NEWS STORY: Rob Halford Crowned Greatest Metal Vocalist of All Time by Rolling Stone, Netflix, and Metal Hammer
LONDON, UK – June 26, 2025
Rob Halford, the legendary frontman of Judas Priest, has officially been crowned the Greatest Metal Vocalist of All Time, receiving the rare honor from a trio of powerhouse platforms—Rolling Stone, Netflix, and Metal Hammer.
The announcement was made during a joint broadcast event streamed globally, coinciding with the launch of Netflix’s highly anticipated documentary Metal Voices: Beyond the Screams. Halford, widely revered as the “Metal God,” topped fan and critic polls across all platforms, securing his place in the pantheon of music legends.
> “To be honored by the fans, by critics, and by three iconic platforms… I’m speechless,” Halford said during a special appearance in London. “This voice was born in the Black Country, but it belongs to every metalhead on the planet.”
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🏆 The Honors Breakdown
Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Halford #1 in its latest 100 Greatest Rock & Metal Singers list, praising his unmatched range, theatricality, and influence.
Netflix polled over 2.5 million viewers during the rollout of its new docuseries, with Halford receiving 63% of total votes for “Most Iconic Voice in Metal.”
Metal Hammer readers voted over eight weeks, crowning Halford ahead of Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Ronnie James Dio, and James Hetfield (Metallica).
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🎤 Why Halford Reigns Supreme
A four-octave range, featuring operatic highs and guttural growls.
An image that redefined the genre—leather, studs, and motorcycles.
An LGBTQ+ trailblazer who shattered stereotypes in a traditionally macho scene.
Over 50 years of consistent touring, recording, and electrifying performances.
“Rob’s voice isn’t just powerful—it’s eternal,” said Metal Hammer editor Marcus Dawson. “He didn’t just influence metal—he is metal.”
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🤘 Tributes Pour In
Ozzy Osbourne: “Rob deserves it. He’s the baddest voice in metal—always has been.”
Bruce Dickinson: “If I’m #2, I’m honored to be behind Rob Halford.”
Lzzy Hale (Halestorm): “Rob showed me how to be loud and fearless. He’s the reason I sing the way I do.”
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🔮 What’s Next?
Despite the accolades, Halford shows no signs of slowing down. Judas Priest is in the middle of their Invincible Shield World Tour, and Halford has teased another studio album by 2026.
> “I’m not done yet,” Halford told the roaring crowd at Wembley Arena. “This voice will scream until I’m 110—and probably beyond.”