BTS Equals Taylor Swift in a Rare Achievement on Music Charts
In 2025, the music industry witnessed a unique occurrence as only one live album managed to break into the top 10 of the Billboard 200, and that was BTS's "Permission to Dance On Stage - Live."
The album debuted at number 10 for the week of August 2, 2025[1][3]. This notable achievement underscores BTS's strong fan base and global influence, as the album did not feature any new songs[1]. BTS joined Taylor Swift and Metallica as the only artists in the 2020s to achieve a top 10 position on the Billboard 200 with a live performance album[1].
Prior to BTS, Taylor Swift's live album, Lover: Live From Paris, reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in a short period. The vinyl version of Lover: Live From Paris became a must-have for Swifties[2].
BTS's live album also debuted at No. 1 on the World Albums list[2]. The technology to record performances and concerts is more readily accessible and easier to use than ever, and this has enabled more artists to release live albums. However, such releases often struggle to perform as well as studio efforts on the Billboard charts.
Permission to Dance On Stage - Live shifted 43,000 equivalent units in its first seven-day tracking period[2]. This marks a comeback for BTS, as all members have completed South Korea's mandatory military service. With this album, BTS has now scored 14 rulers on the World Albums list[2].
The live album marks BTS's first foray into the live album genre. It started as the runner-up on the Top Album Sales chart, behind Tyler, the Creator's Don't Tap the Glass[2]. Despite not reaching No. 1 on the Top Album Sales chart, Permission to Dance On Stage - Live returned BTS to the top 10 on the Billboard 200.
In conclusion, BTS's "Permission to Dance On Stage - Live" is the only live album in the top 10 on the Billboard 200 in 2025. The album's success underscores the group's global influence and the growing popularity of live albums in the music industry.
[1]: [Source 1] [2]: [Source 2] [3]: [Source 3]
In the realm of entertainment and celebrities, BTS's live album, "Permission to Dance On Stage - Live," mirrors Taylor Swift's "Lover: Live From Paris" as they both made significant impressions on the Billboard 200, showcasing the growing interest in live albums in pop-culture. The music industry in 2025 and beyond might witness more instances of live albums breaking into the top charts, as BTS and Taylor Swift demonstrate the potential success in this genre.
