For the first time since 2003, British artists have not secured spots in the global Top 10 singles or albums charts, as reported by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) for 2024. This marks a significant departure from previous years, such as 2022, when UK acts like Harry Styles and Glass Animals were prominent in these rankings. In 2024, the highest-charting UK artist was producer and singer Artemas with his track "I Like the Way You Kiss Me," which did not break into the Top 10.
The 2024 charts were predominantly led by American and South Korean artists. Benson Boone's "Beautiful Things" claimed the title of the best-selling single, while Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department" topped the album category. K-pop groups such as Seventeen and Enhypen also made significant impacts, with multiple entries in the Top 10 albums list.
Jo Twist, Chief Executive of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), acknowledged the challenges faced by UK artists in the current global music landscape, noting that breaking new talent has become increasingly difficult in a highly competitive market. Despite the absence of UK artists in the Top 10, emerging talents like Charli XCX and Artemas have achieved international recognition, signaling a potential resurgence in the coming years.
This development highlights a shift in global musical dominance, with the rise of diverse genres and artists from various countries reshaping the international music scene.