15 Longest-Reigning No.1 Singles in Billboard Hot 100 History
The Billboard Hot 100 chart is the ultimate scoreboard for hit singles in the US. There have been over a thousand chart-toppers but only a select few songs have managed to dominate the No.1 spot for 10+ weeks.
From holiday classics to viral sensations and timeless ballads, this list highlights the singles that held the top spot the longest.
Here are the songs that spent the most weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
15. Brandy & Monica – “The Boy Is Mine” (13 Weeks, 1999)
Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine” turned musical rivalry into chart gold, ruling for 13 weeks in 1999. Their vocal back-and-forth brought drama and intensity to this R&B duet.
The single became the longest-running female duet at No.1 in the US at the time. This late-90s classic has left a permanent mark on the music industry and will forever be a signature track for both artists.
14. Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – “Uptown Funk” (14 Weeks, 2015)
“Uptown Funk” was an unstoppable force in 2015, topping the Hot 100 chart for 14 weeks. Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars channeled funk, soul, and pop into one irresistible track. With its infectious groove and retro style, it became a dancefloor mainstay and one of the best-selling digital singles of all time.
13. The Black Eyed Peas – “I Gotta Feeling” (14 Weeks, 2009)
The Black Eyed Peas delivered the ultimate summer party anthem with “I Gotta Feeling,” holding No.1 for 14 weeks in 2009. The song’s uplifting vibe and catchy chorus made it a go-to celebration track which dominated radio, clubs, and commercials alike
It’s practically impossible to curate a “00s pop hits” list without this banger.
12. Mariah Carey – “We Belong Together” (14 Weeks, 2005)
Mariah Carey made a huge comeback with “We Belong Together” in 2005, which ruled the US singles chart for 14 weeks.
The breakup ballad highlighted her vocal range and lyrical vulnerability, and became one of the defining songs of the 2000s. It also marked Mariah‘s triumphant return to the top of the charts.
11. Elton John – “Candle in the Wind 1997” / “Something About the Way You Look Tonight” (14 Weeks, 1997/98)
Elton John‘s double A-side tribute to Princess Diana topped the chart for 14 weeks in late 1997. “Candle in the Wind 1997” paired with “Something About the Way You Look Tonight,” became one of the best-selling singles in music history.
The ballad was a personal farewell with emotional resonance worldwide. And by perfectly encapsulating a moment of global mourning, it earns its place among the longest-reigning singles in US Billboard Hot 100 history.
10. Los del Río – “Macarena” (Bayside Boys Mix) (14 Weeks, 1996)
“Macarena” was more than just a dance craze—it was a chart-topping juggernaut. The Bayside Boys remix propelled the Spanish-language track to 14 weeks at No.1 in the US in 1996.
Its infectious rhythm and simple dance moves made it a cultural sensation and a staple at weddings, parties, and nostalgic throwback nights to this day. Definitely one of the most memorable one-hit wonders ever.
9. Boyz II Men – “I’ll Make Love to You” (14 Weeks, 1994)
Boyz II Men had a massive hit with “I’ll Make Love to You” in 1994, which stayed atop the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks. The silky-smooth R&B ballad with romantic lyrics showcased their rich harmonies and became a wedding playlist essential.
The single was one of the biggest hits of the decade and solidified the group’s legacy as ’90s slow jam royalty.
8. Whitney Houston – “I Will Always Love You” (14 Weeks, 1992/93)
Whitney Houston’s rendition of Dolly Parton‘s “I Will Always Love You” became a cultural phenomenon after its appearance in ‘The Bodyguard’.
Her soaring vocals turned the Parton original into a definitive ballad of the 1990s. It spent 14 consecutive weeks at No.1 in the US, and became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Whitney’s powerhouse performance remains iconic decades later.
7. Harry Styles – “As It Was” (15 Weeks, 2022)
Harry Styles’ “As It Was” became the summer anthem of 2022, spending 15 weeks at No.1 on the Hot 100.
The synth-pop track with a nostalgic yet fresh sound showcased a more introspective side of Styles, winning over both critics and fans. It’s a sleek, emotional gem that ruled the airwaves all year and it’s also one of the biggest solo hits from a former One Direction member.
6. Morgan Wallen – “Last Night” (16 Weeks, 2023)
Morgan Wallen‘s country crossover hit “Last Night” dominated both the US and global charts in 2023, tying the 16-week mark on the Hot 100 thanks to its genre-blending sound.
The song found success across formats, becoming a radio staple and streaming juggernaut. It marked a career high for Wallen and helped push country music further into mainstream territory.
5. Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber – “Despacito” (16 Weeks, 2017)
“Despacito” turned into a global phenomenon in 2017, especially after Justin Bieber hopped on the remix. Thanks to Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee‘s innovative reggaeton beat and catchy hook, it became one of the most streamed songs of all time.
Its 16-week reign marked a major moment for Latin music on the US charts, proving music transcends language barriers.
4. Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men – “One Sweet Day” (16 Weeks, 1995/96)
“One Sweet Day” was an emotional powerhouse that ruled the charts for 16 weeks which also set the record for the longest-running number one song in US Billboard Hot 100 history at the time.
The song is a heartfelt ballad, mourning lost loved ones and this resonated deeply with listeners. Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men held the record for longest-reigning No.1 single in the United States for 23 years until the #1 song on this list took the crown.
3. Mariah Carey – “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (18 Weeks, 2019–2025)
The “Songbird Supreme” makes her third appearance on the list with her holiday anthem which keeps climbing back to the top like clockwork every December.
Since hitting No.1 in 2019, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has racked up 18 cumulative weeks at #1 on the Hot 100 chart. Its annual return has turned it into a modern classic with unmatched seasonal dominance. Mariah Carey truly is the Queen of Christmas, and the charts.
2. Shaboozey – “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” (19 Weeks, 2024)
Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” matched the all-time record with 19 weeks at No.1 in 2024, proving that country crossovers are the new meta.
Fueled by viral social media momentum, cross-genre appeal, and the sampling of J-Kwon’s 2004 hit of the same name, the track resonated with a wide audience
1. Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road” (19 Weeks, 2019)
“Old Town Road” made history by holding the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-breaking 19 weeks.
Originally a solo viral hit for Lil Nas X, the remix featuring country star Billy Ray Cyrus launched it into pop culture superstardom. Its genre-blending sound and meme-worthy appeal helped it dominate summer 2019. No other single has reigned at No.1 in the US this long, yet.
Final Thoughts
Longevity at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 is no small feat because it reflects cultural impact, massive airplay, streaming dominance, and generational appeal.
These songs didn’t just top the charts; they defined moments, if not eras in music history. Whether they broke records, sparked trends, or ruled the holidays, each track earned its place in this elite club.
And since music is always evolving, it will be interesting to see what future genre or crossover will dethrone the current chart kings.
Tip: visit our “On This Day” page to discover on which date in music history these hits topped the charts