Longest-Leading Billboard Hot 100 No. 1s Revealed

Only about 4% of all Billboard Hot 100 number one hits have spent at least 10 weeks atop the chart, a milestone achieved by major smashes like Debby Boone’s “You Light Up My Life,” Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical,” and Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men’s “One Sweet Day.” The record for the longest run at number one was set in 2019 by Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, with 19 weeks, a mark since matched by Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” in 2024. Songs such as Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” also had notably long reigns, underscoring the cultural impact of these classics. Pop hits like “Uptown Funk” and The Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” each held the top spot for 14 weeks, further illustrating how lasting chart dominance often cements a song’s place in music history. Such enduring hits are seen as transcending their genres, often defining the musical landscape of their era. This exclusive club of long-running number ones continues to grow, with new entries highlighting the evolving nature of popular music.