Final answer:
Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran qualify as singer-songwriters because they write their own music and embody the personal storytelling aspect of the genre. Justin Bieber and Beyoncé, while talented, are recognized for other aspects of their music careers more than for songwriting.
Step-by-step explanation:
To qualify as a singer-songwriter today, an artist must engage in both writing their own songs and performing them. In this context, artists like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran clearly fit the definition. Taylor Swift is known for her narrative songwriting that often draws from personal experiences, while Ed Sheeran is recognized for his storytelling in songs coupled with his exceptional guitar skills. Both artists create original music that resonates with broad audiences and showcases their individual artistry.
While Justin Bieber and Beyoncé are undoubtedly talented artists, they are usually not categorized primarily as singer-songwriters. Bieber is known for his unique vocal style and catchy melodies, often collaborating with other songwriters and producers, and Beyoncé is acclaimed for her powerful stage presence and dance moves. Their careers, while encompassing songwriting at times, are more complex, involving multifaceted performances and productions.
Thus, if we were to choose a singer-songwriter from the options provided, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran would be the most accurate selections due to their strong songwriting skills and the central role songwriting plays in their musical careers.