Taylor Swift has achieved a historic milestone, surpassing Madonna’s iconic album Music on the Billboard 200 chart with her 2024 release, The Tortured Poets Department. This marks Swift’s dominance in the music industry, as her album secures 12 weeks at No. 1, outpacing Music’s 11-week run in 2000.
Billboard’s official announcement, shared via their X account, celebrated Swift’s enduring popularity. As per Billboard data, the Tortured Poets Department, featuring chart-topping singles like “Fortnight” with Post Malone, has amassed 3.2 million equivalent album units in the U.S. alone.
Artists with the most #1 hits on the Billboard Global 200 Chart: pic.twitter.com/aYWOcnSkHg
— Pop Core (@TheePopCore) May 5, 2025The album has garnered 1.8 billion streams globally, showcasing Swift’s unmatched streaming power. The Tortured Poets Department has sold 3.2 million equivalent album units in the U.S., surpassing Madonna’s Music.
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With one fan tweeting, Swifties took to social media to celebrate, “Taylor’s consistency is unreal—she’s rewriting the record books!” Swift expressed gratitude on Instagram, stating, “This album means the world to me, and seeing it connect with you all is everything.” These reactions highlight the strong connection between Swift and her fan base.
Swift’s Place Among Music Legends
This milestone adds to Swift’s impressive record of 13 No. 1 albums in the U.K., tying her with Elvis Presley, as reported by Billboard in February 2025. In the U.S., Swift now holds 12 No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, surpassing Madonna’s 11 but trailing Barbra Streisand’s 14 among female artists. The Beatles lead overall with 19 No. 1 albums.
- Taylor Swift: 12 No. 1 albums (U.S.)
- Madonna: 11 No. 1 albums (U.S.)
- Barbra Streisand: 14 No. 1 albums (U.S.)
- The Beatles: 19 No. 1 albums (U.S.)
Madonna’s Music, a Grammy-winning album featuring hits like “Don’t Tell Me,” was a cultural phenomenon in 2000. However, Swift’s modern streaming advantage and loyal fan base have propelled The Tortured Poets Department to new heights. This achievement underscores Swift’s ability to adapt to the evolving music industry while maintaining artistic excellence.
