# Billboard Predicts Hot 100 Race for 2026

> Billboard staff predict which songs will dominate the Hot 100 before Christmas and Halloween.
- Title: Billboard Predicts Hot 100 Race for 2026 · Billboard
- Summary: Billboard staff predict which songs will dominate the Hot 100 before Christmas and Halloween. Billboard staff predict Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' will…
- Keywords: billboard hot 100, ella langley, taylor swift, patient zero, choosin texas, halloween race, christmas race, dracula, thriller, last christmas, Billboard, Predicts
- Source: Billboard — https://billboard.com/music/chart-beat/hot-100-predictions-2026-halloween-christmas-1236363984
- Author: Katie Atkinson,Kyle Denis,Lyndsey Havens,Andrew Unterberger,Christine Werthman
- Published: 2026-10-20T19:42:19+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: billboard hot 100, ella langley, taylor swift, patient zero, choosin texas, halloween race, christmas race, dracula, thriller, last christmas
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Billboard staff predict Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' will stay at No. 1 longer than Taylor Swift's 'Patient Zero' before holidays.