Pop star Taylor Swift has been crowned the biggest-selling global artist of the year for the sixth time.
It is the fourth consecutive year the Shake It Off singer has topped IFPI’s Global Artist Chart. She previously claimed the title in 2014 and 2019. IFPI represents the recorded music industry worldwide.
The honour follows the October release of Swift’s 12th studio album, The Life Of A Showgirl, which went on to secure the biggest opening week of the year and her career.
The album also offered an insight into her romance with NFL star Travis Kelce, who she got engaged to in August, with the announcement making global headlines.
Taylor Swift named Global Artist of the Year for a sixth time
The record was accompanied by a cinematic event, The Official Release Of A Showgirl, which featured the world premiere of the music video for lead single The Fate Of Ophelia, as well as behind-the-scenes footage of how it was made.
Swift also released The End Of An Era tour docuseries on Disney+ in December.
The singer kicked off the new year with the release of her single Opalite accompanied by a star-studded music video featuring actors Domhnall Gleeson and Cillian Murphy, singer Lewis Capaldi and TV presenter Graham Norton.
Actors Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith also starred in the music video, which Swift said was inspired by the group’s appearance on The Graham Norton Show last year.
Domhnall Gleeson stars alongside Taylor Swift in the music video for her single, Opalite
Victoria Oakley, chief executive of IFPI, said: “Taylor Swift’s sixth IFPI Global Artist of the Year award is a truly historic achievement.
“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.”
In second place was Korean group Stray Kids, who achieved their highest ever ranking and marked their third consecutive year in the global top five.
Bad Bunny placed at number five and joined a select group of artists, including Swift, Drake, Seventeen, The Weeknd and Eminem, who have appeared on the chart each year over the past five years.
Lady Gaga returned to the chart for the first time since 2020, placing at number 10. Ed Sheeran also returned at number 18, followed by SZA at 19 and Justin Bieber at 20. Tyler, The Creator made his first appearance at number 12, with Japanese rock band Mrs. Green Apple at 13.
IFPI’s top 20 global artist chart for 2025:
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
Source: Press Association