Women rule the charts with record number of No 1 hits

In 2024, female pop artists set a remarkable record on the UK singles chart by holding the top position for an unprecedented 34 weeks. This achievement was highlighted by the British Phonographic Institute (BPI), showcasing a year in which women in music led the way more than ever before. Sabrina Carpenter significantly contributed to this success, claiming 21 of those weeks with her hit singles, including 'Espresso,' 'Taste,' and 'Please, Please, Please.' Additionally, Taylor Swift's album, 'Tortured Poets Department,' stood out, being the highest-selling album of the year with over 783,000 sales. The trend indicated a shift in the music industry, emphasizing the sizeable impact female artists had in 2024. This exceptional year for women in music extended beyond singles to albums as well. Female artists were responsible for half of the top-selling albums, with Charli XCX making a significant impact through her dynamic sound and energetic performances. The achievement of 12 albums by female artists topping the Official Albums Chart equaled a previous record, demonstrating that the influence of women in the industry goes beyond individual songs. The growing popularity of female acts proves their significant role in shaping modern music. Furthermore, the overall music consumption in the UK saw a notable increase, rising by 9.7%. This increase included sales and streaming, totaling 200.5 million albums, indicating a strong market presence for artists, particularly in the realm of female pop. Vinyl sales also grew for the 17th consecutive year, showing a resurgence of interest in physical music formats, even as CD sales saw a decline that was slowing down. This growth points towards a revitalizing trend in music engagement among fans. Despite female artists achieving remarkable success, the BPI also noted challenges faced by British musicians amid fierce competition within a global music market. For the first time since records began, none of the top 10 best-selling songs originated from the UK. Instead, US singer-songwriters dominated the charts. The BPI chief executive, Dr. Jo Twist, acknowledged this shift, emphasizing the need for a supportive policy environment to ensure the continued growth of British music talent in future years.