From Billboard · Katie Atkinson,Kyle Denis,Melinda Newman,Jessica Nicholson,Andrew Unterberger · · 3m
Ella Langley’s 'Choosin' Texas' Sets Hot 100 Record
Ella Langley’s 'Choosin' Texas' holds Billboard Hot 100’s longest-running No. 1 with 23 weeks.
In brief
Ella Langley’s 'Choosin' Texas' holds Billboard Hot 100’s longest-running No. 1 with 23 weeks. Ella Langley’s 'Choosin' Texas' becomes the longest-running No. 1 hit on Billboard Hot 100 with 23 weeks at No. 1. Originally reported by Billboard.
Record Set
Ella Langley’s 'Choosin' Texas' now holds the longest-running No. 1 hit on Billboard Hot 100 with 23 weeks at No. 1.
“It’s official: With its 23rd week on top, Ella Langley’s 'Choosin’ Texas' now reigns alone as the longest-running No. 1 hit in Billboard Hot 100 history.”
Tied With Mariah
The song tied Mariah Carey’s 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' for the longest stay atop the Hot 100 with 23 weeks.
“The country-pop crossover smash breaks its tie with Mariah Carey’s 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' on this week’s chart (dated Sept. 26).”
Potential Competition
Taylor Swift’s upcoming deluxe edition release and Mariah Carey’s holiday season plans threaten to disrupt the record’s hold.
“But it’ll face some stiff competition, both short-term from a recently announced deluxe edition release by regular chart-topper Taylor Swift, and then from Carey herself, when the Queen of Christmas looks to reclaim her throne once more this holiday season.”
Staffer Ratings
Billboard staffers rate the record’s achievement as a 9.25 to 10 out of 10, with some noting its significance for country music.
“Kyle Denis: Rewriting this particular record feels a bit anticlimactic because of how often that’s been done (and attempted!) over the past few years, but it’s still arguably the most important Hot 100 record there is.”
Social Media Response
Many people are discovering the song for the first time despite its 11-month chart run, highlighting cultural fragmentation.
“It’s crazy to me that people are still discovering the song around 10 months after it first debuted on the Hot 100 last November (at No. 39).”
Taylor Swift’s Impact
Taylor Swift’s new deluxe edition could interrupt Ella Langley’s run for two weeks before the song returns to No. 1.
“Taylor Swift’s new deluxe edition could interrupt Ella Langley’s run at No. 1 for two weeks before the song returns to No. 1.”
Mariah Carey’s Return
Mariah Carey is expected to reclaim the record by late 2027 after a potential holiday season interruption.
“Andrew Unterberger: She’ll almost certainly get it at some point, but my bet is that it doesn’t come until (late) 2027.”
Country Music Milestone
The song marks the first time a country artist has held the longest-running No. 1 hit on Billboard Hot 100.
“Jessica Nicholson: It is definitely a worthy title holder, and I’m happy to see a country title take that spot.”
Longevity Debate
Staffers debate whether the record’s longevity is a testament to the song’s quality or the changing nature of music consumption.
“Katie Atkinson: Still a 10 out of 10! The way streaming can track a song’s life for a much longer time than we used to be able to is causing a handful of songs to hang around the top of the chart for longer.”
Future of the Record
Ella Langley’s record could be broken by Taylor Swift or Mariah Carey before the end of the year.
“Andrew Unterberger: Taylor Swift is probably the only artist right now for whom a new release without an accompanying new No. 1 would be genuinely shocking.”
Cultural Fragmentation
The song’s popularity highlights cultural fragmentation, with many people discovering it through social media rather than traditional country radio.
“Jessica Nicholson: It feels like part of the larger cultural fragmentation, given that so many people rely on social media algorithms when discovering new music.”
Historical Context
The record’s longevity is part of a trend where country songs have held the top spot for longer periods in recent years.
“Melinda Newman: I feel great about it. As Billboard’s country music editor, I love that a country song now holds such an esteemed record.”
Next Steps
Ella Langley’s song is expected to hold the record for at least one more week before potential interruptions from Taylor Swift or Mariah Carey.
“Andrew Unterberger: It’s probably a safe bet she’ll do so again with the Showgirl deluxe.”
Record Holder
Ella Langley’s 'Choosin' Texas' is the longest-running No. 1 hit on Billboard Hot 100 with 23 weeks.
“It’s official: With its 23rd week on top, Ella Langley’s 'Choosin’ Texas' now reigns alone as the longest-running No. 1 hit in Billboard Hot 100 history.”
Holiday Season Impact
Mariah Carey’s holiday season plans could lead to a quick return to the top spot for 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' by late 2027.
“Andrew Unterberger: She’ll almost certainly get it at some point, but my bet is that it doesn’t come until (late) 2027.”
Longevity Challenge
The song’s 23-week run at No. 1 is a significant milestone for country music, but it may not last longer than a few more weeks.
“Jessica Nicholson: It is definitely a worthy title holder, and I’m happy to see a country title take that spot.”
What to remember
Ella Langley’s 'Choosin' Texas' becomes the longest-running No. 1 hit on Billboard Hot 100 with 23 weeks at No. 1.
