Ed Sheeran named world's best-selling artist of 2017
Ed Sheeran performs during the 2017 Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden in New York, December 8, 2017. (REUTERS Photo)


If you think there's no escape from the songs of Ed Sheeran, you may be right.

The British singer-songwriter was named the world's best-selling artist of 2017 on Monday, thanks to his album "Divide" and singles "Shape of You" and "Perfect."

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) said that "Divide," which was released in March 2017, went multi-Platinum in 36 nations.

Sheeran's pop ballad "Shape of You" was also the best-selling single globally of 2017 and has been certified as multi-Platinum in 32 nations, the organization said.

The IFPI said it was the first time that a recording artist has had both the best-selling album and single of the year.

Sheeran, 27, first found success in England in 2009 and 2010 by self-releasing his music online.

"Ed is truly an incredible songwriter, vocalist and performer, whose ability to tell stories and make people feel is what stands him out from the crowd," Max Lousada, chief executive of recorded music for Sheeran's Warner Music Group record label, said in a statement on Monday.

The group's chief executive, Frances Moore, said Monday that Sheeran's success "is astonishing and testament to his ability to write and perform songs that connect with a truly global fan base."

Sheeran, known for his ginger hair and shy demeanor, delighted fans last month by announcing his engagement to his childhood friend Cherry Seaborn, who he has known since he was 11 years old.

The 2016 winner, Drake, came second in 2017. The Canadian rapper and his album "More Life" was named the second biggest seller globally for 2017 and Taylor Swift's "Reputation" was third, despite being released only in November 2017. Rounding out the top five were Kendrick Lamar and Eminem.

The IFPI's Global Recording Artist of the Year Award measures sales in both digital and physical music formats.