Beyoncé has once again made history with her latest single, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” as it claims the top spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 songs list. Just a week after becoming the first Black woman to lead Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, Beyoncé’s twangy country track has now taken over the all-genre-inclusive Hot 100 songs list.
Released alongside another single, “16 Carriages,” during the Super Bowl, “Texas Hold ‘Em” initially debuted on the Hot 100 at No. 2. However, in its first full tracking week, the single soared to the peak with an impressive 29 million streams and a remarkable increase of over 200% in radio reach, accumulating 16 million airplay impressions. This surge in popularity is a significant jump from its initial debut with just 5 million streams.
This achievement marks Beyoncé’s ninth solo No. 1 hit and her first since “Break My Soul” topped the chart for two weeks in 2022. Prior to her solo success, Beyoncé, as a member of Destiny’s Child, had already secured four Hot 100 No. 1 hits.
In addition to dominating the Hot 100 songs list, “Texas Hold ‘Em” has also made its mark on the Country Airplay chart. With substantial support from top country stations, the song has climbed from No. 54 to No. 34 in the latest tracking week, making it Beyoncé’s first appearance in the chart’s top 40.
The release of “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” sparked speculation among fans and insiders about whether country songs from Beyoncé, a Black artist whose singles have typically been promoted to pop radio, would receive support from country stations. Fortunately, after a few days of uncertainty following the Super Bowl, the single received an official push and garnered encouraging initial results. Sony Nashville’s trade ads showcasing “Texas Hold ‘Em” received 79 initial adds, representing approximately half of the reporting stations, making it the most added song that week.
Beyoncé’s historic feat of topping both the Hot Country Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts has garnered support from country legends like Dolly Parton. She joins a select group of artists, including Morgan Wallen, Justin Bieber, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Ray Charles, who have achieved No. 1 hits on both charts.
Meanwhile, on the Billboard 200 chart, Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s “Vultures” continues to hold the No. 1 spot for a second consecutive week. The second volume of the album is expected to be released on March 8, followed by the third part on April 5, although these dates are subject to change due to West’s history of postponements.
Rapper Yeat secures the No. 2 position with his highest-charting title yet, “2093,” which garnered 70,000 equivalent album units and 79.15 million streams. The album features collaborations with Future, Lil Wayne, Drake, and a hidden feature from Donald Glover.
Other notable entries on the charts include Morgan Wallen’s “One Thing at a Time,” which rises from No. 4 to No. 3, Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season” at No. 4, and SZA’s former No. 1 hit “SOS” rounding out the top five.
In terms of album success, Taylor Swift continues to dominate as she surpasses the Beatles for the most weeks spent in the top 10 on the albums chart in the last 60 years. Swift currently has three albums in the top 10: “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” at No. 6, “Lover” at No. 7, and the Grammy-winning “Midnights” at No. 9. This achievement brings Swift’s cumulative total of weeks in the top 10 to an impressive 384 across all her top 10-charting albums combined.
Beyoncé’s latest triumph with “Texas Hold ‘Em” showcases her versatility as an artist and her ability to transcend genres. As she continues to break barriers and make history, it’s clear that Beyoncé’s impact on the music industry is unparalleled.
