In the official statement, an official from the music platform points out that the 'Mi Gente' hitmaker's accomplishment proves it's possible for a non-English speaking act to break through internationally.
- Dec 5, 2018
AceShowbiz - Latin superstar J Balvin has dominated music platform Deezer to become its most-streamed artist worldwide in 2018.
The hitmaker jumped 25 spots from 2017 to top the new end-of-year round up, thanks to the popularity of tracks like "Mi Gente" and "X" with Nicky Jam, which was named the second most-played song in the app's global charts.
Balvin beat stars including Ed Sheeran, David Guetta and Drake to score the worldwide honour, although the Canadian rapper was declared America's most-streamed artist.
"The goal is to be able to motivate the world to keep dreaming, make culture, make statements as Latinos on a global scale and show that Spanish is part of the new mainstream," the Colombian singer shared in a press release issued to Billboard.
Deezer's Global Vice President of Artist Marketing, Sulinna Ong, added, "The standout act this year is J Balvin, proving that it's possible for a non-English speaking act to break through internationally and create music that appeals to audiences all over the world."
The news emerges hours after officials at rival platforms Spotify and Apple Music declared Drake their top streaming artist of the year, with his music played a stunning 8.2 billion times on Spotify alone since the beginning of 2018. His single "God's Plan" was named the most-played song on both services, and his latest album "Scorpion" was the most popular record on Spotify.
Top 10 streamed global artists 2018:
- 1. J Balvin
- 2. Ed Sheeran
- 3. Drake
- 4. Jul
- 5. David Guetta
- 6. Damso
- 7. Maitre Gims
- 8. XXXTENTACION
- 9. Imagine Dragons
- 10. Anitta
Top 10 streamed global bands 2018:
- 1. Imagine Dragons
- 2. Ze Neto & Cristiano
- 3. Jorge & Mateus
- 4. Coldplay
- 5. Matheus & Kauan
- 6. Maroon 5
- 7. Henrique & Juliano
- 8. Linkin Park
- 9. Queen
- 10. Major Lazer
Top 10 streamed songs globally 2018:
- 1. "One Kiss" - Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa
- 2. "X" - J Balvin & Nicky Jam
- 3. "God's Plan" - Drake
- 4. "Shape of You" - Ed Sheeran
- 5. "Havana" (feat. Young Thug) - Camila Cabello
- 6. "FRIENDS" - Marshmello & Anne-Marie
- 7. "Echame la Culpa" - Luis Fonsi
- 8. "Mafiosa" (feat. Caroliina) - Lartiste
- 9. "Flames" (feat. Sia Furler) - David Guetta
- 10. "SAD!" - XXXTENTACION
Top 10 streamed USA artists 2018:
- 1. Drake
- 2. XXXTENTACION
- 3. Eminem
- 4. Lil Wayne
- 5. Kevin Gates
- 6. Post Malone
- 7. Bad Bunny
- 8. Future
- 9. Ozuna
- 10. Migos
Top 10 streamed songs in the USA 2018:
- 1. "SAD!" - XXXTENTACION
- 2. "God's Plan" - Drake
- 3. "I Like It" - Cardi B
- 4. "Moonlight" - XXXTENTACION
- 5. "Look Alive" (feat. Drake) - BlocBoy JB
- 6. "Better Now" - Post Malone
- 7. "FEFE" - 6ix9ine
- 8. "Taste" - Tyga
- 9. "Jocelyn Flores" - XXXTENTACION
- 10. "Fuck Love" - XXXTENTACION
USA top streamed female artists 2018:
- 1. Cardi B
- 2. Nicki Minaj
- 3. Rihanna
- 4. Ariana Grande
- 5. Beyonce Knowles
- 6. Halsey
- 7. Taylor Swift
- 8. Camila Cabello
- 9. Ella Mai
- 10. Shakira