30 Songs That Made a Grand Debut at No. 1 and Stayed

The Billboard Hot 100 is regarded as the comprehensive chart for singles across all genres in the United States. It began in 1958, and since 1991, it has used up-to-date airplay and sales data for more accurate results.

A song's debut at the top of the Hot 100 isn't rare, but sustaining that position for a second week is a feat that signifies a lasting impact. Below are the 30 songs that have managed this impressive achievement.

Mariah Carey's "Fantasy"

Released in 1995, 'Fantasy' premiered on the charts at No. 1 on September 30 and managed to hold that position for a total of eight weeks. It was the first single from Carey's fifth album, 'Daydream'.

The Historic Reign of "One Sweet Day"

The second single from Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men's 'Daydream,' 'One Sweet Day,' set a remarkable record by staying atop the chart for 16 straight weeks starting December 2, 1995. This record held until it was matched by 'Despacito' in 2017 and later broken by 'Old Town Road' in 2019.

A Tribute with "I'll Be Missing You"

Puff Daddy, alongside Faith Evans and 112, launched 'I'll Be Missing You' at No. 1 on June 14, 1997. This track, part of the 'No Way Out' album, managed to sustain its No. 1 position for 11 weeks.

The Sweetness of Mariah Carey's "Honey"

Dropping as the leading track from her sixth album 'Butterfly,' 'Honey' entered the charts at the top on September 13, 1997, and maintained its position for three weeks. Carey boasts three tracks on this prestigious list.

A Diamond Achievement: Elton John's "Candle in the Wind 1997"

'Candle in the Wind 1997/Something About the Way You Look Tonight' exploded onto the charts on October 11, 1997, enjoying 14 weeks at the summit and eventually earning the first-ever diamond certification.

Soundtrack Success with Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On"

Commissioned for 'Titanic,' Dion's timeless ballad, released as part of her album 'Let's Talk About Love,' hit No. 1 on February 28, 1998, for two weeks, symbolizing the film's profound romance.

Aerosmith's Iconic "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing"

Linked to the movie 'Armageddon,' 'I Don't Want to Miss a Thing' reached No. 1 on September 5, 1998. It captivated audiences for four weeks at the pinnacle of the charts.

Lauryn Hill's "Doo Wop (That Thing)"

'Doo Wop (That Thing)' from Lauryn Hill's debut, 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,' debuted at the top on November 14, 1998, and secured its place for two weeks.

Clay Aiken's "This Is the Night"

Following his 'American Idol' success, Clay Aiken landed 'This Is the Night' at No. 1 on June 28, 2003, maintaining its position for two weeks.

Lady Gaga's Anthem "Born This Way"

Debuting on February 26, 2011, 'Born This Way', the premier track from Gaga's sophomore album, held the No. 1 spot for an impressive six-week stretch.

The Viral Sensation of Baauer's "Harlem Shake"

As the Hot 100 adapted to digital trends, 'Harlem Shake' reached the peak on March 2, 2013, benefiting from YouTube's influence, and remained No. 1 for five weeks.

Taylor Swift Bounces Back with "Shake It Off"

On September 6, 2014, Swift's 'Shake It Off' from '1989' conquered the chart, dominating for a four-week period.

Adele's Resonant Cry in "Hello"

November 14, 2015, marked Adele's return with 'Hello,' which resonated powerfully at the top, staying there for 10 consecutive weeks as a lead of her '25' album.

Drake's "God's Plan"

First appearing on February 3, 2018, Drake's 'God's Plan,' the opening track from 'Scorpion,' held the lead for a continuous 10 weeks.

Drake Does It Again: "Nice for What"

With 'Nice for What,' debuting on April 21, 2018, Drake maintained dominance first for four weeks straight, then for eight weeks in total.

Childish Gambino's "This Is America"

Entering at No. 1 on May 19, 2018, 'This Is America' quickly claimed its place, holding the spot for two impactful weeks.

Grande's Inspiring "Thank U, Next"

Ariana Grande's 'Thank U, Next,' which dropped on November 17, 2018, topped for three consecutive and seven total weeks.

An Uplifting Anthem: "7 Rings" by Ariana Grande

'7 Rings' climbed to No. 1 on February 2, 2019. It became Ariana's biggest success, reigning for eight weeks.

Cardi B's Bold "WAP"

On August 22, 2020, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's 'WAP' achieved the top spot, holding it for two weeks, then returning for two more.

The Explosive "Dynamite" by BTS

'Dynamite,' BTS's all-English track, first topped on September 5, 2020, staying for two weeks before coming back for a third week.

Olivia Rodrigo's "Drivers License"

The debut single from Rodrigo's 'Sour,' reaching the peak on January 23, 2021, captivated listeners for eight weeks.

Polo G's Chart-Topping "Rapstar"

Debuting at No. 1 on February 3, 2021, 'Rapstar' featured on 'Hall of Fame,' secured the spot for two weeks.

Butter Up with BTS

Launching on June 5, 2021, BTS's 'Butter' frolicked at the top for seven consecutive weeks, later returning for a grand total of 10.

Taylor Swift's "Anti-Hero"

Featuring on 'Midnights,' Swift's 'Anti-Hero' hit No. 1 on November 5, 2022, standing tall for six straight weeks.

Unfading Flourish: "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus

Debuting on January 28, 2023, Cyrus's 'Flowers' charmed its way to six weeks of chart leadership.

Resilient Notes in "Rich Men North of Richmond"

Oliver Anthony's tune rose to No. 1 on August 26, 2023, maintaining its position for two weeks amid social commentary.

Rap Dynamics: "Like That" by Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar

April 6, 2024, marked a heated entry for 'Like That,' holding on to its prime slot amidst creative tension with three weeks at the top.

Taylor Swift and Post Malone's "Fortnight"

Released on May 4, 2024, Swift's collaboration climbed immediately to the summit, staying for two consecutive weeks.

Collaborative Acclaim: Post Malone and Morgan Wallen's "I Had Some Help"

On May 25, 2024, this crossover debuted at the top for two straight weeks.

Taylor Swift's "The Fate of Ophelia"

Leading her 12th album 'The Life of a Showgirl,' Swift's new hit premiered at No. 1 on October 18, 2025, and held firm for two weeks.