Ella Langley reclaims No.1 on Billboard Hot 100
On the latest Billboard chart week, Ella Langley’s country‑pop single Choosin’ Texas surged back to the top spot, ending Taylor Swift’s three week dominance. The song logged a combined total of 38.5 million streams, 9,200 digital sales and strong radio airplay, enough to outpace Swift’s Patient Zero by a clear margin.
Billboard confirmed the shift on its official Hot 100 listing, noting that Langley’s comeback marks the first time a solo female country artist has led the chart since 2022.
How “Choosin’ Texas” surged back to the top
The track first entered the Hot 100 in early March, climbing steadily as streaming playlists highlighted the song’s upbeat chorus and relatable lyrics about leaving a small town for bigger dreams. After a brief dip to No.4, a coordinated radio push in the Southwest and a viral TikTok trend featuring fans dancing in cowboy boots propelled the single back upward.
- Streaming increase: +12% week over week
- Radio adds: 1,500 new stations
- Social media mentions: over 250,000 on TikTok
Langley’s team credited the resurgence to a partnership with a major streaming platform that featured the track in a “New Country Hits” banner. The artist also performed a stripped‑down version on a popular late‑night talk show, driving additional sales.
Taylor Swift’s three week reign ends
Swift’s Patient Zero entered the chart at No.1 three weeks ago, backed by a high‑budget music video and a global promotional tour. While the single still enjoys strong numbers—33 million streams and 7,800 sales—it fell short of the combined metrics needed to hold the summit against Langley’s surge.
What the shift means for “Patient Zero”
Industry analysts suggest that the dip reflects a natural ebb after a massive launch, rather than a decline in the song’s longevity. The track remains in the top five and is expected to stay on the Hot 100 for several more weeks, driven by continued radio support and playlist placements.
Other notable entries this week
Beyond the headline battle, several other artists made significant moves on the chart, highlighting the diverse musical landscape of 2024.
Tate McRae’s “Housewife” climbs
Canadian singer‑songwriter Tate McRae saw her single Housewife jump from No.23 to No.12, powered by a viral dance challenge that accumulated more than 180,000 user videos on TikTok. The song’s introspective lyricism resonated with listeners, earning it 20.3 million streams and a surge in digital sales.
McRae’s official site notes that the track was featured in a popular streaming service’s “Emerging Artists” playlist, further amplifying its reach.
Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett’s “Expectations” gains traction
Olivia Rodrigo, joined by Joshua Bassett, released the duet Expectations last month. The collaboration entered the Hot 100 at No.45 and climbed to No.19 this week, buoyed by strong radio rotation and a cameo in a major teen drama series.
The pair’s performance on a televised awards show added a noticeable bump, with the song logging 15.7 million streams and 5,600 sales.
Zach Bryan and Lana Del Rey’s “Lies” makes a strong debut
Veteran songwriter Zach Bryan teamed up with iconic vocalist Lana Del Rey for the haunting ballad Lies. The track debuted at No.8, an impressive entry for a first‑time collaboration. Critics praised the contrast between Bryan’s raw acoustic style and Del Rey’s atmospheric vocals.
According to the Billboard Hot 100 data, the song earned 28.4 million streams and 6,300 digital sales in its opening week.
Industry reaction and streaming impact
Music executives and chart analysts weighed in on the week’s movements, emphasizing the growing influence of short‑form video platforms on chart performance.
Analysts weigh in on chart dynamics
One senior analyst from a leading market research firm told Nielsen that “the rapid rise of a country‑pop crossover like ‘Choosin’ Texas’ demonstrates how genre boundaries are blurring, especially when a song captures a cultural moment on social media.”
Another commentator from the Recording Industry Association of America highlighted that “streaming now accounts for over 70% of chart calculations, making platform playlists a decisive factor for new hits.”
What’s next for the chart leaders
Looking ahead, Ella Langley’s team plans to release a remix featuring a well‑known hip‑hop producer, a move that could extend the single’s chart lifespan. Taylor Swift is slated to release a surprise visual album in November, which may reignite interest in Patient Zero.
Tate McRae is expected to drop a new EP next month, while Olivia Rodrigo and Zach Bryan have announced upcoming tour dates that will likely boost their current songs.
For now, the Hot 100 reflects a vibrant mix of established pop icons and emerging talents, underscoring the ever‑changing nature of popular music consumption.
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