These Western artists stand among the most popular Western artists in Asia by sales. Their influence is reflected in impressive album sales and timeless hit songs that continue to resonate across countries to this day.
Below is a list of the most popular Western artists in Asia. The list is ranked by their total album sales in Asia, including studio albums, compilations, live albums, and box sets.
1. The Beatles
The Beatles are widely regarded as the most influential band, playing a significant role in the development of counterculture. Their impact extends strongly throughout Asia, making them the most popular Western artists in Asia by sales, with over 39 million albums sold. Among their many releases, the most beloved song in Asia is “Here Comes the Sun.”
2. Mariah Carey
Dubbed the “Songbird Supreme,” Mariah Carey has achieved remarkable success in Asia, selling over 33 million albums. Her timeless hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has become a holiday staple for millions of listeners across the region.
3. Madonna
Famously known as the “Queen of Pop,” Madonna has sold around 20 million albums in Asia, securing her place as one of the best-selling female artists in the region. Her most popular track remains “La Isla Bonita.”
4. Carpenters
The Carpenters, an American vocal and instrumental duo, also achieved widespread popularity in Asia with 17 million albums sold. Their timeless classic “Yesterday Once More” continues to be their most popular song in the region.
5. Whitney Houston
This American powerhouse vocalist has sold 14 million albums in Asia, ranking among the top five most popular Western artists in Asia by sales. Whitney Houston’s signature ballad, “I Will Always Love You,” remains her most celebrated song.
6. Taylor Swift
Standing alongside legendary singers, Taylor Swift has become one of the top-selling Western artists in Asia with 12 million albums sold. Her most popular songs in the region include “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” and “Cruel Summer.”
7. Enya
As Ireland’s best-selling solo artist, Enya captivated Asian audiences with her ethereal sound, resulting in 12 million albums sold in the region. Her classics “Orinoco Flow” and “Only Time” remain favorites among fans.
8. Britney Spears
Beyond America, Britney Spears also made a major impact on Asian pop culture. Recognized as the “Princess of Pop,” she has sold 8 million albums in the region. Her breakout single “…Baby One More Time” remains her most enduring hit.
9. John Lennon
John Lennon, a former member of The Beatles, also found success as a solo artist with 8 million albums sold across Asia. His timeless anthem “Imagine” continues to resonate strongly with fans in the region.
10. Paul McCartney
Another former member of The Beatles, Paul McCartney, also achieved success in Asia with 8 million solo album sales, placing him in the top 10 most popular Western artists in Asia by sales. His heartfelt ballad “Mull of Kintyre” stands out as his most popular track in the region.
11. Celine Dion
Widely known as one of the world’s greatest divas, Celine Dion has sold 7 million albums in Asia. Her iconic love song “My Heart Will Go On,” also the theme of the legendary film Titanic, remains her most famous hit.
12. Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne has cemented her status as a pop-punk icon in Asia, with 7 million albums sold across the region. Among her most popular songs are “Girlfriend” and “Complicated,” which remain fan favorites.
13. Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire sold 7 million albums in Asia, showcasing their wide range of genres. Their classics “September” and “Boogie Wonderland” remain beloved hits, blending several genres disco, R&B, and funk.
14. Janet Jackson
Inheriting immense musical talent from her family, Janet Jackson has sold 5 million albums in Asia. Her upbeat late-1980s hit “Escapade” remains her most popular track in the region.
15. The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys is an American rock band that gained high popularity in Asia, with 5 million album sales. Their most popular songs are “Good Vibrations” and “Kokomo.”
16. Destiny’s Child
The Beach Boys, an American rock band, gained widespread popularity in Asia with 5 million albums sold, becoming one of the most successful girl groups of all time. Their most popular tracks include the classics “Good Vibrations” and “Kokomo.”
17. Diana Ross
After rising to fame as the lead vocalist of The Supremes, Diana Ross also succeeded as a solo singer in Asia, selling 4 million albums. Her romantic ballad “Endless Love” stands as her most famous track.
18. Lady Gaga
Recognized as one of pop music’s most influential figures, Lady Gaga found major success in Asia with 4 million albums sold. Her electrifying hits “Poker Face” and “Bad Romance” remain her most popular songs among Asians.
19. Def Leppard
Def Leppard cemented their reputation as a powerhouse rock band with 3 million albums sold in Asia. Known for their hard rock and glam metal sound, their biggest hit in the region is “Pour Some Sugar On Me.”
20. Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode, an English electronic band, sold 3 million albums in Asia. Their dark synth-pop classics “Enjoy the Silence” and “Personal Jesus” are still the most popular in the region.
21. Spice Girls
The Spice Girls became a worldwide phenomenon, selling 3 million albums in Asia. Their signature anthem, “Wannabe,” continues to define their global success as one of the top-selling Western artists in Asia.
22. TLC
The American R&B and hip hop group TLC sold 3 million albums in Asia, securing their place among the top Western artists in the region. Their most popular songs include “No Scrubs” and “Waterfalls.”
23. Beyoncé
To this day, Beyoncé continues to showcase her global influence through her music. In Asia, she has sold 3 million albums as a solo artist, with “Halo” being her most popular track in the region.
24. Foreigner
The British-American rock band Foreigner sold 2 million albums in Asia. Their classic ballad “I Want to Know What Love Is” remains their most enduring and popular hit.
25. Pearl Jam
Last, Pearl Jam sold 2 million albums in Asia, solidifying their reputation as “the most popular American rock and roll band of the ’90s.” Their iconic track “Alive” remains a favorite among Asian fans.
These top-selling Western artists in Asia have achieved remarkable success through their outstanding album sales and hit songs. This also solidifies their status as leading figures of the music industry in Asia. Do you see your favorite artist on the list?
