Photo: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen / Unsplash
Eight out of ten most played artists were men
In 2023, the men continue to dominate the top list. The two women on the list are Norwegian, and with this Emma Steinbakken and Dagny mark their place in the top tier.
The latest statistics report from Gramo shows that eight of the ten most played main artists in 2023 were men. This was also the case the year before. Norwegian Emma Steinbakken and Dagny are the only women to make the top ten list.
See the top 10 here:
- The Weeknd with 789 hours and 29 minutes of playtime
- Emma Steinbakken with 742 hours and 11 minutes playing time
- Ed Sheeran with 742 hours and 3 minutes playing time
- Kygo with 733 hours and 36 minutes playtime
- David Guetta with 650 hours and 8 minutes playing time
- Elton John with 640 hours and 12 minutes of playing time
- Chris Holsten with 590 hours and 36 minutes playing time
- Alan Walker with 572 hours and 26 minutes playing time
- Dagny with 557 hours and 0 minutes playtime
- Justin Bieber with 550 hours and 42 minutes of playtime
Although women can be involved in a recording, either as a songwriter, musician, producer or as a co-artist, it is the men who are the main artist on most of the recordings in the top ten.
However, four of the ten most played Norwegian main artists were women. Emma Steinbakken, Dagny, Astrid S and Sigrid are all represented here. Other Norwegian headliners included in this top ten list are Kygo, Chris Holsten, Alan Walker, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Kringkastingsorkesteret and Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Statistics:
The statistics are based on reports for 2023 registered with Gramo up to April 2024, and include all radio playback of released recordings on the channels of NRK, P4 and Bauer Media. Music used in local radio stations, shops, cafés, gyms and the like is not included in these statistics, but is included in the distribution of Gramo money to the rights holders.
Other current affairs
Gramo's annual meeting: solid results and important decisions for the future
Gramo's annual meeting was held on June 2, 2026 in the new premises at Kongens gate 12. It was also possible to participate digitally. The annual meeting brought together members from both the performer and producer groups, and discussed, among other things, the annual accounts, transparency report, elections and central principles for Gramo's activities.
Read moreGramo's annual meeting: solid results and important decisions for the future
Gramo asks the Storting to protect the compulsory licensing system in Section 21 of the Copyright Act.
On Monday, June 8, 2026, Gramo was at a hearing in the Storting's Family and Culture Committee on Prop. 41 LS.
Read moreGramo asks the Storting to protect the compulsory licensing system in Section 21 of the Copyright Act.
Astrid S tops the radio statistics for 2025
Astrid S was the most played lead artist on Norwegian radio in 2025, with 1,938 hours of playing time spread across 56 recordings. Behind her are a number of international names on the top list; Alex Warren, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga and Sabrina Carpenter.
Read more
