In a remarkable turn of events in music history, Ella Langley’s single “Choosin’ Texas” has shattered records by spending an impressive 23 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement, realised in September 2026, has placed her song firmly in the annals of music history, surpassing Mariah Carey’s previous record of 22 nonconsecutive weeks with “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Langley’s song, which was released in October 2025, is the lead single from her highly anticipated album, “Dandelion.”
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Langley, who co-wrote the song alongside Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick, and Joybeth Taylor, took to social media to express her disbelief following the record-breaking achievement. In an Instagram video, Langley shared her emotions, stating, “I couldn’t find the words to express how I feel. I’m going to go out and celebrate tonight. Thank you so much. ‘Choosing T.’ Wow, that’s the one, huh?”
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has long been a seasonal favourite and achieved commercial success, returning to the top of the charts year after year. After its release in 1994, the festive classic finally reached No. 1 in December 2019. By January 2026, the track had amassed a remarkable 22 nonconsecutive weeks at the top, until Langley’s record surpassed it. In 2021, the song made history again by becoming the first holiday single to earn Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Another notable recent track is Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which spent 19 nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 in 2024. This milestone marked a significant moment in the history of the Billboard Hot 100, as Shaboozey became the first Black artist to reach No. 1 on both the Hot 100 and the Hot Country Songs charts. Celebrating his success, he encouraged his fans on social media to “take a double shot of whiskey for me.”
Furthermore, the genre-blending collaboration “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus, released in 2019, set a new standard with a 19-week streak at the top of the charts. This record was notable not just for its duration, but also for the artistic breakthrough it represented, earning both artists their first Grammy Awards for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video the following year.
Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” also made waves by securing a spot at No. 1 for an impressive 16 weeks. Achieved in March 2023, Wallen’s track set a record as the longest run at No. 1 for an artist without any featured artists. His success was compounded by a simultaneous chart presence with an astonishing 36 songs on the Billboard Hot 100.
The global sensation “Despacito,” performed by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, featuring Justin Bieber, also enjoyed a lengthy reign, climbing to No. 1 for 16 weeks in 2017. This remix became a cultural phenomenon and won Record of the Year at the 2017 Latin Grammy Awards, further solidifying its place in music history.
Amongst the historical ranks, Mariah Carey’s collaboration with Boyz II Men on “One Sweet Day” holds a distinguished place as it spent 16 consecutive weeks at No. 1 in 1996. This duo recognised the transient nature of chart records, understanding that new talents would inevitably emerge. Nathan Morris from Boyz II Men echoed this sentiment, acknowledging their own past achievements while embracing the ever-changing landscape of music.
Finally, Harry Styles entered this elite circle with his hit “As It Was,” which debuted at the summit of the Hot 100 in April 2022. Styles’ track held the top position for 15 weeks, marking the best performance on the chart by a British artist. Interestingly, the opening of the song features a recording by Styles’ goddaughter, Ruby Winston, capturing a precious moment that resonated with audiences worldwide.
The music industry continues to evolve, with new artists making their mark and established names pushing the boundaries of success. As we reflect on these record-breaking tracks, it becomes clear that while competition for the No. 1 spot is fierce, the creativity and artistry behind each song remains a driving force in the world of music.