Billie Eilish is ending 2024 on a triumphant note, as she was honored with the prestigious title of Apple Music’s 2024 Artist of the Year on Thursday, November 21. This accolade marks a significant recognition for the celebrated nine-time Grammy winner, further solidifying her place in the music industry.
Eilish expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt statement: “Since day one, Apple Music has supported my music and artistry, and I am both honored and humbled to receive this recognition as Artist of the Year this many years into my career.” Her words reflect her appreciation for the platform that has played a crucial role in her success.
Rachel Newman, Apple Music’s senior director of content and editorial, praised Eilish’s incredible journey: “From the moment we first heard ‘Ocean Eyes’ nearly a decade ago, we’ve been fans and champions of Billie’s work. It’s always special when a young artist can connect with so many people so quickly. But what’s been truly remarkable about watching her evolve over the course of this last year isn’t just that her voice and artistry have continued to resonate so widely. It’s that she’s blossomed as bravely and honestly as she has — on her own terms, in her own way.”
It has been a groundbreaking year for Eilish, who commenced 2024 with two Grammy wins for her touching track from *Barbie*, “What Was I Made For?,” clinching victories in both the song of the year and best song written for visual media categories. In May, she released her highly anticipated third studio album, *Hit Me Hard and Soft*, which promptly soared to the No. 1 spot on Apple Music’s all-genre albums chart in an impressive 138 countries worldwide. The album reached No. 2 on the all-genre Billboard 200 albums chart and is celebrated for its standout hits including “Lunch” and “Birds of a Feather.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Eilish is nominated for a remarkable seven Grammys. *Hit Me Hard and Soft* is contending for both album of the year and best pop vocal album, while “Birds of a Feather” has garnered nominations for record of the year, song of the year, and best pop solo performance. Additionally, the “Over Now Extended Edit” of “L’Amour De Ma Vie” is nominated for best dance pop recording, and her collaboration with Charli XCX on “Guess” received a nod for best pop duo/group performance.
What factors contribute to an artist being named Apple Music’s Artist of the Year?
**Interview with Rachel Newman, Senior Director of Content and Editorial at Apple Music**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Rachel. Billie Eilish has just been named Apple Music’s 2024 Artist of the Year. Can you share what this recognition means for both Billie and Apple Music?
**Rachel Newman:** Thank you for having me! Being named Artist of the Year is a significant honor, especially for an artist as impactful as Billie Eilish. This recognition celebrates not only her extraordinary talent but also her profound influence on music and culture over the last year. Billie’s ability to connect with listeners and innovate within the industry has truly set her apart. For Apple Music, it’s a chance to highlight our ongoing commitment to artists who push boundaries and resonate deeply with audiences.
**Interviewer:** Billie expressed her gratitude towards Apple Music, indicating the platform’s support throughout her career. How important is artist support for Apple Music?
**Rachel Newman:** Artist support is at the heart of what we do. From the very beginning, we strive to provide platforms that elevate artists, allowing their voices to be heard. Billie’s journey is a testament to that ethos. We’ve witnessed her growth from her debut to her record-breaking performances and chart-topping albums. Ensuring she and other artists have the resources and exposure they need is crucial for fostering creativity in the music industry.
**Interviewer:** Billie also reflected on her humbled state upon receiving this title, especially after several years in her career. Why is it important for established artists to continue receiving recognition like this?
**Rachel Newman:** Ongoing recognition is vital because it acknowledges the evolution of an artist’s career. Even for someone as celebrated as Billie, accolades help validate their hard work and journey. It keeps the dialog open about their contributions to music. It’s not just about past achievements; it’s about their current relevance and future potential. This accolade is a reminder that their artistry continues to resonate and inspire.
**Interviewer:** what’s next for Billie Eilish in 2024 after this remarkable year?
**Rachel Newman:** With an incredible year behind her, I’m excited to see what Billie will do next. She’s known for her unpredictability and creativity, so we can expect more innovative music, captivating performances, and perhaps even new collaborations. Billie has an innate talent for evolving and surprising her fans, which is something everyone looks forward to. We’re proud to support her journey and can’t wait to see where it leads!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Rachel, for sharing these insights. We look forward to witnessing the next chapter in Billie Eilish’s inspiring career.
**Rachel Newman:** Thank you! It was a pleasure to talk about Billie and her remarkable achievements.
