Popularity Comparison: Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and BTS in 2020

Introduction

Music charts and streaming services are often a reflection of the current music industry landscape. In 2020, three artists from different backgrounds and genres stood out in terms of popularity: Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and BTS. Each had unique strengths that resonated with different segments of the music audience.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift, known for her emotional and relatable storytelling, had a significant year in 2020. She re-released her catalog and saw a surge in album sales and streams. Swift's influence in the music industry extends beyond the United States, where she also outsold many other artists. Her success is not just limited to her music but also includes live performances and merchandise sales, although her strategy is different from her contemporaries like BTS.

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish, with her ethereal and dark pop sound, received a huge boost in 2020 when she was nominated for six Grammy Awards. Despite her critical success, Billie's journey hasn't been without challenges. Her music resonates deeply with a younger audience, and her performance at the Grammy Awards in 2021 was a significant moment in her career. However, her global appeal may not have reached the stratospheric heights of Taylor Swift and BTS just yet.

BTS

BTS, a K-pop group from South Korea, broke records in 2020 by topping the Japanese music market with their Japanese song compilation album. They also achieved the pinnacle of social media popularity, holding the No.1 spot on the Billboard Social 50 charts for over three years. BTS's success is attributed to their unique song structures, compelling performances, and their fans' (ARMY) unwavering dedication. Furthermore, BTS has managed to sell millions of album copies without relying heavily on tours or merch bundles, which is quite an accomplishment in the modern music industry.

Comparing Their Influence

When comparing the three artists, it's important to consider the different metrics used to measure popularity. Taylor Swift's success is quantifiable in terms of album sales and chart positions. Billie Eilish's impact is seen through her Grammy nominations and critical acclaim. BTS, however, thrives through their massive social media following and the ability to sell out stadiums globally.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BTS's popularity in 2020 cannot be overlooked. Their unique blend of K-pop with global appeal and intense fan engagement makes them stand out. While Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish have their own success stories, BTS's ability to break into international markets with a non-English language makes their journey even more remarkable. As an Asian and foreign group, BTS is often the only one that can easily fill stadiums around the world, highlighting the strength of their music and performances.