A LOOK BACK:
2022 IN MUSIC

From megastar moves to Latin's big leap and the next generation of breakout singer-songwriters, here are a few mass-media takes on what dominated the music industry and pop culture in 2022.

Bad Bunny's dominant year included 2022's biggest album and tour. Check out his September interview with Harper's Bazaar, in which he discusses staying true to his Puerto Rican roots, being a political voice for citizens of the island territory and making the leap to movie star.

Harry Styles maintained his status as the globe's hottest pop star in 2022, following up his Fine Line album and tour with the Grammy-nominated Harry's House and redefining the residency concept with a new-school arena tour. Read about Styles' historic 15-show stands at the Kia Forum and Madison Square Garden.

Taylor Swift surprised the world at the VMAs this year, announcing a brand new album, Midnights. Released in October, it enjoyed a record-setting release week, and Swift broke Ticketmaster with The Eras Tour, the stadium trek scheduled for 2023. Read about the incredible demand for Swift shows and the scramble to secure tickets here. Tay is also vying for Song of the Year. Will she win this coveted trophy at last?

Beyoncé's return with RENAISSANCE, her first solo full-length in six years, once again demonstrated her ability to seize the cultural narrative. An ambitious, clubby creation birthed by the pandemic, it was also a vital acknowledgement of ballroom culture and the LGBTQ+ contribution to popular music overall. Bey earned multiple top-tier Grammy noms, and RENAISSANCE is thought by many to be the favorite for Album of the Year. NPR named it the best album of 2022.

Adele launched her Las Vegas residency (after a postponement) to rave reviews and earned huge Grammy love.

Drake shocked fans with a midyear EDM-inspired album, only to return to rap alongside 21 Savage with Her Loss.

2022 also saw up-and-coming singer-songwriters making major noise. Warner's Zach Bryan broke through with his genre-defying American Heartbreak, whether he enjoys being in the spotlight or not. He also released over 50 tracks before the year ended—reinforcing his disdain for the rules artists are supposed to follow. Meanwhile, RCA's Steve Lacy wrote one of 2022's catchiest tunes with his smash "Bad Habit" and proved with his album Gemini Rights that he'll be a musical force henceforth.

To cap off the year, SZA owned December with her long-awaited sophomore set and first #1 album, SOS.

We'll be back with the biggest stories of 2023—right after these messages from our sponsors.