Y
2012

2012 in British Music

Gangnam Style, the London Olympics, and Emeli Sandé's golden year.

Key Events

  • London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony — a celebration of British music history
  • Emeli Sandé's Our Version of Events becomes the year's UK best-seller
  • Psy's 'Gangnam Style' becomes global internet phenomenon

Dominant Genres

PopElectronicIndieR&B

Notable Trends

  • YouTube becomes a powerful hit-making platform
  • The Olympics puts British music on the world's biggest stage
  • Streaming continues its inexorable rise toward dominance

Key Artists of 2012

201120122013