From Billboard · Katie Atkinson,Kyle Denis,Lyndsey Havens,Andrew Unterberger,Christine Werthman · · 3m
Billboard Predicts Hot 100 Race for 2026
Billboard staff predict which songs will dominate the Hot 100 before Christmas and Halloween.
In brief
Billboard staff predict which songs will dominate the Hot 100 before Christmas and Halloween. Billboard staff predict Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' will stay at No. 1 longer than Taylor Swift's 'Patient Zero' before holidays. Originally reported by Billboard.
Quick answers
- Who Will Stay at No. 1 Longer?
- Billboard staff debate whether Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' or Taylor Swift's 'Patient Zero' will have more weeks at No. 1 before holidays.
- Who Will Win the Halloween Race?
- Billboard staff predict whether JENNIE's 'Dracula' or Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' will dominate the Halloween Hot 100 race.
- Who Will Win the Race?
- Billboard staff predict Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' will stay at No. 1 longer than Taylor Swift's 'Patient Zero' before holidays.
- What is the key takeaway from Billboard Predicts Hot 100 Race for 2026?
- Billboard staff predict Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' will stay at No. 1 longer than Taylor Swift's 'Patient Zero' before holidays.
Hot 100 Predictions for 2026
Billboard staff predict which songs will dominate the Hot 100 before Christmas and Halloween.
Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' at No. 1
Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' has held No. 1 for 24 weeks, including 12 in a row, before being replaced by Taylor Swift's 'Patient Zero'.
Who Will Stay at No. 1 Longer?
Billboard staff debate whether Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' or Taylor Swift's 'Patient Zero' will have more weeks at No. 1 before holidays.
Ella Langley's 24-Week Record
Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' broke the record for longest stay at No. 1 on the Hot 100 with 24 weeks.
Taylor Swift's 'Patient Zero' at No. 1
Taylor Swift's 'Patient Zero' has held No. 1 for three weeks after Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' was bumped to No. 2.
Who Will Win the Halloween Race?
Billboard staff predict whether JENNIE's 'Dracula' or Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' will dominate the Halloween Hot 100 race.
Christmas Race for No. 1
Billboard staff debate whether 'Last Christmas' will overtake 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' on the Hot 100.
ADÉLA's 'Nicole Kidman' Potential
ADÉLA's 'Nicole Kidman' is expected to reach No. 1 with celebrity buzz and streaming numbers.
Tate McRae's 'Housewife' Impact
Tate McRae's 'Housewife' has gained attention with a steamy dance video and strong streaming numbers.
Halloween vs. Christmas Race
Billboard staff predict the Halloween race will be more interesting than the Christmas race for Hot 100 No. 1.
Biggest Hot 100 Story This Year
Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' breaking the record for longest stay at No. 1 is the biggest Hot 100 story this year.
Who Will Win the Race?
Billboard staff predict Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' will stay at No. 1 longer than Taylor Swift's 'Patient Zero' before holidays.
Halloween Race Details
JENNIE's 'Dracula' and Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' are expected to compete in the Halloween Hot 100 race.
Christmas Race Details
George Michael's 'Last Christmas' is expected to challenge 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' for the Christmas Hot 100 No. 1.
Tate McRae's 'Housewife' Video
Tate McRae's 'Housewife' has a steamy dance video with 7 million YouTube views.
Billboard Staff Predictions
Billboard staff predict Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' will stay at No. 1 longer than Taylor Swift's 'Patient Zero' before holidays.
What to remember
Billboard staff predict Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' will stay at No. 1 longer than Taylor Swift's 'Patient Zero' before holidays.
