Miley Cyrus made 2023 hers with her smash single “Flowers,” which was massively popular throughout the year. Halfway into 2024, the singer has earned a special honor thanks to the tune, which remains beloved in one of the largest music markets in the world.
According to music licensing company PPL (and reported by The Guardian), Cyrus’ “Flowers” was the most-played song in the U.K. in 2023. The ranking includes three forms of consumption: radio, TV, and in various public places.
Cyrus beats a bevy of superstars for the honor, including many homegrown favorites. Ed Sheeran ranks in second place with his tune “Eyes Closed,” which was included on one of his most recent albums.
Interestingly, Sheeran lands at No. 1 on the list of the most-played musicians in the U.K. last year. He’s earned that distinction many times in the past, as he remains one of the most successful artists in history across the pond.
“Flowers” leads a top 10 that also includes hits from Lewis Capaldi (“Forget Me,” No. 3), Dua Lipa (“Dance the Night,” No. 5), and Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding (“Miracle,” No. 6), among others. Specific numbers regarding total consumption weren’t shared, so it’s not clear how wide the gaps between hits may be.
Only one artist appears on the ranking twice, and it’s Taylor Swift. Her 2022 single “Anti-Hero” sits at No. 4, while “Cruel Summer” lands at No. 9. That latter cut was actually released in 2019, but it became a global smash in 2023.
Cyrus earned the hit of a lifetime with “Flowers” in early 2023. The track was released in January, and it became a blockbuster the moment it dropped. The single fronted her then-forthcoming album Endless Summer Vacation, which benefited greatly from its first cut.
“Flowers” debuted at No. 1 on the U.K. songs chart. It went on to rule for its first 10 weeks in a row, and then earned several more stays inside the top 10.
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