BTS Is IFPI's Global Recording Artist Of The Year For The Second Time

BTS received yet another special trophy that adds to their list of growing achievements in the music industry. For a second time, they have been named the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Global Recording Artist of the Year for 2021.

This makes the Grammy-nominated K-pop musicians the first act to win the said award for two consecutive years since 2020. BTS joins Taylor Swift and Drake who also won the award twice though not consecutively.

“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,” Frances Moore, Chief Executive, IFPI, said in a statement.

“By performing in three different languages, they demonstrate their extraordinarily unique global appeal and their dynamic and passionate fanbase has helped to make them the first artists in history to top the Global Artist Chart in two consecutive years.”

IFPI recognized the boy band’s chart success after it entered the Top Global Recording Artists list beginning 2018. In 2020, BTS also became the first Korean act to win the accolade aside from being the first winner to perform primarily in a language other than English.

IFPI, which boasts of 8,000 members worldwide, said the Global Recording Artist of the Year award is given after tallying an artist or group’s worldwide performance across digital and physical music formats. This includes streaming and vinyl and covers their entire discography.

The septet’s supporters rejoiced on Twitter on a trending topic “#CongratulationsBTS.”

“OMGGG CONGRATULATIONS @BTS_twt!!! I’m so so proud of you! Love you so much!!!,” a fan wrote and included a clip of the Bangtan Boys expressing their gratitude to IFPI for the honor.

“Here we are, BTS. We’re truly honored to receive the IFPI Global Recording Artist of the year award,” leader RM said. “This is the first time ever any artist received the award two years in a row so we feel blessed to receive a significant title. Thank you, everyone, and especially our ARMY of course, who enjoy our music,” he continued.

“The year 2021 was another great year for all of us,” J-Hope said. “It is your love and support that made the year more meaningful.”

Jin also joined in and said, “We will keep doing our best to bring good music.”

Another fan expressed excitement for the K-pop group's "domination" on the music charts and wrote, "BTS paved the way. BTS world domination. Congratulations BTS."

Another follower dismissed a critic who said BTS will never compare to American artists.

“ Never have the impact of who? Anyways, congratulations BTS," they wrote.