[dropcap]T[/dropcap]aylor Swift has been named the world’s most successful act of 2014 by global music organisation IFPI. The 25-year-old was the world’s most popular recording artist across all music formats last year, with her fifth studio album 1989 topping the iTunes sales chart in more than 95 countries on its release. It has gone on to sell over 8.6 million copies worldwide to date and was the top selling album of 2014 in the US, where it has now spent 11 weeks at No.1 on the Billboard 100.
She was presented with the IFPI Global Recording Artist of 2014 award by the organisation’s CEO Frances Moore, who was joined by Universal Music Group’s president, global marketing, Andrew Kronfeld.
“[Taylor Swift] merits this result as she is a hardworking and talented performer who has an amazing ability to connect with audiences worldwide,” says Moore. “This IFPI award reflects the global popularity of recording artists across the diverse ways in which fans choose to listen to music today.”
Swift finished ahead of artists such as One Direction, who topped the chart last year, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay and AC/DC. The top 10 is completed by Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd, Sam Smith, Katy Perry and Beyoncé.
One Direction were the biggest UK artist on the list for a third consecutive year, with their latest album FOUR hitting the top spot on iTunes in 85 countries.
Simon Cowell said: “I am absolutely delighted – and immensely proud – that One Direction were the biggest UK act in the world in 2014. To accomplish this for a third year in a row is a fantastic achievement – and especially pleasing as this latest album also highlighted the band’s skills as songwriters.”
