Dethroning Taylor Swift in 2024
Bruno Mars shocked the music world by claiming the title of the #1 Global Artist of 2024, surpassing last year’s leader, Taylor Swift. According to Chartmetric’s 2024 Year in Music report, Mars climbed an impressive 29 spots from his 2023 rank of 30 to claim the top spot. This achievement is especially remarkable considering he only released two new collaborative songs during the year.
Chartmetric, a platform that tracks success metrics for over 11 million artists, uses its “Chartmetric Score system” to measure performance across streaming platforms, social media, and audience engagement. Mars’ ascent demonstrates the changing dynamics of the music industry, where strategic releases and a strong catalog can outweigh a high volume of output.
Mars’ past hits also contributed to his success, with tracks like “Just the Way You Are,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” and “That’s What I Like” maintaining billions of streams on Spotify. His ability to remain a dominant force with limited new releases underscores his timeless appeal and savvy approach to the streaming era.
The Record-Breaking Impact of “Die With A Smile”
Mars’ collaboration with Lady Gaga, “Die With A Smile,” played a pivotal role in his meteoric rise. The track shattered records by becoming the fastest song to reach one billion streams on Spotify, accomplishing this feat in just 96 days. By the end of 2024, the song amassed 1.41 billion streams, with a staggering daily average of 100,000 streams or 4,167 streams per hour.
The song’s success far outpaced other major releases in 2024, solidifying Mars’ position as a top-tier artist. The powerful duet highlighted his ability to create music that resonates globally, combining his signature style with Lady Gaga’s dynamic artistry.
For Gaga, the collaboration was equally transformative. Her position in Chartmetric’s rankings soared from 24th to sixth, showcasing the mutual benefits of their partnership. The success of “Die With A Smile” emphasized the strength of collaborative projects in today’s music landscape.
“APT” Dominates the Charts
Mars’ second major release of the year, “APT,” a collaboration with ROSÉ, was another blockbuster hit. The October release made history by reaching 100 million Spotify streams in its first week and topping both Billboard Global charts with an astounding 224.5 million streams.
Even more impressive, “APT” maintained over 200 million weekly streams for multiple weeks, a first in music history. The song’s nine-week reign at number one on the global charts was unmatched, outperforming every other hit in 2024, including “Die With A Smile.”
The collaboration not only benefited Mars but also ROSÉ, who jumped from 120th to fourth place in Chartmetric’s rankings. The success of “APT” highlighted Mars’ ability to elevate his collaborators while further solidifying his dominance in the industry.
A Strategic Approach to Global Success
What sets Mars apart in 2024 is his ability to achieve extraordinary success with minimal releases. Unlike many artists who flood the market with frequent singles or albums, Mars focused on quality over quantity. His collaborations were meticulously crafted, ensuring massive appeal and engagement across global audiences.
Additionally, his older hits continued to perform exceptionally well. Songs like “Just the Way You Are” and “When I Was Your Man” maintained billions of streams, keeping Mars relevant and reminding listeners of his enduring talent. This strategic approach underscores the value of building a timeless catalog that resonates with audiences long after its initial release.
Mars’ rise to the top reflects a broader trend in the music industry, where strategic collaborations, high-quality releases, and a strong catalog can propel artists to unprecedented heights, even in a competitive environment.
The Collaborative Effect
Mars’ 2024 success wasn’t just a personal victory; it also propelled his collaborators into the spotlight. Lady Gaga experienced a significant boost, jumping to sixth place in Chartmetric’s rankings, while ROSÉ’s leap to fourth highlighted the impact of their partnership.
These collaborations showcased the power of teamwork in the music industry, where combining unique talents can lead to groundbreaking results. Mars’ ability to bring out the best in his collaborators while staying true to his artistry underscores his role as a leader in modern music.
By strategically selecting partnerships and delivering exceptional music, Mars not only claimed the title of #1 Global Artist but also reshaped the competitive landscape, proving that quality and collaboration can triumph over sheer volume.
