Beyoncé Makes History Again
Just a week after Beyoncé made history as the first Black woman to dominate Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with her captivating track “Texas Hold ‘Em,” the single has now ascended to the top of the publication’s all-genre-inclusive Hot 100 songs list.
The Journey to No. 1:
Released alongside the single “16 Carriages” during the Super Bowl, “Texas Hold ‘Em” made an impressive debut on the Hot 100 at No. 2. In its first full tracking week, the song skyrocketed to the peak position, amassing 29 million streams and experiencing a remarkable 200% increase in radio reach, with 16 million airplay impressions.
Record-Breaking Success:
This achievement marks Beyoncé’s ninth solo No. 1 hit, her first since “Break My Soul” dominated the chart for two weeks in 2022. Additionally, “Texas” has propelled Beyoncé onto the Country Airplay chart’s top 40 for the first time in her illustrious career, climbing from No. 54 to No. 34 in the latest tracking week.
Speculation and Support
Raising Eyebrows in the Industry:
Following the release of “Texas” and “16 Carriages,” fans and industry insiders began speculating about the reception of country songs from Beyoncé, a Black artist whose singles traditionally find their home on pop radio.
An Encouraging Response:
Despite initial uncertainty after the Super Bowl, where questions arose about the promotion of Beyoncé’s single to the country format, the song received an official push and garnered promising early results. Sony Nashville’s trade ads showcasing “Texas” received 79 initial adds, a significant feat representing about half of the reporting stations—the highest number for any song that week.
A Trailblazing Achievement
Beyoncé’s ascent to the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 chart with “Texas Hold ‘Em” marks not only a historic milestone for the artist but also a groundbreaking moment in the music industry. As she continues to defy boundaries and expectations, Beyoncé’s success serves as an inspiration for artists of all backgrounds.
