Ed Sheeran has been named the UK's most listened to artist for the seventh time

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has been named the most listened to artist of 2023. The musician has topped the music list for the seventh time in nine years.

He beat megastar Taylor Swift, who came in second on the list compiled by music licensing company PPL.

Sheeran said: Thank you for naming me the most listened to artist of last year. Thanks to my team, not just for me, but for all the other artists you work with – I'm glad you get this recognition.

Albanian-born singer Dua Lipa was the third most listened to artist in the UK in 2023, driven by the success of 'Dance The Night' from the Barbie soundtrack. In fourth place was Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, fifth was French DJ David Guetta and sixth was legendary hitmaker Sir Elton John.

The only band in the top 10 was rock group Coldplay in seventh, while Bedford star Tom Grennan is a new entry at number eight while former One Direction singer Harry Styles landed in ninth.

When it comes to the most played song, PPL ranked Miley Cyrus' 'Flowers'. These charts provide an overview of some of the most popular songs being played publicly in the UK.

Ranking of the most listened to songs:

2. Eyes Closed – Ed Sheeran

3. Forget Me – Lewis Capaldi

4. Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift

5. Dance The Night – Dua Lipa

6. Miracle – Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding

8. Waffle House – Jonas Brothers

9. Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift