British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran was named the world's best-selling artist of 2017 on Monday (Feb 26), thanks to his album "Divide" and singles "Shape of You" and "Perfect."
Ed Sheeran has officially been declared the world's best-selling recording artist of 2017. The Shape of You singer was given the title by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) - something that comes as no surprise considering the year in music he had.
Sheeran ruled 2017 with hit singles like "Shape of You," "Castle on the Hill" and "Perfect." Coming in behind Sheeran was Drake - he earned the number one title in 2016 - and Taylor Swift ranked third.
According to a press release from the IFPI, Divide was the global best-selling album of 2017 and was certified platinum in 36 markets, and "Shape of You" was the international best-selling single that was deemed multiplatinum in 32 markets.
This is the first time the IFPI Global Recording Artist of the Year simultaneously has the best-selling record and single of the year.
The IFPI chart uses sales of albums across digital, CD and vinyl formats, downloaded and physical singles and on-demand audio streams throughout an entire year to determine the best-selling recording artist title. With album equivalent units, downloads, streams and physical sales help determine the IFPI chart.
Sheeran is the fifth artist to receive the IFPI Global Recording Artist of the Year Award. Previous winners include One Direction (2013), Taylor Swift (2014), Adele (2015) and Drake (2016).
The 2017 list of top 10 global recording artists below.
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
