Taylor Swift named global artist of the year for fourth time in a row

Taylor Swift has once again cemented her status as the world's biggest-selling artist, claiming the prestigious global title for a sixth time.

This marks the fourth consecutive year the Shake It Off singer has topped the global artist chart, compiled by the IFPI, the body representing the recorded music industry worldwide.

She previously secured the accolade in 2019 and 2014.

The achievement follows the October release of her 12th studio album, The Life Of A Showgirl, which immediately broke records, securing the biggest opening week of the year and the largest of her career.

The record also offered fans a glimpse into her romance with NFL star Travis Kelce, whose engagement to Swift in August generated global headlines.

Accompanying the album was a cinematic event, The Official Release Of A Showgirl, featuring the world premiere of her lead single's music video, The Fate Of Ophelia, alongside behind-the-scenes footage.

Swift further expanded her reach with The End Of An Era tour docuseries, which debuted on Disney+ in December.

The singer kicked off the new year by returning to the top of the UK singles charts, landing her sixth number one single with Opalite following the release of a star-studded music video which featured celebrities including Irish actor Cillian Murphy, Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi and TV presenter Graham Norton.

Actors Domhnall Gleeson, Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith also starred in the music video, which the pop star revealed was inspired by the group’s appearance on The Graham Norton Show last year.

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 on the global artist chart was Korean group Stray Kids, who achieved their highest ever ranking and marked their third consecutive year in the global top five.

Meanwhile, Grammy-award winning rapper 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.

A number of stars also returned to the chart including Born This Way singer Lady Gaga, who joined for the first time since 2020 and placed at number 10.

Shape Of You singer Ed Sheeran also returned to the chart at number 18 followed by US singer-songwriter SZA at 19 and popstar Justin Bieber at number 20.

Meanwhile US rapper Tyler, The Creator made his first appearance on the chart at number 12 followed by Japanese rock band Mrs. Green Apple at number 13.