The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) announced that BTS has earned the title of global recording artist for 2021. This makes BTS the first group in history to win the award for two consecutive years.
Without releasing a full-length studio album in 2021, the legendary South Korean act remains as the top recording artist for the year. In 2021, they released chart topping singles Butter and Permission to Dance, and their Japanese compilation album BTS, THE BEST.
The IFPI reported that the award is the sum of a group or artist’s worldwide performance, accounting for digital and physical formats across their entire discography.
IFPI chief executive, Frances Moore, praised BTS saying that the group’s “phenomenal success over the last year is testament to their creativity, hard work and ongoing commitment to continuing to find ways to bring their music to the world.”
Through a video message, the seven piece boy group expressed thanks to everyone who supported them, especially the ARMY.
The top five of the list includes Taylor Swift, Adele, Drake, and Ed Sheeran. The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, SEVENTEEN, and Olivia Rodrigo also landed within the IFPI’s top 10.
The “BTS Permission to Dance on Stage-Seoul” will be held on March 10, 12, and 13 at the Olympic Stadium. BTS will also be performing four shows at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas this coming April.