BTS named Global Recording Artist of 2020

BTS becomes the first South Korean and Asian winner of the award

K-pop group BTS (provided by Big Hit Entertainment)

K-pop group BTS was named Global Recording Artist of the Year by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

The IFPI announced Wednesday the results of its Global Artist selections for 2020 through its official webpage and social media. Since the IFPI first began selecting “Global Artists” from among world pop acts in 2013, this is the first time that a recording act from South Korea — or Asia — has come out ahead of mainstream acts from the Anglophone world.

In a statement, the IFPI said that BTS had been selected as the #1 Global Recording Artist of the Year for 2020 based on its musical achievements over the past year.

“BTS are a global phenomenon,” IFPI Chief Executive Frances Moore was quoted as saying.

“They have had another outstanding year, releasing three albums, and continually finding creative and engaging ways to share their story with the world. They truly show the power that music has to bring joy and happiness to people the world over,” she added.

BTS enjoyed worldwide popularity last year, topping the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with their songs “Dynamite” and “Life Goes On.”

US pop singer Taylor Swift was named the #2 Global Recording Artist of the Year, while Canadian rapper Drake finished at #3. Rounding out the top ten were The Weeknd at #4, Billie Eilish at #5, Eminem at #6, Post Malone at #7, Ariana Grande at #8, Juice WRLD at #9, and Justin Bieber at #10.

The IFPI annually selects a Global Recording Artist of the Year based on global album sales, digital downloads, and audio/video streaming numbers. The past #1 recording acts have all hailed from English-speaking countries, including One Direction in 2013, Taylor Swift in 2014 and 2019, Adele in 2015, Drake in 2016 and 2018, Ed Sheeran in 2017.

BTS previously finished at #2 in the 2018 rankings and #7 in the 2019 rankings. It is the first recording act outside the Anglophone world to finish in the top ten for three years straight.

Many are now watching to see whether BTS’ selection as Global Recording Artist of the Year will have a positive effect when the Grammys are awarded. The group is nominated in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category for “Dynamite.”

The Grammy Awards ceremony takes place on Sunday.

By Suh Jung-min, music correspondent

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