Since 2019, Apple Music has been awarding artists for their achievements. For their third annual awards, they crowned The Weeknd as Regional Artist of the Year.
“The past 12 months have proved to be a remarkable year for music, and we’re thrilled to honor the artists who are shaping culture and connecting with fans around the world on Apple Music,” said the Vice president of Apple Music and Beats, Oliver Schusser. Previously there were 5 categories: Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Top Song of the Year, and Top Album of the Year. But for the 2021 awards, they added a new one, Schusser explained, "This year we’re also recognizing more regional artists, showing the world the impact of extraordinarily talented musicians who are making waves globally."
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The Weeknd's most recent album, After Hours, was dropped in 2020. But he still won artist of the year because he achieved so much during 2021 to promote the record. Before it was released, it became the most pre-ordered album of any male artist with over a million hits. And on its first week of being out, it snatched the record of being the most-streamed R&B/Soul album in 73 different countries!
He continued breaking records when his song Blinding Lights hit Apple Music’s Daily Top 100 number #1 after being named one of the top 20 songs to be shazamed. The singer even headlined the SuperBowl Halftime Show and stunned fans with the creative performance. What a year!
The Hardest to Love artist said, “I’m so grateful for this huge honour 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 other winners include Olivia Rodrigo, who secured 3 awards: Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. Definitely well deserved for the teen star. Since her heartbreak song Drivers License became the most listened-to debut single and stayed as #1 on Global 100 for a whole month! Apple also awarded H.E.R as Songwriter of the Year. “I am very honored and blessed to receive this recognition,” she said. Check out what other artists won on Apple.com
Congratulations to all the stars that won!
