Chart Commentary — APRIL 11, 2026

“TEXAS” PLEADS THE FIFTH

Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” rebounds a spot for a fifth week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, dating to its first week atop the chart, when it became her first leader, in mid-February.  

Notably, with “Choosin’ Texas,” Langley is the second woman this decade to dominate the Hot 100 with an initial No. 1 on her own for at least five weeks, after Olivia Rodrigo revved to an eight-week reign with “Drivers License” in 2021.

Here’s a rundown of every woman in a lead role that has ruled the Hot 100 for five or more weeks with a first No. 1, dating to the first to achieve the feat nearly 60 years ago. (The list excludes billings shown as part of collectives, as with HUNTR/X and the Encanto cast.)

2020s:

• Ella Langley, “Choosin’ Texas,” five weeks to date, 2026
• Olivia Rodrigo, “Drivers License,” eight, 2021

‘10s:

• Lizzo, “Truth Hurts,” seven weeks, 2019
• Ariana Grande, “Thank U, Next,” seven, 2018
• Meghan Trainor, “All About That Bass,” eight, 2014
• Iggy Azalea, “Fancy” (feat. Charli XCX), seven, 2014
• Lorde, “Royals,” nine, 2013
• Carly Rae Jepsen, “Call Me Maybe,” nine, 2012
• Adele, “Rolling in the Deep,” seven, 2011
• Ke$ha, “TiK ToK,” nine, 2010

‘00s:

• Katy Perry, “I Kissed a Girl,” seven weeks, 2008
• Nelly Furtado, “Promiscuous” (feat. Timbaland), six, 2006
• Beyoncé, “Crazy in Love” (feat. Jay-Z), eight, 2003
• Ashanti, “Foolish,” 10, 2002
• Mary J. Blige, “Family Affair,” six, 2001
• Alicia Keys, “Fallin’,” six, 2001

‘90s:

• Christina Aguilera, “Genie in a Bottle,” five weeks, 1999
• Jennifer Lopez, “If You Had My Love,” five, 1999
• Brandy & Monica, “The Boy Is Mine,” 13, 1998
• Faith Evans, “I’ll Be Missing You” (with Puff Daddy & feat. 112), 11, 1997
• Vanessa Williams, “Save the Best for Last,” five, 1992

‘80s:

• Madonna, “Like a Virgin,” six weeks, 1984-85
• Irene Cara, “Flashdance…What a Feeling,” six, 1983

‘70s:

• Debby Boone, “You Light Up My Life,” 10 weeks, 1977
• Roberta Flack, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” six, 1972
• Carole King, “It’s Too Late”/“I Feel the Earth Move,” five, 1971

‘60s:

• Lulu, “To Sir With Love,” five weeks, 1967

Jarrett Nolan

I was born a poor Black child into a family that put the “fun” in dysfunction. But through that fun, there was A LOT of music. At a very young age, my parents introduced me to everything ranging from Doo Wop to the British Invasion to Motown to Philly Soul to Psychedlic Rock to Funk.

Since I’m a Jersey boy born-n-bred, I landed a job at WHTZ (Z100) as a producer. I gave the DJs info about artists to read on-air – most of mine were chart-related, naturally.

I did double duty at WSBG, a small market radio station in the Poconos, as a DJ because I have a face for radio.

Through a random twist of fate, I wound up at BMG Distribution in Times Square. Shortly after, I ended up at Arista (shouldn’t have done that!). My career in the music industry ended with a stint at being a personal assistant to alterna-rap act PM Dawn.

View Articles