Famed underdog Adele was officially the biggest-selling artist in the world last year.

The 'Hello' singer only released her much-awaited third album in November, but she was still 2015's most popular artist based on worldwide sales recorded by The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

IFPI chief executive Frances Moore described 25 as "the runaway global sensation of 2015", according to The Guardian.

Fellow Brit Ed Sheeran was the second best-selling artist thanks largely to his massive hit 'Thinking Out Loud'.

Taylor Swift, who was the biggest-selling artist of 2014 thanks to 1989, was the third most popular.

Meanwhile, Justin Bieber claimed fourth after the success of his new album Purpose and One Direction were fifth.

Congrats, Adele.

Adele drinking wine on Graham Norton Show in 2011.pinterest
BBC