Arijit Singh Rises: India’s Voice Becomes Spotify’s Most Followed Artist Globally
A seismic shift has occurred in the global music landscape, as legendary Indian vocalist Arijit Singh now holds the coveted title of Spotify’s most-followed artist worldwide. Surpassing an array of international titans like Taylor Swift, BTS, Billie Eilish, and The Weeknd, Singh’s unprecedented popularity underscores a significant moment for Indian music on the world stage.
A Global Phenomenon: Arijit Singh Eclipses Music Icons
As of early July, Arijit Singh commanded a staggering 151 million followers on Spotify, a monumental figure that positions him firmly at the top. To put this into perspective, 14-time Grammy winner Taylor Swift, a global pop juggernaut, trails behind with approximately 139 million followers. This isn’t Singh’s first brush with the top spot; he has consistently demonstrated incredible growth, making this his third time leading the global charts.
His meteoric rise is particularly noteworthy considering Spotify’s relatively recent entry into the Indian market in 2019. Within a few short years, Singh’s distinct voice and soulful renditions have resonated with hundreds of millions, proving music’s ability to transcend geographical and linguistic barriers.
The Voice of a Generation: Arijit’s Enduring Legacy
Beyond his status as a recording artist, Arijit Singh is a multifaceted musical force – a prolific composer, acclaimed producer, and a recipient of the prestigious National Award. His extensive discography boasts an emotional depth that has captivated audiences globally. Iconic tracks such as “Tum Hi Ho,” “Kesariya,” and “Tum Kya Mile” have dominated streaming charts for years. More recently, new releases like “Dhun” from the film Saiyara and “Jaane Tu” from the Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava have continued to amass millions of streams, further solidifying his untouchable appeal.
His consistent presence on top has seen him previously surpass major artists like Ed Sheeran (currently at 121 million followers), Billie Eilish (114 million), and The Weeknd (107.2 million). While he briefly slipped from the top spot in late 2023 after first eclipsing Swift, his current numbers unequivocally establish his dominant position.
The Global Stage: Where Other Stars Stand
The 100-million follower mark on Spotify remains an exclusive club. Besides Arijit Singh, the list now includes artists like Ariana Grande (105.8 million) and Eminem (101.7 million). K-pop powerhouse BTS, with an impressive global fanbase, currently sits around 80 million followers, highlighting the sheer scale of Singh’s achievement against these highly visible global entities.
The international music scene continues to be vibrant with new releases and tours. Taylor Swift, for instance, wrapped up her record-breaking Eras Tour, which generated an astounding $2 billion in ticket sales, following the release of her critically acclaimed album The Tortured Poets Department. She has also successfully regained the masters of her early discography, a significant triumph for artist rights. Meanwhile, Academy Award winner Billie Eilish captivated listeners with her third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, released in 2024. Arijit Singh himself recently collaborated with Ed Sheeran on the much-anticipated track “Sapphire,” blending their unique styles.
India’s Expanding Footprint in Global Music
Arijit Singh’s monumental achievement is not an isolated incident but rather indicative of a broader trend. Another celebrated Indian musician, AR Rahman, proudly holds a spot within Spotify’s top 20 most-followed artists, boasting an impressive 49 million followers. This dual presence underscores the growing influence and reach of South Asian artists.
Beyond these legends, Punjabi music sensation Diljit Dosanjh is rapidly expanding his international fanbase, now counting nearly 33 million followers and selling out arenas overseas. This wave of Indian artists headlining sold-out international shows and dominating global streaming platforms signals a powerful new era for music from the subcontinent, cementing its place as a significant force in the world’s cultural landscape.
