As 2024 draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the year's biggest musical achievements. From chart-topping songs to record-breaking albums, the highlights of the music world offer a snapshot of what defined this year.
Spotify Wrapped has revealed the global winners, confirming what many suspected: Taylor Swift reigns supreme as the most-streamed artist worldwide. Her triumphs in 2024 include a fourth consecutive Grammy win for Album of the Year with Midnights and the release of her latest studio album, The Tortured Poets Department. This album showcases her artistic evolution, combining emotional depth and intricate composition. Swift also wrapped up her historic The Eras Tour, which shattered records as the most successful tour of all time.
Trailing Swift in global streams is Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd. As the top male artist of 2024, the Canadian artist built on his already stellar career, teasing fans with his upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. Scheduled for release in January 2025, the album will complete a trilogy alongside After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022).
Bad Bunny: The King of Latin Music in 2024
When it comes to Latin artists, Bad Bunny stands unchallenged as the most-streamed performer of the year. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Billboard unanimously confirm his dominance.
Although 2024 saw relatively few new releases from the Puerto Rican star—limited to collaborations such as ADIVINO with Myke Towers and ¿Qué Pasaría? with Rauw Alejandro—his enduring popularity stems from past albums like YHLQMDLG (2020), El Último Tour del Mundo (2020), Un Verano Sin Ti (2022), and Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana (2023).
Spotify's rankings place Peso Pluma and Feid in the second and third spots among Latin artists. Peso Pluma released ÉXODO this year, while Feid gained momentum with LOS 9 DE FERXXO Y SKY ROMPIENDO.
Women in Latin Music
While data-driven rankings often overlook female artists, Billboard highlights Karol G's influence in 2024. She secured the fourth position behind Fuerza Regida and Peso Pluma, marking her as the only woman in the top five. Despite being an outlier, her presence underscores the impact of female artists in a male-dominated landscape.
Who topped your playlist in 2024? Whether it’s the global pop phenomenon Taylor Swift or Latin music icon Bad Bunny, this year’s rankings reflect a vibrant and diverse music industry poised for more surprises in the future.
