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adele’s ’21’ Becomes the Best-Selling album by a Female Artist of All Time
Published: 2026/01/22 17:17:30
The Record-Breaking Album
Adele’s 2011 album, 21, has officially surpassed Whitney Houston’s The Bodyguard soundtrack to become the best-selling album of all time by a female artist. As of January 19, 2026, 21 has achieved global sales of 56.375 million units, exceeding The Bodyguard‘s 56.372 million units. These figures are based on a combination of album sales, individual track downloads, and streaming equivalents, as calculated by the Certified Sales Performance Chart (CSPC).
A Legacy of Ballads and Vocal Power
Both 21 and The Bodyguard soundtrack are renowned for their iconic ballads. Whitney Houston’s rendition of Dolly Parton’s ”I Will Always Love You” from The Bodyguard remains a defining moment in pop music history. The song, and the album as a whole, garnered meaningful critical acclaim, including a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, and Record of the Year.
Adele’s “Someone Like You,” released in 2011, served as a pivotal track in launching her to international stardom. The song is frequently enough cited as a defining track on 21, encapsulating the album’s central theme of heartbreak and emotional recovery. Adele herself has described the song as representing “the end of my story of love.”
Behind the scenes: Creative Contributions
Ryan Tedder, the singer of OneRepublic, played a key role in the creation of 21, co-writing and producing “Rumour has It” and co-writing “Turning Tables.” he expressed his excitement about the album’s achievement, stating, “It’s official.thank you adele. Thank you to everyone who made this album.It was an honor to be a part of it, and it’s just insane.”
The inclusion of “I Will Always Love You” in The Bodyguard was reportedly the idea of Kevin Costner,who envisioned Houston’s powerful vocals performing the song with minimal accompaniment,creating a especially impactful and memorable performance. This decision significantly elevated the song’s profile and cemented its place in music history.
The Impact of ’21’
the success of 21 was not without its challenges for Adele. She has spoken about the overwhelming response to the album, admitting that its rapid ascent to popularity was initially “scary” and “out of control.” Despite these feelings, the album’s enduring appeal and record-breaking sales demonstrate its profound impact on the music landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Adele’s 21 is now the best-selling album by a female artist of all time, surpassing Whitney Houston’s The Bodyguard.
- Both albums are celebrated for their powerful ballads and iconic vocal performances.
- Creative contributions from artists like Ryan Tedder and Kevin Costner
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