The music industry is an ever-evolving landscape, with new artists constantly emerging and making their mark on the charts. It takes a special kind of talent and determination to reach the top spot on the Billboard charts, and for many artists, it’s a dream that they work tirelessly towards. So when a song earns an act their first career Billboard No. 1, it’s a momentous occasion that deserves to be celebrated.
In recent years, we’ve seen a number of artists achieve this incredible feat, with their hard work and dedication paying off in the form of a number one hit. From pop stars to country crooners, each act has left their mark on the charts and solidified their place in music history. So let’s take a closer look at some of the artists who have earned their first career Billboard No. 1 and the songs that helped them reach this milestone.
One of the most recent acts to achieve this feat is country singer Luke Combs, whose song “Beautiful Crazy” topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2019. This was a huge moment for Combs, who had been steadily climbing the country charts with his previous singles. The song’s success not only marked his first number one hit, but it also stayed at the top spot for seven consecutive weeks, solidifying Combs’ place as one of country music’s brightest stars.
Another artist who has recently earned their first career Billboard No. 1 is pop sensation Lizzo. Her infectious hit “Truth Hurts” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2019, making her the first solo female rapper to achieve this feat. The song’s catchy chorus and empowering lyrics struck a chord with listeners, propelling Lizzo to mainstream success and cementing her as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
But it’s not just newer artists who are achieving their first career Billboard No. 1. In 2017, after over a decade in the music industry, Ed Sheeran finally achieved his first number one hit with “Shape of You.” The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody made it an instant hit, and it stayed at the top of the charts for a staggering 12 weeks. This achievement not only solidified Sheeran’s place as one of the biggest names in music, but it also proved that hard work and perseverance can pay off in a big way.
For some artists, their first career Billboard No. 1 comes after years of hard work and multiple chart-topping hits. This was the case for pop superstar Taylor Swift, whose song “Blank Space” reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2014. This was Swift’s first number one hit, despite having multiple top 10 singles prior to this. The success of “Blank Space” not only marked a milestone in Swift’s career but also showed her growth as an artist and her ability to continually reinvent herself.
Achieving a first career Billboard No. 1 is not just about the artist’s individual success, but it also reflects the current state of the music industry. With streaming services and social media playing a huge role in how music is consumed, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for artists to break through and make a mark. So when a song earns an act their first number one hit, it’s a testament to their talent and the support of their dedicated fans.
In addition to the artists mentioned above, there are countless others who have achieved their first career Billboard No. 1. From pop icons like Beyoncé to rock legends like U2, each act has their own unique journey to the top spot. But one thing remains consistent – the hard work, determination, and talent that it takes to reach this milestone.
So to all the aspiring artists out there, take inspiration from these acts who have earned their first career Billboard No. 1. Keep working hard, stay true to yourself, and never give up on your dreams. Who knows, your song could be the next one to top the charts and earn you a place in music history.
