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Luminate has introduced the Luminate Index, a new tool designed to rank the connection between recording artists and consumers using proprietary audience data, social media insights, and streaming data that underpins the Billboard charts.
Launched in October, the index evaluates artists based on five key factors. These include streaming, which is weighted at 30%, awareness at 25%, and social media footprint, public perception, and fan engagement, each contributing 15% to the overall composite score.
Luminate VP, Head of Insights Nick Lanzafame said, “This index incorporates then renders a ranking of today’s most influential talent, providing labels, brands, and agencies a single, comprehensive score designed to assess the depth, breadth, and affinity of an artist’s fandom.”
“This new composite metric enables brands to confidently inform artist partnership opportunities while helping labels to understand ideal brand and category alignment for their rosters,” Lanzafame adds. “With this composite score, we’re able to confidently rank the overall influence of 500-plus artists on a scale from 0 to 100, as well as analyze which specific components are driving that score and how those scores compare across audience segments.”
Taylor Swift leads Luminate’s initial artist ranking, reflecting her strong status across Top 40, Hot AC, and AC stations. Other top artists in Luminate’s top 10, including Adele, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, and Lady Gaga, also maintain a significant presence on these formats.
Additionally, artists like Elton John, Rihanna, Eminem, Shakira, and Dolly Parton continue to garner exposure across various radio formats.
According to Luminate, breaking with the Gen Z audience’s recent index ranking, Rihanna is the top artist among the Gen Z audience, followed closely by Taylor Swift, Eminem, Ariana Grande, and The Weeknd. Other notable artists in the top ten include Post Malone, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar.
Shakira leads the Hispanic audience segment, with Swift, Adele, Daddy Yankee, and Eminem rounding out the top five.
Luminate provides insights into the factors influencing artist scores, particularly among the demographic of 13- to 34-year-old females. For instance, Olivia Rodrigo stands out with the highest streaming footprint among her peers. However, her balanced performance across various metrics significantly enhances her overall score. In contrast.
Miley Cyrus exhibits considerable awareness and a strong presence in streaming and social media, though her affinity and engagement scores are not as high.
Meanwhile, the K-Pop group Tomorrow X Together has a smaller awareness and streaming footprint but compensates with a dedicated fan base, resulting in a noteworthy overall score.
Luminate’s analysis of its top 50 shows highlights the enduring popularity of iconic artists across various genres.
Classic rock legends like Led Zeppelin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, AC/DC, and Pink Floyd continue to resonate with audiences.
The Rock genre remains strong with powerful performances from Linkin Park and Metallica.
Artists such as Stevie Nicks, Journey, Eagles, and Bon Jovi represent Classic Hits.
Meanwhile, the urban AC category boasts the talents of Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, and Usher.
Country features rising stars like Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, and Jelly Roll. Many of these acts, such as Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and Selena Gomez, are likely benefiting from increased visibility through television exposure.
