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Ed Sheeran named most-played artist on Spotify

The 'Don't' singer is the most popular act worldwide on the streaming service

Jess Denham
Wednesday 03 December 2014 11:24 EST
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Just when you thought Ed Sheeran’s 2014 couldn’t possibly get any better, it does, and he’s named the most-played artist on Spotify worldwide.

The “Thinking Out Loud” singer, 23, has whizzed past the likes of Eminem and Coldplay to take the impressive title after being heard 860 million times on the streaming service this year.

Sheeran passed the 1 million UK sales milestone for his latest album X earlier this week, which 430 million people have listened to on Spotify.

Coldplay are the most-played band globally with One Direction, perhaps surprisingly, in fifth place.

Spotify’s 50 million users have been listening to “Happy” by Pharrell Williams most (more than 260 million plays), while Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be” is in second place and Calvin Harris’ “Summer” is third.

Katy Perry is the most played female act worldwide, while previous title holder Rihanna has now slipped from the top five to be replaced by Ariana Grande, Lana Del Rey, Beyoncé and Lorde.

Top global artists

Ed Sheeran

Eminem

Coldplay

Calvin Harris

Katy Perry

Top global groups

Coldplay

Imagine Dragons

Maroon 5

OneRepublic

One Direction

Top global tracks

"Happy" - Pharrell Williams

"Rather be" - Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne

"Summer" - Calvin Harris

"Dark Horse" - Katy Perry

"All of Me" - John Legend

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