NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 23: Taylor Swift attends the 2019 Time 100 Gala at Frederick P. Rose Hall, … [+]
Last week, Taylor Swift managed what was always assumed to be impossible on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart when her song “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” debuted at No. 1 on the most competitive ranking of turns in the U.S. The cut was re-recorded and re-titled, and thus instead of returning to the tally, it opened in first place, instantly becoming the singer-songwriter’s eighth leader on the all-genre list of the most-consumed songs in America.
By starting off on the throne, the tune helps Swift make Hot 100 history in several ways, with each one highlighting once more just how insanely popular and powerful she remains to this day.
The Second-Most No. 1 Debuts Among Women
“All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” marked Swift’s fourth No. 1 debut on the Hot 100, which is, unsurprisingly, one of the most impressive accumulations of instant leaders in the tally’s decades-long history. In fact, before the Red (Taylor’s Version) cut opened atop the ranking, the pop/country/rock superstar was tied with Mariah Carey for the second-most quick rulers among women. Now, with a fourth No. 1 start to her credit, she stands on her own in second place, demoting Carey to third. Both female musicians are behind Ariana Grande, who has collected five such smashes.
Fourth-Most No. 1 Debuts
Looking at all musicians, Swift is now tied for the fourth-most No. 1 debuts on the Hot 100, as she and Justin Bieber have both managed four. Ahead of them are the aforementioned Grande as well as Drake and BTS, with five apiece. Swift has started all of the following singles as high as a tune can climb on the most important songs tally: “Shake It Off,” “Cardigan,” “Willow” and now “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version).”
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Third-Most Top 10 Hits Among Women
“All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” wasn’t just another No. 1 for Swift, it marked her milestone thirtieth trip to the top 10 on the Hot 100. Only a relatively small number of musicians have reached that mark, and even fewer women have done so. With a thirtieth placement between Nos. 1 and 10 to her credit, the “Red” songwriter holds as the female artist with the third-most appearances in that area, coming in behind only Madonna (38) and Rihanna (31).
Fifth-Most Top 10 Hits
Expanding that list beyond just women, the ranking changes a bit, and Swift no longer sits alone. With 30 top 10 hits on the Hot 100, the “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” pop star is on the same level as Michael Jackson, who accrued most of his wins during his lifetime, with a few improving his count after his passing more than a decade ago. Further ahead of Swift and Jackson are Drake (54), Madonna, The Beatles (34) and Rihanna.
Third-Most Top 40 Hits
Before Red (Taylor’s Version) arrived at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 (with the second-largest debut of 2021 at the time, no less), Swift was tied with Elvis Presley for the third-most top 40 hits in U.S. history, but now she’s advanced again while the rocker remains steady. Four tunes from the re-recorded album, including “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version),” started inside the area that typically defines when a song becomes a proper hit, and she only needed one to pass the pioneering musician. Now Swift claims 85 placements, but she’s still behind both Drake (144) and Lil Wayne (86), though she may soon pass the latter rapper as well.
