Rihanna & Drake Help Set New Record for Most Consecutive Hot 100 No. 1s by Non-U.S.-Born Acts
Make it a new-record nine No. 1s in a row by non-Americans, as "Work" hits the top.
As noted last week, the chart that ranks the top hits in the United States, the Billboard Hot 100, hasn’t sported an American act at No. 1 since July, when Wiz Khalifa‘s “See You Again,” featuring Charlie Puth, wrapped a 12-week run at No. 1. Following that smash through last week (on the Hot 100 dated Feb. 27), eight songs by non-Americans had reigned for 32 straight weeks. The sum of weeks marked a record run, while the string of eight leaders in a row tied a mark first set in 1985.
Let’s update the count as of this week, as a new record for foreign talent’s domination emerges.
Hot 100 Goes Global: American Acts Haven’t Hit No. 1 Since July
As reported yesterday, Rihanna‘s “Work,” featuring Drake, rises 4-1 on the Hot 100 (dated March 5). With Rihanna from Barbados and Drake from Canada, a new-record nine No. 1s in a row by artists from outside the U.S. have now topped the chart (for a record-extending 33 weeks).
Here’s a new rundown of the unprecedented nine consecutive Hot 100 No. 1s by non-American acts:
Title, Weeks at No. 1, Date Reached No. 1, Artist, Country of Origin
“Cheerleader,” six, July 25, 2015, OMI, Jamaica
“Can’t Feel My Face,” three, Aug. 22, The Weeknd, Canada
“What Do You Mean?,” one, Sept. 19, Justin Bieber, Canada
“The Hills,” six, Oct, 3, The Weeknd, Canada
“Hello,” 10, Nov. 14, Adele, England
“Sorry,” three, Jan. 23, 2016, Justin Bieber, Canada
“Love Yourself,” two, Feb. 13, Justin Bieber, Canada
“Pillowtalk,” one, Feb. 20, Zayn, England
“Work,” one (to date), March 5, Rihanna, Barbados, feat. Drake, Canada
(Click on last week’s story for both the prior 1985 streak of eight straight No. 1s by global talent, as well as all the likely factors contributing to the trend.)
Meanwhile, the active run of 33 weeks of Hot 100 toppers by non-Yanks could extend next week, if not beyond, as “Work” could remain atop the chart, boosted by streams after its official video premiered yesterday.
With Justin Bieber‘s “Love Yourself” (down 1-2) trailing “Work,” twenty one pilots‘ “Stressed Out” is again the highest-ranking hit by an American act. The song from the Ohio duo dips 2-3.
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