BTS win 2021 Global Recording Artist of the Year award from IFPI, beating Taylor Swift, Adele, Drake, Ed Sheeran and others

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry praises the K-pop boy band for their ‘creativity, hard work’ and ‘unique global appeal’

They join Drake and Taylor Swift as the only act to win the industry award twice. Also among the 10 best-performing acts of 2021 are K-pop group Seventeen

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(From left) V, Suga, Jin, Jung Kook, RM, Jimin and j-hope, of South Korean boy band BTS, pose as they arrive for the launch of their single album Butter in May 2021, one of the releases that led to their IFPI award. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 11:00pm, 24 Feb 2022Updated: 11:51pm, 24 Feb 2022

Superstar K-pop boy band BTS have won the IFPI’s 2021 Global Recording Artist of the Year award for the second year in a row, the leading music industry organisation announced on Thursday.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry said the South Korean septet received the award based on their worldwide performance across digital and physical music formats and platforms last year.

BTS were the best-performing act globally in 2021, followed by solo artists Taylor Swift and Adele.

“BTS’ 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,” IFPI chief executive Frances Moore said in a statement.

“By 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.

“We would like to wish RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook and all who work on their team huge congratulations on winning the Global Recording Artist of the Year Award and on another year of brilliant success.”