2006
in MusicAlbums
17
Artists
26
Milestones
34
Notable Releases
Once Again
John LegendSecond album, reached number three on Billboard 200, received platinum certification
FutureSex/LoveSounds
Justin TimberlakeHis second album that departed from earlier work to explore broader sounds including rap, rock, funk, and soul. Redefined pop's cutting edge and became his first US #1 Billboard 200 album with over 10 million copies sold worldwide.
SexyBack
Justin TimberlakeLead single from FutureSex/LoveSounds that helped introduce EDM sounds to top 40 radio. Reached #1 on Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for seven consecutive weeks.
Back to Basics
Christina AguileraHer second number-one album inspired by 1920s-1950s music, selling over 5 million units worldwide. The album showcased her artistic versatility with old-school genres combined with modern elements.
The Sweet Escape
Gwen StefaniSecond solo album featuring electronic and dance music with singles "Wind It Up" and the title track
Before He Cheats
Carrie UnderwoodBreakthrough crossover single that became the first country song to be certified multi-platinum; certified 11× Platinum with over 11 million copies sold
Back to Black
Amy WinehouseHer breakthrough second album that became one of the best-selling albums of all time, featuring the hit single 'Rehab' and establishing her as a global superstar.
A Moment Like This
Leona LewisChart-topping debut single that established Lewis as a major pop star globally
In My Mind
Pharrell WilliamsDebut solo album that peaked at number three on the Billboard 200
Taylor Swift
Taylor SwiftHer debut album that peaked at number five on the Billboard 200 and spent 157 weeks on the chart—the longest chart run by an album in the 2000s. Swift became the first female country music artist to write or co-write every track on a platinum-certified debut album.
Significant Milestones
Winter Olympics Final Performance
RetirementPerformed 'Nessun dorma' at 2006 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Turin on 10 February 2006 (prerecorded). Received longest and loudest ovation of the night, marking his final performance.
BRIT School Graduation & Record Deal
AchievementGraduated from BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology and signed record deal with XL Recordings in September 2006 at age 17 after her Myspace demo gained attention.
Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
AwardBocelli was honored by the Italian state with this prestigious award, recognizing his contributions to Italian culture and music.
FutureSex/LoveSounds Release
DebutSecond album debut at #1 on Billboard 200 and became biggest iTunes pre-order album at the time. Established him as a major solo artist and critical darling.
Country Music Hall of Fame Induction
AwardInducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame while still actively recording and producing chart-topping hits, making him only the second artist (after Eddy Arnold in 1966) to achieve this distinction while still active.
Back to Basics Tour and Album Success
TourReleased her second number-one album and embarked on the highest-grossing concert tour by a female artist in 2007 with earnings around $48.1 million.
Hannah Montana Debut
DebutCast as lead in Disney Channel's Hannah Montana at age 13; the series premiered to the largest audience for a Disney Channel program and quickly became one of the highest-rated series on basic cable, launching her into superstardom
Most-Played Artist
AchievementNamed the most-played artist of 2006 in the United States by Mediabase, demonstrating her widespread radio success across multiple formats.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
AwardInducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as member of Black Sabbath, recognizing Black Sabbath's fundamental contribution to rock music
