BTS is the IFPI's Global Recording Artist of the Year for 2021, Taylor Swift, Adele, SEVENTEEN, and more round up the Top 10

BTS is the IFPI's Global Recording Artist of the Year for 2021, Taylor Swift, Adele, SEVENTEEN, and more round up the Top 10

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The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) just announced the top recording acts in the world.

Taking the top spot for the second consecutive year are global superstars, BTS. The feat makes the GRAMMY-nominated group the first act in history to be IFPI's Global Recording Artist of the Year for 2 years in a row.

Despite not releasing any full-length studio albums last year, the South Korean act remains the top recording artist in 2021 – with their record-breaking hit singles 'Butter' and 'Permission To Dance,' plus Japanese compilation album BTS, THE BEST.

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In a statement, IFPI chief executive Frances Moore shares: β€œBTS’ phenomenal success over the last year is a testament to their creativity, hard work and ongoing commitment to continuing to find ways to bring their music to the world."Β 

β€œBy performing in three different languages, they demonstrate their extraordinarily unique global appeal, and their dynamic and passionate fan base has helped to make them the first artists in history to top the Global Artist Chart in two consecutive years," Moore adds.

In a video message, the 'Dynamite' act sent their thanks to everyone who supported them throughout the year, especially ARMY.

Taylor Swift, who started releasing re-recordings of her old albums dubbed as Taylor's Versions, takes second place for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the 'All Too Well' singer dropped her re-recorded versions of her best-selling albums Fearless and RED.Β 

In third is Adele, who made her highly-anticipated return with her latest studio album, 30. Dubbed as her most personal album yet, the singer-songwriter's first full-length release since 2015's 25, has been named one of the Best Albums of 2021.

Drake celebrates is in sixth place with the release of his sixth studio album, Certified Lover Boy. This is the Canadian rapper's seventh consecutive year in the top 10.

Ed Sheeran returns in fifth place with his fourth studio album, = ("equals"). It's the UK singer-songwriter's first full-length release since 2017.

Back in the top 10 in sixth place is The Weeknd with his critically acclaimed headlining performances and the success of his 2020 album, After Hours and 2021 compilation album, The Highlights.

On her third year in the top 10, Billie Eilish comes in at seventh place with her sophomore album, Happier Ever After.

Global pop star Justin Bieber is in the top 10 for the second consecutive year, landing at number 8 with a string of hit singles and his sixth studio album, Justice.

Making their first appearance in the IFPI chart are K-pop stars SEVENTEEN. In 2021, the multi-million sellers dropped two EPs - Your ChoiceΒ and Attacca - alongside their Japanese singles 'Not Alone' and 'Power of Love'.

Rounding up the top 10 is breakout pop star Olivia Rodrigo. With her critically-acclaimed debut album SOUR, the 'Driver's License' singer-songwriter has garnered numerous awards and 7 GRAMMY nominations for 2022.