Global Artist of the Year

Apple’s pick for the top artist of 2021 was Toronto’s The Weeknd, which the company says “took over popular music and culture on its own terms.”

When The Weeknd’s 2020 album After Hours was announced, it quickly surpassed one million pre-adds on Apple Music to become the most pre-added album of all time by a male artist.

I’m so grateful for this huge honor and want to thank Apple for all its support, not only for my work but also for great music by newer artists, where it matters so much for creators to be found and supported.
The Weeknd

After Hours also holds the record in 73 countries for the most streamed R&B/Soul album in its first week, while the artist’s single, Blinding Lights, peaked at No. 1 on Apple Music’s Daily Top 100: Global Chart and still ranks as one of the 20 most “Shazamed” songs of all time.