Taylor Swift has once again proven her dominance in the global music scene, securing the prestigious IFPI Global Artist of the Year award for a remarkable sixth time. This latest accolade marks her fourth consecutive year at the pinnacle of this chart, a testament to her enduring popularity and influence. Swift previously held this esteemed title in 2019 and 2014, further solidifying her place in music history.
The achievement arrives hot on the heels of her 12th studio album, The Life Of A Showgirl, released in October. The album shattered records from its inception, boasting the biggest opening week of the year and becoming the most successful launch of Swift’s illustrious career. Fans were treated to an intimate glimpse into her personal life with the album, which alluded to her highly publicised romance with NFL star Travis Kelce. Their reported engagement in August had already captured global attention.
Complementing the album’s release was a significant cinematic event, The Official Release Of A Showgirl. This project featured the highly anticipated world premiere of the lead single’s music video, The Fate Of Ophelia, and offered viewers exclusive behind-the-scenes footage. Swift continued to expand her multimedia empire with The End Of An Era tour docuseries, which premiered on Disney+ in December, providing fans with an in-depth look at her record-breaking tour.
Kicking off the new year with a bang, Swift reclaimed the top spot on the UK singles charts. Her track Opalite became her sixth number-one single, propelled by a star-studded music video. The visual spectacle featured a constellation of notable personalities, including Irish actor Cillian Murphy, Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi, and beloved TV presenter Graham Norton. Adding to the impressive lineup were actors Domhnall Gleeson, Greta Lee, and Jodie Turner-Smith. Swift revealed that the music video drew inspiration from the cast’s appearance on The Graham Norton Show the previous year.
Victoria Oakley, chief executive of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), lauded Swift’s achievement. “Taylor Swift’s sixth IFPI Global Artist of the Year award is a truly historic achievement,” Oakley stated. “The IFPI Global Artist Chart is comprised of remarkable artists across the globe and also represents the teams and long-term commitment behind each release, ensuring fans around the world can connect with music in meaningful ways.”
Global Artist Chart Standouts
The IFPI Global Artist Chart, which ranks artists based on their worldwide performance across all formats, saw several other prominent musicians making their mark.
Stray Kids secured the second position, marking their highest-ever ranking on the chart and their third consecutive year within the global top five. The South Korean group continues to demonstrate significant international appeal.
Drake and The Weeknd also featured prominently in the top ranks, underscoring their sustained global popularity.
Bad Bunny, the Grammy-award winning Puerto Rican rapper, landed at number five. He joins an elite group of artists, including Swift, Drake, Seventeen, The Weeknd, and Eminem, who have consistently appeared on the chart for the past five consecutive years. This longevity highlights their enduring impact on the music landscape.
A number of familiar faces also made a strong return to the chart:
Lady Gaga, the powerhouse behind hits like Born This Way, rejoined the chart at number 10, her first appearance since 2020.
Ed Sheeran, the globally celebrated singer-songwriter known for Shape Of You, returned to the chart at number 18.
SZA, the acclaimed US singer-songwriter, secured the 19th spot.
Justin Bieber, the Canadian pop sensation, rounded out the top 20 at number 20.
The chart also welcomed new entrants who made a significant impact:
Tyler, The Creator, the innovative US rapper, made his debut on the chart at number 12.
Mrs. Green Apple, a popular Japanese rock band, entered the rankings at number 13.
The IFPI Top 20 Global Artists of 2025
The full IFPI top 20 global artist chart for 2025, reflecting a diverse array of talent and genres, is as follows:
- Taylor Swift
- Stray Kids
- Drake
- The Weeknd
- Bad Bunny
- Kendrick Lamar
- Morgan Wallen
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Billie Eilish
- Lady Gaga
- Ariana Grande
- Tyler, The Creator
- Mrs. Green Apple
- Seventeen
- Eminem
- Linkin Park
- Zach Bryan
- Ed Sheeran
- SZA
- Justin Bieber
This comprehensive list showcases the dynamic nature of the global music industry and the artists who are captivating audiences worldwide. Taylor Swift’s continued reign at the top is a clear indicator of her unparalleled connection with fans and her consistent ability to deliver impactful music and engaging experiences.
