Ed Sheeran rewrites history with Gold BRIT Billion Award

Ed Sheeran Makes History as First British Artist to Achieve Gold BRIT Billion Award for 10 Billion UK Streams.

This week, Ed Sheeran found himself in a champagne-popping, record-breaking mood as he became the inaugural British artist to clinch the prestigious Gold BRIT Billion Award. The reason for this celebration? A staggering 10 billion streams originating from the UK. As a British musical icon, Sheeran’s achievement is nothing short of remarkable, and he expressed his elation with a concise yet powerful word: “Incredible!”

Sharing his joy with fans on Instagram, Sheeran proudly showcased the award, expressing his gratitude by saying, “Thank you so much for all the streams. It’s a pleasure; I love being British.” In a time when music streaming has become an integral part of the industry, these accolades are a testament to his enduring popularity.

A perfect 10 billion UK streams for @edsheeran ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/SngolnOSac

— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) October 4, 2023

The British Phonographic Industry (BPI), representing the UK’s foremost record labels and music companies, announced this remarkable feat. What’s even more astounding is that over one billion of these streams were accrued in the past 12 months alone, showcasing Sheeran’s unwavering appeal and relevance.

Sheeran was presented with the award by Jordan Stephens, a musician, actor, and presenter known as one half of the dynamic UK hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks. This achievement adds another feather to Sheeran’s cap, as he has previously made waves on the UK’s Official Charts. He holds the distinction of being the first artist to maintain four albums in the official albums chart top 10 for an entire year. Additionally, he became the first British solo act to dominate the official singles chart for a full year across his catalogue.

Dr. Jo Twist, Chief Executive of BPI, extended her congratulations to Ed Sheeran and his team, acknowledging his historic accomplishment. She emphasised that while Ed Sheeran represents the pinnacle of streaming success, there are countless artists benefiting from streaming and label support, receiving tens and hundreds of millions of streams in the UK annually. The future promises more BRIT Billion Awards for deserving artists, including emerging talents.

Billie Eilish recently joined the ranks of BRIT Billion Award recipients after amassing one billion streams in the UK. Her recognition underscores the profound impact of streaming on the music industry, with both Sheeran and Eilish setting a remarkable precedent for future generations of artists.

Image Credit: Flickr | Ludmila Joaquina Valentina Buyo | PDM 1.0 DEED