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

• Apple® announced the winners of the third annual Apple Music® Awards, recognizing the best artists of 2021 and their influence on global culture.

The Apple Music Awards honor achievements in music across five distinct categories — Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Top Song of the Year, and Top Album of the Year — and 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. This year, the Apple Music Awards introduced a new category of awards for Regional Artist of the Year, recognizing artists from five countries and regions: Africa, France, Germany, Japan, and Russia, honoring artists who made the greatest impact culturally and on the charts in their respective countries and regions.

And the winners are — Global Artist of the Year: The Weeknd; Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year: Olivia Rodrigo; Songwriter of the Year: H.E.R.; Artist of the Year (Africa): Wizkid; Artist of the Year (France): Aya Nakamura; Artist of the Year (Germany): RIN; Artist of the Year (Japan): OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM; Artist of the Year (Russia): Scriptonite.

“The past 12 months have proved to be a remarkable year for music, and we’re thrilled to honor the artists that are shaping culture and connecting with fans around the world on Apple Music,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s VP of Apple Music and Beats. “This year we’re also recognizing more regional artists, showing the world the impact of extraordinary talented musicians who are making waves globally.”

The Apple Music Awards celebration kicks off Tuesday, Dec. 7, with interviews, original content, and more all streaming worldwide on Apple Music and the Apple TV® app. Music fans who are not already subscribed to Apple Music can sign up for a three-month free trial at apple.com/apple-music.