palmer is a multi-threat! She so naturally slayed Cinderella on Broadway, and she was a major standout in Grease: Live. The 22-year-old star also sings (and actually does it well), and she can dance her ass off!

There's room for more than one black woman at the top!

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