Photo: VOGUE Taiwan

Olivia Rodrigo, H.E.R, The Weeknd Win Apple Music Awards

At the third annual event The Weeknd was named global artist of the year at the Apple Music Awards, H.E.R. was named songwriter of the year, and Olivia Rodrigo was named breakthrough artist of the year with her “Sour” LP winning best album of the year and her “drivers license” taking home song of the year honors.

This combination of photos shows The Weeknd performing during the halftime show of the Super Bowl on Feb. 7, 2021, in Tampa, Fla., left, H.E.R. performing at the Spotify Best New Artist 2019 Party in Los Angeles on Feb. 7, 2019, center, and Olivia Rodrigo performingat the American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Nov. 21, 2021. The Weeknd was named global artist of the year at the Apple Music Awards, H.E.R. was named songwriter of the year, and Rodrigo was named breakthrough artist of the year, her “Sour” was named best album of the year and her “drivers license” was song of the year. (AP Photo)

As the revamped Apple Music Awards has grown larger to encompass global music patterns. H.E.R. (Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson) stated: “I am very honored and blessed to receive this recognition,” “As a young Black and Filipino artist, and a woman who is on the stage giving my all, there’s no doubt that representation is important.”

Born Abel Tesfaye, The Weeknd thanked the streaming music service for the honor and the support, saying: “not only for my work but also for great music by newer artists where it matters so much for creators to be found and supported.” 

Now in its third year, the Apple Music Awards introduced a new category of awards recognizing artists from five countries and regions – including Africa, France, Germany, Japan, and Russia – who had the greatest impact culturally and on the charts in their respective countries and regions.

The international winners are Aya Nakamura for the French region, OFFICIAL HIGE DANDism for Japan, RIN for Germany, Scriptonite for Russia and Wizkid for Africa. 

According to Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and Beats: “We’re thrilled to honor the artists that are shaping culture and connecting with fans around the world on Apple Music.” “This year we’re also recognizing more regional artists, showing the world the impact of extraordinary talented musicians who are making waves globally.”

Award winners are chosen through a process that reflects both Apple Music’s editorial perspective and what customers around the world are listening to the most. Last year, rapper Lil Baby was named artist of the year by Apple, Taylor Swift was named songwriter of the year and Megan Thee Stallion was honored with breakthrough artist of the year.

Keep up with the latest trending music news by following us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram

Author: Saul Goode

Photo: VOGUE Taiwan