Bruno Mars stunned the music industry by securing the title of the #1 Global Artist of 2024, surpassing Taylor Swift, who held the position last year. Chartmetric’s 2024 Year in Music report reveals that Mars made an extraordinary leap, climbing 29 spots from his 2023 rank of 30 to claim the throne. What makes this feat even more remarkable is that he achieved it with just two major collaborative releases throughout the year.
Chartmetric, a data-driven platform tracking over 11 million artists, utilizes its proprietary “Chartmetric Score system” to assess performance based on streaming activity, social media influence, and audience engagement. Mars’ rise underscores a shift in the music landscape, where carefully planned releases and a timeless catalog can rival an artist’s output volume.
Mars’ enduring hits also contributed to his dominance, with classics like Just the Way You Are, Locked Out of Heaven, and That’s What I Like continuing to rack up billions of streams. His ability to maintain relevance with minimal new content highlights his lasting appeal and strategic mastery in the digital music era.
The Historic Success of “Die With A Smile”
Mars’ collaboration with Lady Gaga, Die With A Smile, was a defining factor in his meteoric ascent. The track made history as the fastest song to reach one billion Spotify streams, achieving this milestone in just 96 days. By the end of 2024, the song had accumulated 1.41 billion streams, averaging an astonishing 100,000 plays per day—or 4,167 per hour.
The song’s overwhelming success outperformed every major release in 2024, cementing Mars as a global powerhouse. The powerful duet resonated worldwide, blending Mars’ signature style with Lady Gaga’s distinct artistry to create an instant classic.
For Gaga, the collaboration was equally transformative. Her Chartmetric ranking soared from 24th to sixth place, proving the immense impact of their partnership. The triumph of Die With A Smile reinforced the growing significance of collaborative projects in today’s evolving music industry.
“APT” Takes Over the Charts
Mars’ second major release of 2024, APT, a high-profile collaboration with ROSÉ, further solidified his dominance. The October release broke records, amassing 100 million Spotify streams in its first week and securing the top spot on both Billboard Global charts with an astounding 224.5 million streams.
Even more impressively, APT sustained over 200 million weekly streams for multiple weeks—an unprecedented feat in music history. The song’s nine-week reign at number one on the global charts was unrivaled, even surpassing Die With A Smile in overall performance.
This collaboration didn’t just elevate Mars—it also catapulted ROSÉ to new heights. She skyrocketed from 120th to fourth place in Chartmetric’s rankings, demonstrating the powerful impact of strategic partnerships. The unparalleled success of APT reaffirmed Mars’ ability to uplift his collaborators while solidifying his own legacy.
A Calculated Path to Global Supremacy
What set Mars apart in 2024 was his ability to dominate the industry with a minimal yet highly effective release strategy. Unlike artists who frequently release new singles and albums, Mars focused on select, high-quality collaborations that maximized engagement and global appeal.
His existing catalog also played a crucial role in his continued success. Songs like Just the Way You Are and When I Was Your Man maintained billions of streams, proving that longevity in music can be just as powerful as constant new releases. This strategic approach highlights the significance of cultivating a timeless catalog that continues to attract listeners years after its debut.
Mars’ rise to the top reflects a broader trend in the industry—where intentional collaborations, expertly crafted releases, and a strong back catalog can propel an artist to extraordinary heights, even amid fierce competition.
The Power of Collaboration
Mars’ 2024 triumph wasn’t just a personal achievement—it also shone a spotlight on his collaborators. Lady Gaga saw a significant boost, soaring to sixth place in Chartmetric’s rankings, while ROSÉ’s leap to fourth underscored the far-reaching impact of their partnership.
These successes emphasize the power of collaboration in today’s music landscape, where blending unique talents can yield groundbreaking results. Mars’ ability to amplify the strengths of his peers while maintaining his artistic identity cements his position as a modern industry leader.
Through meticulously chosen partnerships and world-class music, Mars not only claimed the title of #1 Global Artist but also reshaped the competitive music scene—proving that quality and strategic collaboration can triumph over sheer quantity.
