Billie Eilish continues to prove her dominance over the global music scene as her hit song "Birds of a Feather" secured the title of Spotify's most-streamed song of 2024, with over 1.775 billion streams. This remarkable achievement, confirmed by Spotify on January 1, 2025, narrowly overshadowed Sabrina Carpenter's infectious single "Espresso," which totaled approximately 1.774 billion streams. The thrilling competition between these two pop stars captivated listeners throughout the year.
Fans played a pivotal role in propelling "Birds of a Feather" to its groundbreaking milestone. Eilish's dedicated fanbase, often referred to as the "Eilish Army," organized numerous streaming parties and created viral hashtags like #StreamBirdsOfAFeather, rallying behind their favorite artist and her haunting track. One fan aptly expressed their excitement on social media, stating, "We did it! Billie’s talent deserves every bit of this recognition!" Such enthusiasm contributed significantly to the song's impressive streaming numbers, helping it secure the top spot.
Released as part of her critically acclaimed third studio album, "Hit Me Hard and Soft," Eilish's "Birds of a Feather" showcases her signature introspective lyrics and distinctive sound. It quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending weeks dominating the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. Along with its commercial success, the song has also garnered significant recognition, earning three nominations at the upcoming Grammy Awards: Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance.
Despite the stiff competition from Carpenter's "Espresso," which earned its own Grammy nods and captivated the summertime pop scene, Eilish's song emerged victorious, showcasing her ability to connect deeply with audiences worldwide. Other notable contenders for the year included Taylor Swift's "Golden Hour" and The Weeknd's "Afterglow," but none could quite match the streaming frenzy surrounding Eilish's latest release.
Reflecting on the artistic process for "Birds of a Feather," co-writer and producer Finneas shared his thoughts on the song's unique qualities. He stated, "Every time we played 'Birds of a Feather' for the label or close friends, they would kind of freak out. It had something fresh and exciting about it.” Those attributes undoubtedly played a role in its reception, illuminating why fans and critics alike have embraced this latest offering from the talented duo.
Throughout 2024, Eilish also enjoyed the fruits of her labor onstage, wrapping up the year with her sold-out tour, which culminated at the Kia Forum in her hometown of Los Angeles. During the tour finale, she surprised her audience by performing "O Holy Night," embodying the holiday spirit with her charm and talent. Eilish humorously remarked, "I’m not really religious. I just love Christmas so much. I also grew up in a choir, so that's just my schtick." Such moments only intensified her connection with fans, solidifying her standing as one of the leading figures of today’s music scene.
Looking back, it appears Eilish had faith her song would stand out even before its release. During her annual Vanity Fair interview, she candidly noted, "My prediction then ... was I thought 'Lunch' would be the hit, but I also felt like, 'But watch — 'Birds of a Feather' is going to be the real hit.'" Those premonitions proved accurate as the song became synonymous not only with her prolific output but her ability to resonate with listeners.
With 2025 on the horizon, Billie Eilish no longer needs to prove her mettle as she heads to the Grammys with seven nominations, two of which are for "Birds of a Feather." Her impact on the music industry has only grown, and as fans eagerly await the next chapter of her career, it's clear her soaring success is far from over. The future promises more remarkable achievements, and as Eilish herself continues to push creative boundaries, the world will undoubtedly be watching.