Below is the list of songs that took the longest time, from its debut, to hit #1. Criteria begins with a minimum of 20 weeks.
Information last updated in September of 2020. Information subject to change in the future.
*This is a recurring holiday song that charts during the Christmas season.
Mariah Carey
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” (12/21/2019)
3 Weeks at #1
Los del Rio
“Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)” (8/3/1995)
14 Weeks at #1
Lonestar
“Amazed” (3/4/2000)
2 Weeks at #1
John Legend
“All of Me” (5/17/2014)
3 Weeks at #1
Creed
“With Arms Wide Open” (11/11/2000)
1 Week at #1
Vertical Horizon
“Everything You Want” (7/15/2000)
1 Week at #1
*Originally went to #34 in March 1984. Re-released in Summer of 1988.
UB40
“Red Red Wine” (10/15/1988)
1 Week at #1
Lewis Capaldi
“Someone You Loved” (11/2/2019)
3 Non-consecutive Weeks at #1
*Originally went to #73 in April 1982. Re-released in October 1982 when it was featured on General Hospital.
Patti Austen & James Ingram
“Baby, Come to Me” (2/19/1983)
2 Weeks at #1
*Song was originally intended for Rihanna.
Sia featuring Sean Paul
“Cheap Thrills” (8/6/2016)
4 Weeks at #1
Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug
“Havana” (1/27/2018)
1 Week at #1
*Won the Oscar for Best Original Score in 1982.
Vangelis
“Chariots of Fire” (5/8/1982)
1 Week at #1
Lady Gaga featuring
Colby O'Donis
“Just Dance” (1/17/2009)
3 Weeks at #1
*Won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2019.
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
“Shallow” (3/9/2019)
1 Week at #1
Nick Gilder
“Hot Child in the City” (10/28/1978)
1 Week at #1
Robert John
“Sad Eyes” (10/6/1979)
1 Week at #1
*Replaced itself (Hey Ya!) at #1.
OutKast featuring
Sleepy Brown
“The Way You Move” (2/14/2004)
1 Week at #1
Adele
“Set Fire to the Rain” (2/4/2012)
2 Weeks at #1