The Weeknd and Olivia Rodrigo are among the biggest winners in the 2021 Apple Music Awards. This year, Apple Music also added Regional Artist of the Year awards, which recognize “artists who made the greatest impact culturally.”
Apple called the past 12 months “a remarkable year for music.” You can watch its Awards celebration through Apple Music and the TV app on December 7.
Apple Music Awards 2021: The winners
The Apple Music Awards are designed to recognize the biggest, most influential artists over the past year. Award winners are chosen by Apple Music editors, who take into account what customers around the world are listening to most.
“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 Oliver Schusser, Apple Music VP.
The Weeknd picked up the top prize of Global Artist of the Year, thanks to hits like Blinding Lights and After Hours, which holds the record for the most streamed R&B/Soul album in its first week in 73 countries.
“I’m so grateful for this huge honor 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 Weeknd said.
‘Honored and blessed’
Olivia Rodrigo enjoyed a hugely successful year with debut album Sour, featuring the track Drivers License, which held a place in Apple Music’s Daily Top 100: Global chart for more than a month after its release.
Rodrigo picked up Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. “I did my first interview for Drivers License with Apple Music, and so much has happened since then,” Rodrigo said. “It’s truly surreal.
H.E.R., who released the chart-topping album Back of My Mind this year, picked up Songwriter of the Year. Singles Damage and Come Through both spent multiple weeks on the Daily Top 100 chart in over 30 countries
“I am very honored and blessed to receive this recognition,” H.E.R. said. “As a young Black and Filipino artist, and a woman who is on the stage giving my all, there’s no doubt that representation is important.”
Wizkid, Aya Nakamura and more
Wizkid, Aya Nakamura, RIN, Official Hige Dandism, and Scriptonite picked up Artist of the Year Awards for Africa, France, Germany, Japan, and Russia, respectively.
Apple will host an Apple Music Awards Celebration on Tuesday, December 7. It will be streamed live worldwide through the Apple Music and Apple TV apps. You’ll need an Apple Music subscription to watch it.
