Billie Eilish has once again made history, being crowned Apple Music’s Artist of the Year for 2024. This prestigious accolade comes on the heels of a monumental year for the singer-songwriter, whose influence continues to redefine the boundaries of modern music. Following her second Academy Award and two GRAMMY wins for her poignant contribution to Greta Gerwig’s Barbie with the haunting track “What Was I Made For?”, Billie released her highly acclaimed third album, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT. The album, a bold yet tender exploration of vulnerability and resilience, soared to the top of Apple Music’s charts in 138 countries within days of its release, cementing her place as one of the most compelling artists of her generation.
Eilish’s impact resonated globally throughout 2024. During the Summer Olympics closing ceremony in August, she delivered a mesmerizing performance of her hit “BIRDS OF A FEATHER,” representing her hometown of Los Angeles. The event sparked a record-breaking day of interactions on Shazam, a testament to her widespread appeal. Additionally, her collaboration with Charli XCX on “Guess” dominated airwaves as one of the defining songs of the summer. Her sold-out HIT ME HARD AND SOFT tour is set to carry her unprecedented success into 2025, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
This year, Eilish garnered seven GRAMMY nominations, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. She also became the first artist to win Apple Music’s Artist of the Year award twice, following her initial recognition in 2019. These milestones reflect not only her artistic growth but also the unwavering support of Apple Music, which has championed her career from the very beginning. Rachel Newman, Senior Director of Content and Editorial at Apple Music, praised Eilish’s evolution: “From the moment we heard ‘Ocean Eyes’ nearly a decade ago, we’ve been fans of Billie. Watching her grow into such a fearless and authentic artist has been extraordinary.”
Reflecting on her journey, Eilish expressed gratitude: “Apple Music has supported my music and talent since day one, and it’s such an honor to be named Artist of the Year multiple times throughout my career.” Fans can celebrate this milestone by revisiting Eilish’s catalog in spatial audio and exploring Apple Music’s curated playlists of the year’s defining tracks and albums.
