Top 10 Male Singers with the Most No.1 Singles in the US
When it comes to dominating the Billboard Hot 100 chart, these male artists have taken the top spot more times than most can dream of.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 male singers who’ve scored the most number one singles in the United States. Whether it’s rock ‘n’ roll legends or modern hitmakers, these guys have shaped the soundtrack of generations.
Let’s break down the all-time chart kings!
10 Male Artists with the most US chart-toppers
*Note: The list includes entries up to April 2025
1. Elvis Presley – 18
Biggest Hot 100 single: “Don’t Be Cruel” / “Hound Dog”
The King of Rock and Roll sits on the throne with 18 No.1 singles, a record that’s stood strong for decades. His biggest double-sided hit “Don’t Be Cruel / Hound Dog” ruled the charts in 1956 and helped launch the rock era into the mainstream.
All No. 1 Hits:
“Heartbreak Hotel,” “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Hound Dog,” “Love Me Tender,” “Too Much,” “All Shook Up,” “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Don’t,” “Hard Headed Woman,” “A Big Hunk o’ Love,” “Stuck on You,” “It’s Now or Never,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight?,” “Surrender,” “Good Luck Charm,” “Suspicious Minds”.
2. Michael Jackson – 13
Biggest Hot 100 single: “Say Say Say” (duet with Paul McCartney)
The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, earned 13 No.1 hits as a solo artist, showcasing his ability to innovate across decades. “Say Say Say”, his duet with Paul McCartney, was one of his biggest crossover smashes.
All No. 1 Hits:
“Ben,” “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” “Rock with You,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Say Say Say,” “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Bad,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Man in the Mirror,” “Dirty Diana,” “Black or White,” “You Are Not Alone”.
3. Drake – 13
Biggest Hot 100 single: “God’s Plan”
The biggest streaming artist of all time, Drake, has tied Michael Jackson with 13 No.1 singles (and counting). His biggest solo smash, “God’s Plan”, dominated both the charts and memes with its feel-good video and catchy chorus.
All No. 1 Hits:
“Best I Ever Had,” “One Dance,” “God’s Plan,” “Nice for What,” “In My Feelings,” “Toosie Slide,” “What’s Next,” “Way 2 Sexy,” “Wait for U,” “Jimmy Cooks,” “Slime You Out,” “First Person Shooter,” “You Broke My Heart”.
4. Stevie Wonder – 10
Biggest Hot 100 single: “Ebony and Ivory” (duet with Paul McCartney
Stevie Wonder‘s musical genius brought him 10 No.1 hits, and his duet “Ebony and Ivory” with Paul McCartney which became an anthem for unity is also his biggest hit on the Billboard charts.
All No. 1 Hits:
“Fingertips,” “Superstition,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” “Higher Ground,” “Living for the City,” “Boogie On Reggae Woman,” “I Wish,” “Sir Duke,” “Ebony and Ivory,” “That’s What Friends Are For”.
5. Paul McCartney – 9
Biggest Hot 100 single: “Say Say Say” (with Michael Jackson)
With 9 No.1 hits as a solo artist (not counting The Beatles!), Paul McCartney has proven he could conquer the charts on his own too. “Say Say Say” – the energetic duet with Michael Jackson is also his biggest hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
All Solo No. 1 Hits:
“Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey,” “Silly Love Songs,” “With a Little Luck,” “Coming Up,” “Ebony and Ivory,” “Say Say Say,” “No More Lonely Nights,” “Spies Like Us,” “Pipes of Peace”.
6. Elton John – 9
Biggest Hot 100 single: “Candle in the Wind” / “Something About the Way You Look Tonight”
Elton John earned 9 No.1 hits, with his tribute “Candle in the Wind 1997” becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. This emotional ballad honoring Princess Diana topped the charts for 14 weeks.
All No. 1 Hits:
“Crocodile Rock,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” “Island Girl,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Something About the Way You Look Tonight,” “Believe,” “Written in the Stars”.
7. Usher – 9
Biggest Hot 100 single: “Yeah!” (ft Lil Jon and Ludacris)
Usher dominated the 2000s with 9 No.1 singles, blending R&B with pop and hip-hop flair. His biggest hit, “Yeah!”, featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris, ruled the charts for 12 weeks and became a club staple.
All No. 1 Hits:
“Nice & Slow,” “U Remind Me,” “Yeah!,” “Burn,” “Confessions Part II,” “My Boo,” “Love in This Club,” “OMG,” “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love”.
8. Bruno Mars – 9
Biggest Hot 100 single: “Uptown Funk” (ft. Mark Ronson)
Bruno Mars may have a retro vibe, but his chart performance is thoroughly modern, with 9 No.1 hits to his name. “Uptown Funk”, a collaboration with Mark Ronson, was an unstoppable force that stayed at No.1 for 14 weeks.
All No. 1 Hits:
“Just the Way You Are,” “Grenade,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” “When I Was Your Man,” “Uptown Funk,” “That’s What I Like,” “24K Magic,” “Leave the Door Open,” “Smokin Out the Window”.
9. George Michael – 8
Biggest Hot 100 single: “Faith”
George Michael went solo in style, scoring 8 No.1 hits that showcased his silky vocals and pop appeal. His smash “Faith” became a late-1980s anthem and helped launch his solo superstardom.
All No. 1 Hits:
“Careless Whisper,” “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” (with Aretha Franklin), “Faith,” “Father Figure,” “One More Try,” “Monkey,” “Praying for Time,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”.
10. Justin Bieber – 8
Biggest Hot 100 single: “Despacito” (with Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee)
Justin Bieber joined elite company with 8 No.1 hits, many of them fueled by global appeal and online buzz. His biggest? “Despacito” – the remix that brought Latin pop to new heights in the US.
All No. 1 Hits:
“Baby,” “Boyfriend,” “What Do You Mean?,” “Sorry,” “Love Yourself,” “Despacito,” “I’m the One,” “Stay”.
Final thoughts
From Elvis’ rock ‘n’ roll revolution to Drake’s streaming dominance, these male artists have turned chart success into full-blown legacies. Whether it’s rock, R&B, pop, or hip-hop, each of these superstars has left an undeniable mark on music history.
Their No.1 singles in the United States aren’t just chart-toppers, they’re cultural moments, played and replayed across generations.
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