10 Times Artists Scored Multiple No.1 Singles in a Calendar Year
In this article, we’re diving into the rare music milestone where artists hit three or more No.1 singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 in a calendar year.
While plenty of big names like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey have topped the charts twice in a year, this list focuses on those who did it three times or more.
Topping the Hot 100 even once is a massive feat, but doing it multiple times in the same year? That’s a whole different level of success. Let’s countdown the 10 times artists dominated the US charts with multiple No.1 hits in one year.
10. Drake – 3 in 2018
- “God’s Plan”
- “Nice for What”
- “In My Feelings”
2018 was the year Drake completely took over pop culture and the Billboard charts. He started the year with “God’s Plan,” which became a massive viral hit, followed by the bouncy “Nice for What,” and closed with the summer hit “In My Feelings” which also spawned a viral dance challenge.
Each of these singles debuted at No.1, helping Drake cement his reputation as a chart juggernaut and one of the biggest stars of the decade.
9. Michael Jackson – 3 in 1983
- “Billie Jean”
- “Beat It”
- “Say Say Say” (with Paul McCartney)
1983 was peak King of Pop season. Michael Jackson delivered two of the biggest solo hits of the decade with “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” – two iconic tracks from his landmark album “Thriller” which is also the best-selling LP of all time.
Then he teamed up with Paul McCartney for “Say Say Say,” a duet that also reached No.1 in the US. Three No.1s in one year? Just another reminder of MJ’s unmatched dominance in the 1980s.
8. Usher – 4 in 2004
- “Yeah!” (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris)
- “Burn”
- “Confessions Part II”
- “My Boo” (duet with Alicia Keys)
In 2004, Usher was the king of the US charts. His smash hit “Yeah!” kicked off the year with a bang, followed by emotional ballads like “Burn” and “Confessions Part II.”
He closed the year strong with the Alicia Keys duet “My Boo”, bringing his total to four Billboard Hot 100 No.1s in a single year, cementing his status as one of the most dominant pop and R&B stars of the 2000s.
7. Rihanna – 4 in 2010
- “Rude Boy”
- “Love the Way You Lie” (with Eminem)
- “What’s My Name?” (feat. Drake)
- “Only Girl (In the World)”
Rihanna’s 2010 was pure fire. She dropped hits that spanned genres – from the dancehall vibe of “Rude Boy” to the emotional powerhouse “Love the Way You Lie” with Eminem, then teaming up with Drake for “What’s My Name?” and closing the year with the electro-pop anthem “Only Girl (In the World).”
With four chart-toppers in one year, Rihanna evolved from the “new promising young popstar” to a global icon.
6. Jackson 5 – 4 in 1970
- “I Want You Back”
- “ABC”
- “The Love You Save”
- “I’ll Be There”
Before Michael Jackson went solo, he was already making chart history with his brothers in the Jackson 5.
Their debut year, 1970, was absolutely unstoppable – they scored four No.1 singles in the US back-to-back, a feat rarely seen. From the timeless “I Want You Back to the heartfelt ballad “I’ll Be There,” with “ABC” and “The Love You Save” in between, the Jackson 5 became the youngest group to dominate the Billboard Hot 100 with such consistency.
Their breakout year still stands as one of pop music’s most impressive debuts.
5. George Michael – 4 in 1988
- “Faith”
- “Father Figure”
- “One More Try”
- “Monkey”
George Michael completely owned 1988 with four number one singles from his debut solo studio album – “Faith”.
With sleek production and unforgettable hooks, songs like “Faith” and “Father Figure” shot straight to the top of the charts while “One More Try” showed off his vocal range, and “Monkey” brought the groove.
4. The Supremes – 4 in 1965
- “Come See About Me”
- “Stop! In the Name of Love”
- “Back in My Arms Again”
- “I Hear a Symphony”
Motown magic was at its peak in 1965, and the label’s golden girls – The Supremes were its brightest stars.
Diana Ross and the group scored four No.1 singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 that year alone, including timeless classics like “Stop! In the Name of Love.”
Their harmonies and stylish performances made them chart staples, and in 1965, they conquered the music world. This streak helped solidify their place as one of – if not the – greatest girl group of all time.
3. Elvis Presley – 4 in 1956 and 4 in 1957
1956: “Heartbreak Hotel,” “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You,” “Hound Dog/Don’t Be Cruel,” “Love Me Tender”
1957: “Too Much,” “All Shook Up,” “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear,” “Jailhouse Rock”
It’s hard to overstate just how massive Elvis Presley was in the mid-1950s. He topped the Billboard Hot 100 four times each in two consecutive years, releasing hit after hit.
From the heartbreak in “Love Me Tender” to the swagger of “Jailhouse Rock,” Elvis defined the early rock ‘n’ roll era. No other artist from his time to the present day has had such an explosive impact on the charts.
2. The Beatles – 5 in 1965
- “I Feel Fine”
- “Eight Days a Week”
- “Ticket to Ride”
- “Help!”
- “Yesterday”
Just like the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, The Beatles managed to score multiple No.1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 in more than one calendar year. But because the number of chart-toppers was even higher in one of those years, they earn two separate spots on this list.
In 1965, the Fab Four delivered five chart-toppers that showcased their growing songwriting depth and ability to blend multiple styles, from the introspective “Yesterday” to the energetic “Help!” Each hit marked their continued evolution and reinforced their global dominance.
1. The Beatles – 6 in 1964
- “I Want to Hold Your Hand”
- “She Loves You”
- “Can’t Buy Me Love”
- “Love Me Do”
- “A Hard Day’s Night”
- “I Feel Fine”
Another music list, another reminder that The Beatles are inevitable.
In 1964, during the height of Beatlemania, the group did the unthinkable – they scored six No.1 singles in the US in one year, a record that still stands today.
From their American breakthrough “I Want to Hold Your Hand” to the year-ending “I Feel Fine” (which also topped the chart in early 1965), they dominated every corner of pop culture. No artist has ever defined an era like The Beatles did in 1964.
Final Thoughts
Scoring multiple No.1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 in a calendar year is no small feat because it requires consistency, star power, and songs that truly connect with the masses. From The Beatles’ record-setting six to Drake’s triple hit streak in the streaming era, these artists have shown what it means to rule the charts.
Whether it was in the Motown era, the rise of pop, or the age of digital streaming, these chart runs are legendary moments in music history. So next time you see an artist hit No.1, remember that doing it once is cool, but doing it three or more times in one year? That’s on another level.
Read next: 10 Artists Who Scored Multiple No.1 Albums in a Single Year