28 weeks.
That’s exactly how long it took for Ed Sheeran‘s massive hit, ‘Shape of You,’ to find itself outside of the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Debuting at #1 on the tally (as we reported here) in the Sprig, ‘Shape’ held the perch for a non-consecutive 12 weeks before finally being ousted by the likes of Kendrick Lamar‘s ‘Humble,’ Bruno Mars’ ‘That’s What I Like,’ and later held at bay by the blockbuster hit, ‘Despacito.’
Yet, despite being charged by the year’s biggest numbers, ‘Shape’ still managed to maintain footing in the top 5 thanks to some handsome radio play, digital sales, and, of course, streaming. In fact, already setting a record for spending its first consecutive 22 weeks in the chart’s topmost quintet of positions, just five weeks later the tune made Sheeran the longest running solo act in the top 5 of Billboard’s Hot 100. The only other act in history to accomplish a similar feat were The Chainsmokers (who also enjoyed 27 consecutive weeks in the top 5 with their hit ‘Closer’).
In this, ‘Shape’s 28th week on charts, the tune slips to #6. Curious to see who joins him in the top 25? Look below: