- Culture
- 24 Nov 21
Canadian pop-star The Weeknd surpassed the likes of Chubby Checker and Santana to claim the coveted number one spot.
The Weeknd's smash hit 'Blinding Lights' has overtaken Chubby Checkers 1960's classic 'Twist Again' to claim the top spot on Billboard’s Greatest Songs of All Time Hot 100 Chart.
Released in November 2019, the song dominated both the charts and sales throughout 2020 - cementing the Toronto Native as one of pop's brightest stars. This is not the first record set by the single staying in the Top Five for an unprecedented 43 weeks, the Top 10 for 57 weeks, and the Top 40 for an outstanding 86 weeks.
"I don't think it has hit me yet," the singer told Billboard upon hearing the news. "I try not to dwell on it too much. I count my blessings, and I'm just grateful."
The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, has kept his online response concise, one tweet reposting Billboard's magazine new cover while another simply stating "what a journey."
grateful @billboard pic.twitter.com/qtFAhZiMSV
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) November 23, 2021
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The single got caught up in a spill of controversy last year after the artist's mega-hit was snubbed by the Grammys, along with his album After Hours. In response, the artist announced he would boycott the awards going forwards - ironically receiving several nominations this year.
The pop star has released a number of high profile collaborations in recent months, recording alongside the recently reunited house supergroup Swedish House Mafia and fellow pop megastar Post Malone. You can expect more music from the Canadian pop star, as he declared last month that his upcoming fifth studio album was already complete.
Abel will be finally hitting the road for his much delayed After Hours Til Dawn tour in June of next year, including a show at Dublin's 3Arena on Thursday, October 6.
Watch the 'Blinding Lights' music video below: