LONGEST CLIMB TO #1

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 August of 2022. Information subject to change in the future.

Glass Animals

“Heat Waves” (3/12/2022)

5 Weeks at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 59


*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

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 35


Los del Rio

“Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)” (8/3/1995)

14 Weeks at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 33


Lonestar

“Amazed” (3/4/2000)

2 Weeks at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 31


John Legend

“All of Me” (5/17/2014)

3 Weeks at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 30


Creed

“With Arms Wide Open” (11/11/2000)

1 Week at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 27


Vertical Horizon

“Everything You Want” (7/15/2000)

1 Week at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 26


*Originally went to #34 in March 1984. Re-released in Summer of 1988.

UB40

“Red Red Wine” (10/15/1988)

1 Week at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 25


Lewis Capaldi

“Someone You Loved” (11/2/2019)

3 Non-consecutive Weeks at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 24


*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

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 23


*Song was originally intended for Rihanna.

Sia featuring Sean Paul

“Cheap Thrills” (8/6/2016)

4 Weeks at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 23


Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug

“Havana” (1/27/2018)

1 Week at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 23


*Won the Oscar for Best Original Score in 1982.

Vangelis

“Chariots of Fire” (5/8/1982)

1 Week at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 22


Lady Gaga featuring 
Colby O’Donis

“Just Dance” (1/17/2009)

3 Weeks at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 22


*Won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2019.

Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper

“Shallow” (3/9/2019)

1 Week at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 22


Nick Gilder

“Hot Child in the City” (10/28/1978)

1 Week at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 21


Robert John

“Sad Eyes” (10/6/1979)

1 Week at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 21


OutKast featuring
Sleepy Brown

“The Way You Move” (2/14/2004)

1 Week at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 21


Adele

“Set Fire to the Rain” (2/4/2012)

2 Weeks at #1

TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS 21