This is the first time that the BPI’s certifications program has recognized an artist’s combined success across multiple projects.
Mariah Carey, Lewis Capaldi, Whitney Houston, Coldplay, and Sam Smith are among the first to receive the BRIT Billion Award, which recognizes 1 billion career UK streams.
The BRIT Billion award is verified using Official Charts data, just like the existing BRIT Certified program and its platinum, silver, and gold tiers.
ABBA, AJ Tracey, Anne-Marie, Ellie Goulding, George Ezra, Headie One, RAYE, and Rita Ora are among the other artists in the inaugural class of recipients. More artists who have passed the threshold will be announced later.
“I’m truly honored to be one of the BRIT Billion Award recipients,” Carey said in a statement. “I’m eternally grateful to my fans for their unending and steadfast support.” I adore you, UK lambily, and can’t wait to return to your side of the pond and share more magical moments with you.”
“I’m so excited to be one of the first artists ever to receive a “BRIT Billion” award!” exclaimed Capaldi upon receiving the award. “Never in a million years did I think any of this would happen, but here we are. I will gladly accept any and all awards, and you have my address x.”
Whitney Houston’s estate representative, Pat Houston, stated, “Whitney would be very proud of this award, and the first thing she would say is, ‘Is this for me’?” Thank you so much to all of her worldwide fans, and on behalf of the Whitney Houston estate, I’d like to express our gratitude and appreciation.”
The BPI’s certifications program has recognized an artist’s combined success across multiple projects for the first time in its five-decade history. The One Billion career total will include tracks on which an artist has appeared as the main performer or as a featured artist, as credited by the Official Charts.
BRIT Billion reflects the extent to which streaming has transformed the music landscape for both artists and fans over the last decade. Streaming now accounts for more than 85% of recorded music consumption in the United Kingdom.
“For a recording artist, there can be few greater sources of pride than having a Platinum or Gold disc on their wall,” said Sophie Jones, BPI chief strategy officer, and interim chief executive, in a statement. “However, in an era when success is measured in the hundreds of millions, if not billions, of streams, it was clear that we needed a new and additional way to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievement in recorded music, and I feel certain that having a BRIT Billio
The BRIT Billion award is the first significant enhancement to the certifications program since it was rebranded from the BPI Awards to the BRIT Certified Awards in April 2018.
