Billie Eilish has been aanounced as Apple Music’s Artist of the Year, acknowledging the profound influence the singer-songwriter has had throughout 2024.
Following a landmark second Academy Award victory and the acquisition of two additional GRAMMY Awards for her contribution to Greta Gerwig’s feature film Barbie with the song “What Was I Made For?”, Billie Eilish unveiled her third studio album, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT. This work embodies both vulnerability and audacity, representing the sound of a transformative artist making significant strides — and it stands as the pinnacle of her musical career. Upon its release, the album ascended to No. 1 on Apple Music’s all-genre albums chart across 138 countries globally.
Billie persistently asserts her influence within the cultural landscape. She showcased her acclaimed track “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” while proudly representing her native Los Angeles during the closing ceremony of the summer games this August — simultaneously achieving her highest Shazam volume day ever. Furthermore, Billie collaborated with Charli xcx on “Guess,” recognized as one of the songs of the summer, and is presently headlining the sold-out HIT ME HARD AND SOFT tour, which will carry her triumphant momentum well into 2025.
In addition to receiving nominations for seven more GRAMMY Awards this year — including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year — Billie has also distinguished herself as the first individual to be awarded Apple Music Artist of the Year on two occasions, having secured the inaugural title in 2019.
This accomplishment reflects not only Apple Music’s dedication to Billie’s artistry but also the limitless potential of her creative output. If her 2019 debut, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? — which was included in Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums in May of this year — introduced her to the global audience as a teenage sensation, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT has unequivocally signaled her enduring presence in the music industry.
“From the moment we first heard ‘Ocean Eyes’ nearly a decade ago, we’ve been fans and champions of Billie’s work,” said Rachel Newman, Apple Music’s senior director of content and editorial. “It’s always special when a young artist can connect with so many people so quickly. But what’s been truly remarkable about watching her evolve over the course of this last year isn’t just that her voice and artistry have continued to resonate so widely. It’s that she’s blossomed as bravely and honestly as she has — on her own terms, in her own way.”
“Since day one, Apple Music has supported my music and artistry, and I am both honoured and humbled to receive this recognition as Artist of the Year this many years into my career,” Billie Eilish told Apple Music.
