A Decade of Music: 2010 to 2020
The music industry has undergone unprecedented change in the last decade. Long-standing hierarchies were toppled, innovators pushed their way to the frontlines, artists began to come to terms with their music, technology behemoths restructured their strategies, and, not to mention, musicians had put money back on the table.
Taylor Swift has revolutionized her genre, Miley Cyrus stunned the world with the degree of her performance at the 2013 VMAs, and The Beatles have finally made their music available for streaming! With the rise of Spotify’s “A Decade Wrapped” feature, we can get a closer look at the decade’s most streamed music.
Women Who Dominated
While the 2010s have been characterized as an era of innovation, it is also worth noting that the decade has been characterized by empowered women. Here is a list of the most-streamed female artists of the decade.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande had roles in Broadway musicals such as Beauty and the Beast and The Wizard of Oz before focusing solely on singing. Her debut album, Yours Truly, established a new standard to its credit, and reached the top of several charts.
Rihanna
Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, Rihanna has earned worldwide success for releasing hit songs such as Pon de Replay, SOS, Umbrella, and Take a Bow among others. Outside of the music industry, Rihanna has investments in her own clothing line.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift permeated the country music scene at 16 years old when she released her debut album. Apart from being a well-versed instrumentalist, Swift is known to be an avid supporter of numerous charitable causes.
Sia
Born as Sia Kate Isobelle Furler, Sia achieved a degree of success after releasing the album Colour the Small One. She has collaborated with huge names such as Rihanna, David Guetta, and Flo Rida.
Beyoncé
Before becoming one of the most successful female artists, Beyoncé used to be the lead singer of the all-female group Destiny’s Child together with the stunning Kelly Rowland and the breathtaking Michelle WIlliams. Beyoncé’s debut album as a solo artist secured her 5 Grammy Awards.
Most-Streamed Male Artists
Drake
Drake cemented his reputation as a rapper by releasing a series of mixtapes. He took credit for releasing albums such as Thank Me Later, Take Care, and Nothing Was the Same among others.
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran took the world by storm with his melodic voice. He rose to stardom after releasing the album +. Sheeran is best known for releasing tracks such as Give Me Love, Lego House, and Shape of You among others.
Post Malone
Among the fresh talents in the hip-hop industry, Austin Richard Post, who goes by Post Malone, is known for tracks such as White Iverson, Rockstar, and Sunflower. He has collaborated with renowned artists such as Kanye West and 50 Cent.
Eminem
The “King of Hip Hop” isn’t just a mere rapper, he is also a producer, songwriter and an actor. Capitalizing on personal struggles and family issues, Eminem has used the obstacles in his life to launch himself to fame. He takes credit for over a dozen Grammy Awards to his name.
The Weeknd
The Weeknd made his way into the music industry by uploading some of his earliest work on YouTube. After being recognized for his mixtapes, The Weeknd earned more recognition for his collaborations with stars such as Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, and Ed Sheeran, among others.
Most-Streamed Artists
Drake
Ed Sheeran
Post Malone
Ariana Grande
Eminem
Most-Streamed Hits
Shape of You – Ed Sheeran
One Dance – Drake, Kyla, and Wizkid
Rockstar – 21 Savage and Post Malone
Closer – Halsey and The Chainsmokers
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran