2020
in MusicAlbums
33
Artists
29
Milestones
37
Notable Releases
Changes
Justin BieberBieber's fifth studio album that debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making him the youngest solo artist to have seven number-one albums in the US.
No Time to Die
Billie EilishJames Bond theme song that topped UK Singles Chart and won Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2022, making Eilish the youngest artist to write and perform a Bond theme.
Wonder
Shawn MendesMendes's fourth studio album that debuted at number one, making him the youngest male artist ever to top the Billboard 200 with four studio albums.
Future Nostalgia
Dua LipaHer second studio album that became her first UK number-one album and peaked in the top-three in the US. The album was critically acclaimed and won the Brit Award for British Album of the Year and Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.
Levitating
Dua LipaA standout track from Future Nostalgia that topped the Billboard year-end Hot 100 chart of 2021 and received a Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Diamond certification. The song became one of her most commercially successful singles.
Go Crazy
Chris BrownA collaboration with Young Thug that peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Brown's first song to spend one full year on the chart.
Love Goes
Sam SmithSmith's third studio album released during the COVID-19 pandemic, preceded by singles including 'Dancing with a Stranger' and 'How Do You Sleep?'
Plastic Hearts
Miley CyrusRock and glam rock album exploring new sonic territory; debuted at number two on Billboard 200 with collaborations from Dua Lipa, Billy Idol, and Joan Jett
Smile
Katy PerrySixth studio album released after Perry gave birth to her daughter Daisy Dove Bloom, featuring lead single 'Daisies' and debuting at number five on the Billboard 200.
Positions
Ariana GrandeGrande's sixth studio album that debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The title track became her fifth number-one single, breaking records for most number-one debuts on the Hot 100.
Heartbreak Weather
Niall HoranHoran's second studio album that debuted at number one in the UK, Ireland, and Mexico, and number four in the United States.
Ordinary Man
Ozzy OsbourneFirst solo album in nearly a decade, debuting at number three on UK Albums Chart
McCartney III
Paul McCartneySelf-titled solo album recorded during COVID-19 lockdowns with McCartney playing all instruments; his first number-one solo album in the UK since 1989.
Disco
Kylie MinogueFifteenth studio album reaching number one in Australia and UK, making her only female artist with number one albums in five consecutive decades
Folklore
Taylor SwiftHer indie folk surprise release that made her the first artist to debut a number-one album and number-one song in the same week in the US. The album showcased a mature, artistic direction with fictional narratives rather than autobiographical songwriting.
Chromatica
Lady GagaHer sixth studio album that debuted at number one in the US and multiple territories. Featured the number-one single 'Rain on Me' with Ariana Grande and marked her return to dance-pop roots while addressing mental health themes.
Significant Milestones
Super Bowl LIV Halftime Performance
AchievementLopez co-headlined the Super Bowl LIV halftime show with Shakira, delivering a widely praised performance that became the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show to date.
Library of Congress Gershwin Prize
AchievementAt age 57, Brooks became the youngest recipient of the prestigious Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, recognizing his lifetime achievement.
Grammy Awards Sweep
Grammy WinWon all four major Grammy categories—Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year—becoming the second artist in history (after Christopher Cross) to achieve this.
James Bond Theme "No Time to Die" Announced
DebutAnnounced as performer and co-writer of 25th James Bond film's theme song, becoming the youngest artist to write and perform a Bond theme and first female artist to have it top UK charts.
Chart Record for This One's for You
DebutHis debut album spent its 44th week at number one on Top Country Albums in August 2020, setting the record for longest reign at the top by a male artist.
Wonder Album and Youngest Male Artist Achievement
DebutWonder debuted at number one in the US and Canada, making Mendes the youngest male artist ever to top the Billboard 200 with four studio albums.
Future Nostalgia Album and Chart Dominance
DebutReleased her second album Future Nostalgia which became her first UK number-one album and peaked in the top-three in the US. The album's singles dominated charts globally, with 'Levitating' becoming one of the year's biggest hits.
Voice Coaching Victory
DebutStefani's finalist Carter Rubin was named winner on Season 19 of The Voice, giving her first coaching victory after five seasons as a coach.
Most Billboard 200 Top-Five Albums by Female Artist
DebutWith Plastic Hearts debuting at number two, broke record for most US Billboard 200 top-five albums in 21st century by a female music artist
Vogue Cover Historic Moment
DebutBecame first man to appear solo on cover of Vogue, December issue, wearing blue Gucci dress. Sparked important cultural conversation about gender-fluid fashion and challenged right-wing criticism.
Most Number-One Debuts Record
DebutBecame the first artist to have five number-one debuts on the Hot 100 and the first artist to have their first five number-ones debut at the top. Named highest-paid female musician by Forbes.
Second Album Release
DebutHoran's second studio album 'Heartbreak Weather' debuted at number one in the UK, Ireland, and Mexico, and number four in the United States.
My Gift Gospel Album Release
Grammy WinUnderwood releases My Gift, her first Christmas album, followed by My Savior, her first gospel album, winning the Grammy Award for Best Roots Gospel Album in 2021.
Badu World Market Launch
CollaborationOpened online store Badu World Market on February 20, featuring bespoke clothing, apothecary goods, and musical merchandise.
