IFPI’s Global Artist Chart 2022

Feb 22

The IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) released the annual list of best-selling artists worldwide in 2022, and Taylor Swift ranks #1 among music’s biggest superstars. Swift released her tenth studio album, Midnights, on October 21st, to massive success and critical acclaim, leading to a sold-out arena tour for 2023, spawning ten top-10 Billboard 100 songs in the same week, and has continued to provide her fans with reasons, whether physical or emotional, to keep Taylor Swift’s name in the public conversation. Especially after Taylor’s failed acquisition of her catalog, I’m sure the Swifties were looking to show out, and this is a testament that they did.

BTS and Drake round out the top three, Bad Bunny comes in at #4, and the Weeknd rounds out the top five at #5. Bad Bunny is the first act recording “primarily in Spanish” to ever rank in the Top Ten of the IFPI. Jay Chou is the first Taiwanese artist to grace the IFPI chart. Pop supergroup BTS, who had previously held the title for two straight years, were joined by SEVENTEEN and Stray Kids to bring the number of Top Ten participants from South Korea to three, who lead all nations in the Top Ten.

Full Top 10:

1: Taylor Swift

2: BTS

3: Drake

4: Bad Bunny

5: The Weeknd

6: SEVENTEEN

7: Stray Kids

8: Harry Styles

9: Jay Chou

10: Ed Sheeran