Which pop artist popularized the use of auto-tune in their music?

The artist who popularized the use of auto-tune in their music is Cher, particularly with her hit song "Believe" released in 1998. This song showcased a distinctive vocal effect that created an electronic, robotic quality to Cher's voice, which was achieved through the innovative use of auto-tune. This technique became a hallmark sound in pop music and influenced many artists in the years following its release, demonstrating how technology could transform vocals in mainstream music. Cher's successful integration of auto-tune helped to validate its use as a creative tool in the industry, making her a pivotal figure in its popularization.