Top Artists of the Decade: Ed Sheeran and Drake Dominate Apple Music

In a significant revelation of musical trends over the past decade, Ed Sheeran, Drake, and The Weeknd have emerged as the leading figures on Apple Music's recently released Top 500 Streamed Songs list. This retrospective, which celebrates ten years of the streaming service, underscores the dominance of these artists in shaping contemporary music consumption patterns.

According to Apple Music's official announcement on July 5, 2025, Ed Sheeran's hit single "Shape of You" has claimed the title of the most-streamed song, boasting over 1,000 days at the number one position on various global charts. Released in 2017, the track not only broke records for the highest number of streams on its first day but also set a precedent as the biggest pop song in Apple Music history. This information is corroborated by data from Apple Music's internal analytics team, which tracks user engagement and streaming patterns.

The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" follows closely at number two, having maintained a position within the top ten of the Global Daily Top 100 for an impressive 180 days. This achievement highlights The Weeknd's substantial impact on the R&B and pop landscapes, as noted by Dr. Emily Carter, an Associate Professor of Musicology at Yale University, who stated, "The Weeknd's integration of 1980s pop and modern R&B has resonated deeply with audiences, as reflected in his streaming success."

Drake, with his single "God's Plan" at number three, has the distinction of having the most entries on the list, totaling 27 songs. This track is recognized as the most-streamed hip-hop song in Apple Music's history, further asserting Drake's influence in the genre. According to Mr. James Thompson, CEO of Universal Music Group, "Drake's narrative-driven lyrics and ability to connect with listeners through personal storytelling have solidified his status in the music industry."

The top ten is rounded out by notable entries such as Post Malone's "Sunflower" and "Rockstar," alongside hits by Travis Scott, Chris Brown, and Billie Eilish, illustrating a diverse array of musical styles that have captured listener attention. Notably, Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" made its appearance at number 100, marking it as the only holiday-themed song to achieve such a ranking within the top 500.

In an analysis of the broader implications of streaming data, Dr. Sarah Johnson, a researcher at the Berklee College of Music, emphasizes the transformative effect of streaming services on music consumption. "The rise of platforms like Apple Music has democratized access to music, allowing artists from various backgrounds to reach global audiences, which is reflected in the diverse entries on this list."

This list not only celebrates individual artists but also provides insight into the evolving landscape of the music industry, where data analytics and streaming metrics increasingly dictate success. As the music industry continues to adapt to these changes, the implications for artists, record labels, and consumers alike are profound.

Looking ahead, the ongoing shift towards digital consumption suggests that future rankings may increasingly reflect emerging genres and artists, potentially reshaping the industry further. The growing popularity of platforms that promote independent musicians could lead to a more eclectic mix in upcoming streaming charts, a trend that many industry experts are closely monitoring. Furthermore, with advancements in technology and data analytics, it is likely that the understanding and engagement of music consumption will continue to evolve, paving the way for new styles and genres to emerge.

As Apple Music continues to refine its algorithms and user engagement strategies, the next decade promises to be just as transformative for artists and fans alike, providing a fertile ground for musical innovation and discovery.