Taylor Swift has done it again! For the sixth time, she’s been crowned the Global Artist of the Year, solidifying her reign as one of the most dominant forces in music. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: this marks her fourth consecutive year at the top of the IFPI Global Artist Chart, a feat that’s as rare as it is remarkable. If you’re wondering, IFPI is the big league—representing the recorded music industry worldwide. So, this isn’t just any award; it’s the gold standard.
What’s fueling this unstoppable momentum? Well, Swift’s 12th studio album, *The Life of a Showgirl*, dropped in October and shattered records with the biggest opening week of her career. And this is the part most people miss: the album also gave fans a glimpse into her high-profile romance with NFL star Travis Kelce, who she got engaged to in August. Talk about blending music and headlines!
But Swift didn’t stop there. She paired the album release with a cinematic event, The Official Release of a Showgirl, featuring the world premiere of her music video for The Fate of Ophelia and behind-the-scenes footage. Then, in December, she dropped The End of an Era tour docuseries on Disney+, giving fans an intimate look at her life on the road.
Kicking off 2026, Swift released her single Opalite, accompanied by a star-studded music video featuring actors like Domhnall Gleeson, Cillian Murphy, and Greta Lee, alongside singer Lewis Capaldi and TV presenter Graham Norton. Fun fact: Swift said the video was inspired by the group’s appearance on The Graham Norton Show last year. Talk about full-circle moments!
Victoria Oakley, IFPI’s chief executive, called Swift’s achievement ‘truly historic,’ and she’s not wrong. The IFPI chart isn’t just about artists—it’s a nod to the teams and long-term commitment behind every release, ensuring fans worldwide can connect with music in meaningful ways. But here’s a thought: with Swift’s dominance, are we witnessing the peak of her career, or is there still more to come? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Meanwhile, the rest of the chart is no less exciting. Korean group Stray Kids snagged second place, their highest ranking yet and their third consecutive year in the global top five. Bad Bunny landed at number five, joining an elite group of artists—including Swift, Drake, and The Weeknd—who’ve appeared on the chart every year for the past five years. Lady Gaga made a triumphant return at number 10, while Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber also reclaimed spots at 18 and 20, respectively. Newcomers like Tyler, The Creator (number 12) and Japanese rock band Mrs. Green Apple (number 13) prove the chart is as diverse as ever.
Here’s the full IFPI Top 20 Global Artist Chart for 2025:
1. Taylor Swift
2. Stray Kids
3. Drake
4. The Weeknd
5. Bad Bunny
6. Kendrick Lamar
7. Morgan Wallen
8. Sabrina Carpenter
9. Billie Eilish
10. Lady Gaga
11. Ariana Grande
12. Tyler, The Creator
13. Mrs. Green Apple
14. Seventeen
15. Eminem
16. Linkin Park
17. Zach Bryan
18. Ed Sheeran
19. SZA
20. Justin Bieber
Controversial question: With Swift’s repeated dominance, is the music industry becoming too predictable, or is she simply in a league of her own? Share your thoughts below!
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