Ed Sheeran named best-selling global artist of 2017

Ed Sheeran has another reason to celebrate as he scored pole position on a list naming the top-selling musicians in the world over the past year.

The Shape Of You singer has been named the best-selling global recording artist for 2017 by the International Federation Of The Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

The 27-year-old is the only British musician to feature in the top-10 compiled by the international music trade body.

His third studio album, Divide, was released in March last year and has been classified as multi-platinum in 32 markets, the IFPI reported.

Sheeran has become the first artist on the list to claim a double whammy by having the best-selling album and best-selling single of the year.

The IFPI says the accolade reflects “an artist’s worldwide success across digital and physical music formats, from streams to vinyl”.

Warner Bros’ chief executive of recorded music, Max Lousada, who is also the chairman and chief executive of Warner Music UK, said: “Being crowned the biggest star in the world, with the biggest song and biggest album, is the result of years of ambition, creativity, and hard work on a global scale.

“Ed is truly an incredible songwriter, vocalist and performer, whose ability to tell stories and make people feel is what stands him out from the crowd. He’s always had a totally authentic connection with his fans, something he places over everything else.

“Congrats also to Stuart Camp, the Atlantic teams in the UK and US, and everyone at Warner who contributed to Ed’s amazing success story.”

“The success Ed has achieved is astonishing and testament to his ability to write and perform songs that connect with a truly global fanbase.

“This year’s global top-10 really is a ‘who’s who’ of popular music. Each artist has a unique impact on the music industry through the talent and energy they are channeling through their work. I congratulate them all for such a successful year.”

Sheeran announced his engagement to long-time girlfriend Cherry Seaborn in January.

He denied reports that he had tied the knot after sporting a ring at the Brit Awards last week, where he took home the Global Success Award.

Divide marked a successful return for the singer who made a comeback after a hiatus, with its lead single Shape Of You topping the charts in early 2017, remaining there for 13 weeks.

In March, Sheeran did the charts double when the hotly-anticipated Divide was finally released, becoming the fastest-selling by a male artist ever, shifting 672,000 in both sales and streams in its opening week.

As well as charts success – which saw him end the year by scooping the Christmas number one with his track Perfect – Sheeran was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list with an MBE for services to music and charity.

The IFPI’s top-10 list also includes last year’s winner Drake in second place, and previous winner Taylor Swift – who is the only female artist included – in third place.

Top 10 Global Recording Artists of 2017:

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