Sam Smith Is Only Artist to Sell One Million Albums In Both the U.S. + U.K. In 2014

Sure, Taylor Swift may have made headlines when she went platinum in her first week with '1989,' but Sam Smith is stealing the spotlight by becoming the only artist in the world to sell one million albums in both the U.S. and U.K. in 2014.

The U.K.'s Official Charts Company confirmed the news when sales totaled 1.007 million copies by midnight on Wednesday evening (Dec. 17). Smith hit a million in the U.S. only 24 hours prior, according to Nielsen Music.

"Many festive congratulations to Sam," Official Charts' Chief Executive Martin Talbot said in a statement. "To hit a million anywhere is impressive, but to become the only artist in the world to do so on both sides of the Atlantic is quite remarkable. His journey in 2014, from unknown newcomer winning the Brit Awards' Critics Choice award to internationally renowned double million-seller, has been incredible."

Smith is also the second artist in the U.K. to hit a million sales, following Ed Sheeran's 'X,' which reached that milestone in November.

Gennaro Castaldo of the British Phonographic Industry, also known as BPI, is pleased with how British artists aren't just doing well at home but also abroad.

"Like Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith is enjoying an absolutely stellar year, but for him to sell a million copies of his debut album in the U.K. and, remarkably, the U.S. within the same 12 month-period that he collected his Critics Choice Award is a truly outstanding achievement," Castaldo remarked. "British music has unearthed another great talent that has all the makings of a global superstar, following in the traditions of Amy Winehouse and Adele."

Congratulations to Sam Smith and cheers to the new year.

Watch Sam Smith's Cover of 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'