The Billboard Hot 100 is the definitive chart for measuring the most popular songs in the United States, based on sales, streaming, and radio airplay. Achieving and sustaining the No. 1 spot on this chart is a significant milestone, and only a select few artists have dominated it for extended periods.
Here is an overview of artists with the most weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, focusing on Taylor Swift, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and others who have made a significant impact, based on available data up to August 10, 2025.
Most Weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
🎧The Beatles (59 weeks) Overview: The Beatles hold the record for the most No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, with 20 songs reaching the top spot, accumulating 59 weeks at No. 1. Their dominance began in 1964 with "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and continued through 1970 with "Let It Be." Their influence reshaped popular music, blending rock, pop, and innovative production techniques.
The Beatles' chart success reflects their cultural phenomenon status during the 1960s, driven by Beatlemania and groundbreaking albums like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Their ability to consistently produce chart-topping hits across genres solidified their unmatched legacy.
The Beatles' chart success reflects their cultural phenomenon status during the 1960s, driven by Beatlemania and groundbreaking albums like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Their ability to consistently produce chart-topping hits across genres solidified their unmatched legacy.
🎧Mariah Carey (91 weeks) Overview: Mariah Carey leads all artists with 91 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, driven by 19 No. 1 singles. Her record-breaking run includes hits spanning from 1990’s "Vision of Love" to 2019’s "All I Want for Christmas Is You," which continues to dominate holiday charts. Carey’s vocal range, genre versatility (pop, R&B, holiday), and consistent chart performance make her a standout. Her holiday classic’s recurring success highlights her enduring popularity.
🎧Elvis Presley (22 weeks) Overview: Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, amassed 22 weeks at No. 1 with 18 No. 1 singles between 1956 and 1969. His chart performance is somewhat understated because his breakthrough hits like "Heartbreak Hotel" pre-dated the Hot 100’s launch in August 1958, with earlier successes tracked on pre-Hot 100 charts. Presley’s early rock ‘n’ roll hits defined the genre and set the stage for the modern pop era. His chart dominance is less pronounced on the Hot 100 due to the timing of his peak, but his cultural impact and pre-1958 successes (22 weeks at No. 1 on various Billboard charts) cement his legacy.
🎧Taylor Swift (37 weeks) Overview: As of August 2025, Taylor Swift has accumulated 37 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with 12 No. 1 singles. Her chart success spans her country-to-pop transition and includes hits from albums like 1989, Reputation, and The Tortured Poets Department. She broke Rihanna’s record for the most albums with all-new material yielding at least one No. 1 hit (eight albums). Swift’s ability to evolve from country to pop, combined with her strategic re-recordings and massive fanbase, has driven her chart success. Her 2023 hit "Cruel Summer" reaching No. 1 four years after its release underscores her staying power.
🎧Rihanna (47 weeks) Overview: Rihanna has logged 47 weeks at No. 1 with 14 No. 1 singles, making her one of the most consistent hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. Her dance-pop, R&B, and reggae-infused tracks have broad appeal. Rihanna’s versatility across genres and collaborations with artists like Jay-Z and Calvin Harris have kept her at the forefront of the charts. She previously held the record for the most albums with at least one No. 1 hit before Swift surpassed her.