Adele has been named the most successful female artist of the decade, beating Taylor Swift in a comparison of album sales, concert attendance, and critical acclaim. Adele has sold 120 million records globally, while Swift has sold more than 50 million copies of her solo studio albums worldwide. On the awards front, Adele has won 15 Grammy Awards, nine Brit Awards and four American Music Awards, while Taylor Swift has won 10 Grammy Awards, 29 American Music Awards and 19 Billboard Music Awards. In terms of concert attendance, Swift outdid Adele, her Reputation Stadium Tour grossing over $345m globally.
Taylor Swift vs. Adele: Who is the Most Successful Female Artist of the Decade?
Introduction
The music industry has transformed over the past decade, featuring incredible female artists and setting a new standard of excellence. Among the leading figures in the global music scene are two of the biggest names, Taylor Swift and Adele. These powerhouse performers have achieved remarkable success in their respective genres, topping charts, breaking records, and earning critical acclaim. In this article, we will weigh up their similarities, differences, and determine who has achieved the most success in the 2010s.
Career Background
Taylor Swift, a Pennsylvanian-born singer-songwriter, became a bright star in the industry soon after releasing her first album in 2006. Her unique style of autobiographical writing, especially of her failed relationships, became an instant sensation. With seven solo studio albums, she has become one of the best-selling female artists of all time, selling over 50 million copies worldwide.
On the other hand, the British singer Adele, born in Tottenham, London, released her debut album, 19, in 2008 when she was only 19 years old. Her soulful voice and powerful ballads earned her significant praise from critics and fans. With only 3 studio albums in her decade-long career, she has successfully sold more than 120 million records worldwide.
Album Sales
When it comes to album sales, both women have achieved a considerable amount of success in the music industry. Taylor Swift has sold over 50 million copies of her solo studio albums worldwide. Adele, on the other hand, has sold a whopping 120 million copies. Her second album, 21, became the best-selling album of the decade, and 25, her third studio album, sold over 20 million copies globally.
Recognitions and Awards
Both Adele and Taylor Swift have received numerous accolades and recognition in their careers. Adele has won 15 Grammy Awards, nine Brit Awards, and four American Music Awards. Whereas, Taylor Swift has won 10 Grammy Awards, 29 American Music Awards, and 19 Billboard Music Awards. In 2019, Swift broke Michael Jackson’s record of the most American Music Awards won by an artist, respectively.
Concert Attendances
Taylor Swift has the edge in terms of live concert attendance. Her massive worldwide tours became hugely successful, with the Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018 breaking records and grossing over $345 million globally. Swift sold out 53,438 tickets per show, averaging $10.8 million per concert.
On the other hand, Adele’s tours are somewhat scarce, and she never pursued a worldwide tour. Her Adele Live tour in 2016-2017 was her last tour to date, grossing over $167 million across North America, Canada, and Europe.
Final Verdict
After weighing all the factors discussed above, we can conclude that Adele is the more successful female artist of the decade. Despite Taylor Swift’s impressive performances and commercial success, Adele’s incredible sales numbers and critical accolades, especially with her massive second album, 21, placed her at the forefront of the music scene for an extended period. Her decade-long career has allowed her to create timeless music that connects at a deep emotional level with her listeners, making her one of the greatest musicians of all time.