Despite attempts from some of Pop’s heaviest hitters including Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and more, the past 15 weeks have seen all of them fail to unseat newcomer Lil Nas X‘s inaugural hit, ‘Old Town Road,’ from the Billboard Hot 100’s throne.
Galloping to the top of the charts on the back of historic streaming figures, the song’s initial popularity may have (arguably) been the result of controversy, but long after that news faded its enduring success can simply be attributed to monster radio airplay, digital downloads, and streaming of its original mix and various remixes.
Earning its 15th consecutive run atop the tally this week, the feat comes with news ‘Road’ is now in history books as the longest running chart-topping debut single ever (leaving the 14 week record of Los Del Rio‘s ‘Macarena’ in its rear view). As if that’s not enough, the 20-year-old is just 1 week shy of tying the chart’s all time record.
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The threat of dethronement from Billie Eilish‘s ‘Bad Guy’ remix featuring Justin Bieber had X fans worried, but industry analysts believe the Billy Ray Cyrus-assisted cut may have what it takes to maintain the top spot just one more week. If it does, it will tie the all time record for longest run atop the Billboard Hot 100.
A record currently owned by Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men‘s ‘One Sweet Day’ and the 2017 hit ‘Despacito’ (Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, Justin Bieber), if he does hold on to the Hot 100’s summit he will be the youngest person ever to lay claim to such honor. If he doesn’t, however, ‘Road’ will still be just one of three songs to have ever held on to the #1 spot for 15 weeks or more.