Various music journalists, critical theorists, and authors have deemed <answer>Madonna</answer> the most influential female recording artist of all time. Author Carol Clerk wrote that "during her career, <answer>Madonna</answer> has transcended the term 'pop star' to become a global cultural icon." Rolling Stone of Spain wrote that "She became the first viral Master of Pop in history, years before the Internet was massively used. <answer>Madonna</answer> was everywhere; in the almighty music television channels, 'radio formulas', magazine covers and even in bookshops. A pop dialectic, never seen since The Beatles's reign, which allowed her to keep on the edge of tendency and commerciality." Laura Barcella in her book <answer>Madonna</answer> and Me: Women Writers on the Queen of Pop (2012) wrote that "really, <answer>Madonna</answer> changed everything the musical landscape, the '80s look du jour, and most significantly, what a mainstream female pop star could (and couldn't) say, do, or accomplish in the public eye." William Langley from The Daily Telegraph felt that "<answer>Madonna</answer> has changed the world's social history, has done more things as more different people than anyone else is ever likely to." Alan McGee from The Guardian felt that <answer>Madonna</answer> is a post-modern art, the likes of which we will never see again. He further asserted that <answer>Madonna</answer> and Michael Jackson invented the terms Queen and King of Pop.
Who is the most influential recording artist of all time?
Madonna