Ed Sheeran Bests Taylor Swift For Seventh Title As U.K.’s Most-Played Artist of the Year

They love him, they really love him. For the seventh time in his career, Ed Sheeran has been named the most-played artist in the U.K. According to The Guardian, Sheeran, 33, topped the list of music played across U.K, radio, TV and in public places for the seventh time in nine years on the list compiled by music licensing company PPL.

The latest chart honor for Sheeran also kept his pal, Taylor Swift, from her first shot at the most-played title in the U.K., with the singer coming in at No. 2 after landing at No. 10 on the 2023 ranking; Taylor’s second-place showing matches her previous 2015 high. Swift is in the midst the summer swing of her Eras Tour in Europe, which will take her to Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales on Tuesday (June 18).

“Thank you for naming me the most played artist for last year. Thank you to my team, not just for me, but for all the other artists you work with – I’m happy that you get this recognition,” Sheeran said in a statement.

Coming in behind Sheeran and Swift was Dua Lipa, whose “Dance the Night” single from the Barbie soundtrack helped boost her ranking, with Calvin Harris just behind at No. 4 and David Guetta rounding out the top five. Sir Elton John snagged the sixth position, just ahead of the only band on the list, Coldplay, who were followed by singer Tom Grennan in his first appearance, with Harry Styles at No. 9. Thanks to her global Celebration tour, Madonna returned to the year-end tally at No. 10.

Check out the list of the most played songs in the U.K. in 2023 below.

Miley Cyrus, “Flowers
Ed Sheeran, “Eyes Closed”
Lewis Capaldi, “Forget Me”
Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero”
Dua Lipa, “Dance the Night”
Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding, “Miracle”
P!nk, “Trustfall”
Jonas Brothers, “Waffle House”
Taylor Swift, “Cruel Summer”
Niall Horan, “Heaven”