Ed Sheeran’s journey to stardom began with a viral performance on YouTube that facilitated his breakthrough, which consequently paved the way for his debut album ‘+’ (Plus) in 2011. With hits like ‘The A Team’ and ‘Lego House’ he earned several awards, including the BRIT Award for Best British Male Solo Artist. 

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A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)

Sheeran’s success continued to grow following the release of his second album ‘x’ (Multiply) in 2014. This record cemented his international reputation, featuring chart-topping tracks like ‘Sing’ and ‘Thinking Out Loud’ which won Song of the Year at the Grammys. The album’s success anchored the singer in the global music scene as Spotify named ‘x’ the most-streamed album in 2014. 

Three years later, and his third album ‘÷’ (Divide) granted Sheeran commercial domination as singles like ‘Shape of You’ and ‘Castle on the Hill’ shattered global streaming records. His accompanying ‘÷ Tour’ was a historic success and became the highest-grossing tour at that time generating $925m (£727m). 

 

 

 

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Over the decade, Sheeran amassed 79 cumulative weeks at No.1 on UK Charts and sold over 150 million records worldwide. His ability to craft across genres and relatable, emotive songwriting skills made the singer-songwriter a global, award-winning star. Therefore it is no surprise that he was named UK Artist of the Decade for the 2010s. 

As we reach the halfway mark of the 2020s, it’s worth considering who might achieve similar heights.

Taylor Swift is undoubtedly at the forefront of global music. With 11 studio albums and record-breaking Eras tour grossing at $2b (£1.6b), she has become a global phenomenon. Yet, with her tour concluded, there will be room for new voices to make their mark.

| Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ has officially come to an end pic.twitter.com/Uz2D30Lq2w

— The Eras Tour (@tswifterastour) December 9, 2024

In the UK, the BRIT Awards indicate that artists like Harry Styles and RAYE are making waves. 

In 2019, Styles’ second studio album ‘Fine Line’ became a massive commercial success and produced multiple hit singles like ‘Watermelon Sugar’. ‘Harry’s House’ in 2022 became his third album and was followed by a 22-month ‘Love On Tour’ World Tour and domination at the BRITs.

Not only a major force in modern pop, he has explored his passion for acting and fashion, making him a multifaceted figure in the entertainment industry. Styles’ success story parallels Sheeran’s, as they’ve both diversified their musical styles and have expanded into other creative avenues, making Styles a sure contender for defining the 2020s. 

Love On Tour. London I. June, 2022. pic.twitter.com/zu9XEz3KzU

— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) June 19, 2022

RAYE has undergone a significant transformation in her music career during this decade as she made the decision to leave her major record label and established herself independently. Her breakthrough single ‘Escapism’ shot up the UK charts and preceded her debut album ‘My 21st Century Blues’ in 2023. After sweeping six awards at the BRITs in 2024, RAYE’s career is clearly blooming and her unique sound paired with skilled songwriting reflects Sheeran’s iconic abilities. 

SIX @BRITs & ALBUM OF THE YEAR please just thank you https://t.co/c23XcFUtUl pic.twitter.com/4MAYkWiFgj

— RAYE (@raye) March 3, 2024

Ed Sheeran’s dominance was built on a combination of volume, quality, and consistency: three standout albums and a record-breaking tour. With five years left in this decade, established artists will need to continue innovating to maintain their influence but there’s still plenty of room for new voices to emerge.

The question remains: Will anyone else match Sheeran’s level of achievement by the time the 2020s draw to a close?

TRAINING SEASON IS OVER!!!!!! UGH OUT NOW EVERYWHERE!!!! FINALLY!!!!
THANK YOU TO THE DREAM TEAM https://t.co/fAMM6SsQE7 pic.twitter.com/08CCkjgjR8

— DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) February 15, 2024

In a press release, Lipa discussed the backstory behind the single, stating: “I had been on a string of bad dates, and the last one was the final straw. The next morning I arrived to the studio to Caroline and Tobias asking me how it all went and I immediately declared “TRAINING SEASON IS OVER,” and like the best “day after” debriefs with your mates, we had a lot of laughs and it all quickly came together from there.”

She continues: “And while it is obviously about that feeling when you are just absolutely done telling people… men specifically in this case, how to date you right; it is also about my training season being over and me growing with every experience. I have never felt more confident, clear or empowered. And while it may be that training season is never over for any of us, you start to see the beauty in finding that person to experience it with. You stop looking for the trainees and become more interested in having someone where you are and someone to grow with.”

Lipa’s last album was 2020’s ‘Future Nostalgia’, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and earned her more than 10 billion streams on Spotify, as well as the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal in 2021. The singer is yet to share any news of her upcoming third album, but there appears to be plenty on the cards for her this year. Directed by Vincent Haylock, you can watch the full ‘Training Season‘ music video below:

The British-American three-piece Gabriels will be performing a late night show at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho, and have also teased that a ‘very special guest‘ will be accompanying them. The group were thrilled to be nominated for BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2023, and are more recently excited by their nomination for Best International Group of The Year at The BRITs for the second year in a row:

It’s official. We are Nominees for International Group of the Year at the @brits, for the second year in a row. We are so grateful. Congratulations to all the nominees and a THOUSAND THANK YOUs to everyone who made this possible. See you on the red carpet – March 2nd.  #BRITs pic.twitter.com/T29gpxyOGt

— Gabriels (@___gabriels) January 24, 2024

Celestial singer-songwriter AURORA will also be taking to the stage following the release of her latest single ‘The Conflict Of The Mind.’ Born in Norway, the omnipresent vocalist has built a huge UK following, and will be performing in collaboration with the charity on February 26 at Lafayette in London.

Unveiling the two musicians as the final additions, War Child said: “These incredible acts are joining us to raise money for children affected by conflict and help give them what they deserve: hope for a better future.”

Taking place between February 19 and March 4 ahead of The BRIT Awards 2024 with Mastercard, BRITs Week will offer exclusive live performances from a diverse range of acts from different genres, including Cian Ducrot, You Me At Six, Keane, Ash, Baby Queen, Aitch, Pendulum, Sleaford Mods, CMAT, Venbee and The Last Dinner Party.

Performances may be more poignant than usual, particularly for fans of You Me At Six who have revealed this will be their last year together as a band. Emotions may also be running high for The Last Dinner Party who are still reeling from their BRIT Rising Star win.

Clare Sanders Wright, Senior Music Manager at War Child said in a statement: “I am so excited to announce the lineup for BRITs Week 2024 and thankful to all of the brilliant artists donating their time to raise vital funds in aid of War Child. The past year is one that we will never, ever forget. Children have paid with their homes and their lives for wars they didn’t start. And then, there are the children who don’t make the headlines – children who might be completely forgotten.”

“But there is hope. War Child help children put the pieces back together. The money raised from BRITs Week 2024 will help War Child keep children safe. Whether it’s mental health first aid, food, or shelter, War Child work in the hardest-to-reach places to ensure that children and their families have hope for a brighter future. We are so grateful to the artists and our partners for supporting BRITs Week 24. Thank you.” she added.

Support acts for this year’s bill have also been announced with Keane supported by Oscar Lang, The Last Dinner Party supported by Rachel Chinouriri, Ash supported by Big Image, Aitch supported by AWxJ1, You Me At Six supported by The XCERTS, CMAT supported by Lorraine Bowen and Baby Queen supported by Lynks. UK radio stations up and down the country will also be promoting and celebrating the week, showcasing the wide range of talent on display.

Ben Cooper, Chief Content & Music Officer for Bauer Media Audio UK commented: “It’s a privilege to be partnering with War Child and for Bauer Audio brands to be hosting this year’s incredible line up of BRITs Week gigs. The ability to showcase such a diverse range of artists highlights the strengths of all of our stations with incredible acts for every single listener to tune in to – whether that’s on KISS or Kerrang! Radio, Absolute Radio or Hits Radio. Bringing these live events to our audience will allow us to shine a light on the vital work of helping children that are the victims of conflicts across the globe.”

Tickets are on sale now and available here. You can also enter a prize draw to win tickets to see an artist of your choice. Fans can make a £7 donation for one entry, a £15 donation for three entries, or a £30 donation for fifteen entries to War Child. To maximise the chance of winning, fans can enter as many times as they like. The prize drawn is open now and available to enter here. The closing date to enter is February 19. Full details and terms and conditions are outlined on the official Brits Week website.

The BRIT Awards 2024 will take place at the O2 Arena in London on March 2.

BRITs Week 24 for War Child:

February

19/02/2024 – Cian Ducrot – Union Chapel, London
19/02 – You Me At Six – Concorde 2, Brighton
20/02 – Keane – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
21/02 – Ash – The 100 Club, London
21/02 – Baby Queen – Lafayette, London
21/02 – Aitch – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
23/02 – Pendulum – HERE at Outernet, London
26/02 – AURORA – Lafayette, London
27/02 – Gabriels – Ronnie Scott’s, London
28/02 – Sleaford Mods – Scala, London

March

01/03 – CMAT – Bush Hall, London
01/03 – Venbee – Omeara, London
04/03 – The Last Dinner Party – The Trades Club, Hebden Bridge