50 Music Stars Trivia Questions and Answers: Can You Score 40/50?

You probably know their biggest songs—but how much do you really know about the stars behind the music?

This 50-question music stars trivia quiz covers legendary singers, pop icons, rock frontmen, country superstars, and a few artists only serious music fans will know.

The opening round should be fairly easy, but don’t get too comfortable. Every round gets tougher, and the final ten questions could keep you out of the Music Hall of Fame.

Grab something to keep score, answer each question before checking the answer key, and see how many music stars you truly know.

Round 1: Famous Music Stars

Let’s begin with ten artists nearly everyone should recognize.

1. Which singer recorded the hit song “Billie Jean”?

2. Which music star is commonly known as the Queen of Pop?

3. Who recorded the hits “Poker Face” and “Bad Romance”?

4. Which singer released “Shake It Off” in 2014?

5. Who sang the classic hit “Rocket Man”?

6. Which country music legend recorded “Jolene”?

7. Who was the lead singer of Queen?

8. Which singer was famously nicknamed the Man in Black?

9. Who recorded the hit song “Umbrella” with Jay-Z?

10. Which British singer released both “Hello” and “Someone Like You”?

Round 2: Pop and Rock Icons

You survived the warm-up. Now it is time to dig a little deeper.

11. Which girl group launched Beyoncé to fame?

12. Justin Timberlake was a member of which boy band?

13. What was the title of Britney Spears’ debut single?

14. Which singer-songwriter is known as the Piano Man?

15. Which music star created the album and film Purple Rain?

16. Who recorded “Born in the U.S.A.”?

17. Which Fleetwood Mac member sang the lead vocals on “Dreams”?

18. Who wrote and originally recorded “I Will Always Love You” before Whitney Houston released her version?

19. Which legendary singer was known as the Queen of Soul?

20. Ann and Nancy Wilson are the two best-known members of which rock band?

Round 3: Behind the Music

This round is about real names, former bands, famous characters, and unexpected facts.

21. What was the name of David Bowie’s famous alien rock-star alter ego?

22. What is Lady Gaga’s real name?

23. What is Bruno Mars’ real name?

24. On which Caribbean island was Rihanna born?

25. Which country music superstar released an album as the fictional rock star Chris Gaines?

26. Which Amy Winehouse album includes “Rehab” and “You Know I’m No Good”?

27. Ariana Grande played Cat Valentine on which Nickelodeon television series?

28. What is the name of the lead singer of the band Sade?

29. Which Nirvana member wrote and sang “Smells Like Teen Spirit”?

30. Who was the lead singer of Led Zeppelin?

Round 4: Legendary Voices

These artists helped shape rock, soul, country, blues, and pop music.

31. Which country music legend wrote “Crazy,” the song made famous by Patsy Cline?

32. Which Otis Redding song became the first posthumous No. 1 single in United States chart history?

33. Which singer performed “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic?

34. Which Ray Charles recording became the official state song of Georgia?

35. Before becoming a solo star, Janis Joplin fronted which band?

36. Which guitarist performed a famous interpretation of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock?

37. Which country singer is commonly called the King of Country?

38. Which autobiographical song became a signature hit for Loretta Lynn?

39. What is the name of Dolly Parton’s theme park in Tennessee?

40. Which performer became known as the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll?

Round 5: Music Stars Expert Round

No freebies remain. A perfect score in this round earns serious bragging rights.

41. What was Freddie Mercury’s birth name?

42. What was Katy Perry’s birth name?

43. Cher first became famous as one half of which musical duo?

44. What is the name of Billie Eilish’s brother and frequent songwriting partner?

45. Which two brothers founded AC/DC?

46. Which Michael Jackson album remains one of the best-selling albums in music history and includes “Beat It” and “Billie Jean”?

47. What was Shania Twain’s birth name?

48. What was Elton John’s birth name?

49. What is the title of Johnny Cash’s famous 1968 live album recorded inside a California prison?

50. Which music superstar secretly wrote the Bangles hit “Manic Monday” under the pseudonym Christopher?

Count up your correct answers and find your place in the music world:

• 0–10: Opening Act — At least you made it onto the poster.

• 11–20: Garage Band Regular — There is potential, but rehearsal starts Monday.

• 21–30: Chart Climber — Your music knowledge is beginning to make some noise.

• 31–40: Festival Headliner — You know far more about music stars than the average fan.

• 41–47: Music Hall of Famer — That was an impressive performance.

• 48–50: The Human Jukebox — Either you are a music historian or you have been preparing for this moment your entire life.

Post your score in the comments—but don’t spoil the answers for everyone else!

If you enjoyed this quiz, explore more music trivia challenges from Mr. Baldman and put your knowledge of songs, bands, albums, and legendary artists to the test.