SHEERAN IS U.K.'S MOST PLAYED FOR THIRD YEAR STRAIGHT

Ed Sheeran was the most-played artist in the U.K. on radio and TV and in public places in 2023—for the seventh time in nine years, according to licensing company PPL.

It’s also the second time Sheeran has enjoyed three consecutive years as the most-played act.

He thanked his promotion team, led by Atlantic U.K. Director of Promotions Damian Christian, the members of which, he said, "have consistently done amazing things," adding, "not just for me but for all the other artists you work with and I’m happy you get this recognition. Thanks so much and here’s to the next year!”

Taylor Swift jumped from #10 to #2 on the 2023 PPL chart. Dua Lipa, Calvin Harris and David Guetta control the next three spots. Elton John, Coldplay (the only group on the list), Tom Grennan, Harry Styles and Madonna round out the Top 10.

Not surprisingly, seven of last year's top 10 most-played artists hail from the U.K. Grennan is the latest British musician to enter the countdown, at #8, a nine-spot rise from 2022.

“Flowers” (RCA) by Miley Cyrus was the most-played song of 2023, per PPL. It's followed by “Eyes Closed” (Atlantic) by Sheeran, “Forget Me” (UMG) by Lewis Capaldi, “Anti-Hero” (EMI) by Swift and “Dance the Night” (Warner Records) by Lipa.