John MarshallWe can all agree last year was a big year for Ed Sheeran, but now, he’s got the title to prove it.
The singer was officially the number one global recording artist of 2017, according to the Intentional Federation of the Phonographic Industry, or IFPI. He received the designation thanks to the record-breaking success of his album ÷ (Divide) and the hit singles it produced, including “Shape of You,” “Castle on the Hill,” “Galway Girl” and “Perfect.”
Ed takes over the number one spot from Drake, who held the position for 2016. Drake moves to number two on the list, followed by Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar and Eminem.
The list reflects an artist’s worldwide popularity across physical formats, downloads and streams.
Here is the IFPI’s ranking of the top 10 global recording artists of 2017:
1. Ed Sheeran
2. Drake
3. Taylor Swift
4. Kendrick Lamar
5. Eminem
6. Bruno Mars
7. The Weeknd
8. Imagine Dragons
9. Linkin Park
10. The Chainsmokers
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