IFPI Global Artist Chart – Top 10
1. Taylor Swift
2. Ed Sheeran
3. Post Malone
4.Billie Eilish
5. Queen
6. Ariana Grande
7. BTS
8. Drake
9. Lady Gaga
10. The Beatles
Queen has topped The Beatles as one of the biggest recording artists of 2019, named by The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI)
DAILY EXPRESS reports:
10 March 2020 by George Simpson
Queen had quite the year in 2019. Almost 50 years since they first formed and popularity surrounding Queen have skyrocketed. Not only did Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody make over $900 million worldwide, but also won more Oscars than any other movie at the 2019 Academy Awards.
And with such a resurgence in Queen’s music, it should hardly be surprising that the band was the fifth biggest global recording artist of 2019. This was five places above The Beatles and made them top legacy music artist.
Considering Queen haven’t released a studio album in 25 years and only half the band are still active, this really is quite the achievement.
Frances Moore, chief executive of IFPI said:
“The Top 10 showcases some of the brightest and most talented artists from around the world, from newer stars, such as Billie Eilish and BTS, to legacy acts like The Beatles and Queen. This range demonstrates how people’s love of music can be continually ignited by new and diverse artists and yet endures across decades. I congratulate all the artists in the chart.”
The winner is decided by a combination of physical and digital sales figures across 2019. Queen sold an incredible 465,485 albums in Japan last year. While they also sold 102,234 copies of music DVDs and Blu-rays and saw 602,513 downloads.
On the award, Queen guitarist Brian May said:
“Thank you to the RIAJ for once again giving us this very special award. We are proud!!! Domo Arigatou – and Kampai!!! And love to all our wonderful Japanese fans and friends.”