England has always been a major force in shaping the sound of modern music, and that influence is alive and thriving on Spotify today. From legendary rock bands to chart-topping pop stars, English artists continue to lead the global stage with style, innovation, and unforgettable melodies.
In this list, we shine a light on the 30 most followed English artists on Spotify. Whether you’re into timeless classics or today’s biggest hits, these artists represent the best of what England brings to the world of music.
Note that we only cover English artists in this list. Countries like Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own lists.
Quick Overview of the Top 30
- Ed Sheeran
- Adele
- Coldplay
- Queen
- Dua Lipa
- One Direction
- Harry Styles
- The Beatles
- Arctic Monkeys
- Sam Smith
- ZAYN
- Pink Floyd
- James Arthur
- Led Zeppelin
- The Rolling Stones
- Elton John
- Gorillaz
- Ellie Goulding
- Anne-Marie
- Little Mix
- Jessie J
- Radiohead
- Oasis
- David Bowie
- Liam Payne
- Iron Maiden
- Amy Winehouse
- Black Sabbath
- Rita Ora
- Dire Straits
#1 – Ed Sheeran
With heartfelt lyrics and an acoustic-pop sound that feels both personal and universal, Ed Sheeran has become one of the most streamed artists on the planet.
- Followers on Spotify: 119M+
#2 – Adele
Adele’s voice is pure power and emotion. Her soulful ballads and timeless storytelling have made her a global icon and a favorite on playlists everywhere.
- Followers on Spotify: 63M+
#3 – Coldplay
Coldplay blends uplifting anthems with introspective moments, always pushing their sound forward. Their music connects across generations and continents.
- Followers on Spotify: 57M+
#4 – Queen
Few bands are as legendary as Queen. Their theatrical rock anthems, led by Freddie Mercury’s unmatched voice, remain cultural touchstones decades after their debut.
- Followers on Spotify: 53M+
#5 – Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa has brought modern disco and sleek pop to the forefront. Her confident sound and infectious energy have made her one of the biggest stars of the streaming era.
- Followers on Spotify: 45M+
#6 – One Direction
One Direction’s pop takeover was fast and unforgettable. Even after going on hiatus, the group’s music continues to dominate playlists and stir nostalgia.
- Followers on Spotify: 39M+
#7 – Harry Styles
With charm, creativity, and a genre-blending sound, Harry Styles has carved out his own path as a solo artist. His music feels both fresh and timeless.
- Followers on Spotify: 33M+
#8 – The Beatles
The Beatles revolutionized modern music. From catchy pop to experimental masterpieces, their influence is woven into the fabric of music history.
- Followers on Spotify: 29M+
#9 – Arctic Monkeys
Known for witty lyrics and a cool, evolving sound, Arctic Monkeys are indie rock royalty. Their music speaks to a generation that grew up alongside them.
- Followers on Spotify: 29M+
#10 – Sam Smith
Sam Smith’s soulful voice and vulnerable songwriting have struck a deep emotional chord. Their blend of pop and R&B continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
- Followers on Spotify: 25M+
#11 – ZAYN
ZAYN’s smooth vocals and R&B-inspired solo work have set him apart. He brings a moody, refined style that continues to grow beyond his boy band beginnings.
- Followers on Spotify: 23M+
#12 – Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd’s music is a journey. Their progressive rock sound and philosophical themes have earned them a legendary place in music history.
- Followers on Spotify: 21M+
#13 – James Arthur
With raw emotion and powerful vocals, James Arthur delivers pop ballads that hit close to the heart. His songs often explore personal struggles and redemption.
- Followers on Spotify: 19M+
#14 – Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin brought blues, rock, and mysticism together in a way that changed music forever. Their riffs, vocals, and live performances are the stuff of legend.
- Followers on Spotify: 15M+
#15 – The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are rock icons. Their gritty style, rebellious attitude, and endless catalog of hits have kept them relevant for over half a century.
- Followers on Spotify: 15M+
#16 – Elton John
Elton John’s flamboyant style and heartfelt songwriting have made him a global treasure. His hits span decades, each filled with emotion and musical brilliance.
- Followers on Spotify: 14M+
#17 – Gorillaz
Gorillaz mix animation, alternative rock, hip-hop, and electronic music into something completely unique. Their creative universe draws in fans from all over the world.
- Followers on Spotify: 13M+
#18 – Ellie Goulding
Ellie Goulding combines airy vocals with shimmering production. Her sound moves smoothly between pop, electronic, and ballads with emotional depth.
- Followers on Spotify: 12M+
#19 – Anne-Marie
Anne-Marie’s blend of pop, sass, and sincerity has made her a fan favorite. She brings personality and realness to every track she touches.
- Followers on Spotify: 12M+
#20 – Little Mix
Little Mix is one of the most successful girl groups in recent memory. Their harmonies, empowering lyrics, and pop hooks have built a devoted global fanbase.
- Followers on Spotify: 12M+
#21 – Jessie J
Jessie J’s vocal power and fearless confidence shine through in her pop anthems. She’s a true performer with a big presence and even bigger talent.
- Followers on Spotify: 12M+
#22 – Radiohead
Radiohead continually redefine what rock can be. Their experimental sound, cryptic lyrics, and emotional depth make them one of the most respected bands of all time.
- Followers on Spotify: 11M+
#23 – Oasis
Oasis delivered anthems that defined the 90s. With swagger, attitude, and unforgettable choruses, they helped shape British rock for a new era.
- Followers on Spotify: 11M+
#24 – David Bowie
David Bowie was a musical chameleon. His fearless reinvention, visionary artistry, and groundbreaking sound continue to influence artists everywhere.
- Followers on Spotify: 11M+
#25 – Liam Payne
As a solo artist, Liam Payne brought a mix of pop, dance, and R&B influences. His smooth voice and confident style carried over from his One Direction days.
- Followers on Spotify: 10M+
#26 – Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden is metal at its most epic. Their galloping riffs, fantastical themes, and theatrical shows have earned them legendary status.
- Followers on Spotify: 9M+
#27 – Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse brought jazz, soul, and heartbreak into the mainstream. Her voice was unmistakable, and her music remains hauntingly beautiful.
- Followers on Spotify: 9M+
#28 – Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath helped invent heavy metal. Their dark, heavy sound laid the foundation for generations of rock and metal bands to come.
- Followers on Spotify: 8M+
#29 – Rita Ora
Rita Ora’s pop anthems and collaborations keep her music fresh and exciting. Her versatility and style have made her a staple on the charts.
- Followers on Spotify: 8M+
#30 – Dire Straits
With clean guitar work and understated cool, Dire Straits created a sound that was both smooth and iconic. Their songs are timeless favorites around the world.
- Followers on Spotify: 8M+
Join the conversation!
Sources: Spotify