Q: What is the Billboard Hot 100?

A: The Billboard Hot 100 is a music popularity chart that ranks the most popular songs in the United States.

The Billboard Hot 100 is the go-to chart for the most popular songs in the US, ranking the best-selling and most-played tracks each week. Since its creation on November 12, 1955, several songs have made their mark in history by leading this chart for consecutive weeks. Today, we’re exploring the songs that spent the most time at the top, proving that these true masterpieces won the hearts of fans and broke records over the decades.

9. Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You

Kicking off our list is the iconic “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, an emotional ballad that became one of the biggest successes of her career. The song reached the number one spot on November 28, 1992, and stayed there for 14 weeks. This theme, part of the soundtrack for the movie “The Bodyguard”, is one of the most recognizable ballads of all time, marked by Houston’s powerful voice.

8. Boyz II Men – I’ll Make Love to You

Two years after Whitney Houston’s success, Boyz II Men repeated the feat with “I’ll Make Love to You”. This R&B classic dominated the Billboard Hot 100 starting August 27, 1994, and stayed at the top for 14 weeks. The theme is one of the biggest successes of the 90s and solidified Boyz II Men as one of the most influential groups in the genre.

7. Los Del Rio – Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)

In 1996, one of the most contagious songs of all time invaded the world: the “Macarena”. The Bayside Boys remix took Los Del Rio’s success to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for 14 weeks, starting August 3, 1996. This song, accompanied by its famous dance, became a cultural phenomenon and continues to be remembered as one of the biggest hits of all time.

6. Elton John – Candle in the Wind 1997 / Something About the Way You Look Tonight

Released in tribute to Princess Diana, this special version of “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John was a true tribute to the “People’s Princess”. The single reached the number one spot on October 11, 1997, and stayed there for 14 weeks, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.

5. Mariah Carey – We Belong Together

We move into the new millennium with one of Mariah Carey’s biggest successes. In June 2005, “We Belong Together” rose to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for 14 weeks. This theme is often considered Mariah Carey’s triumphant return, after a less successful period in her career.

4. The Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling

“I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas marked the summer of 2009 with its upbeat rhythm and captivating lyrics. This success took the lead on the Billboard Hot 100 on July 11, 2009, and stayed at the top for 14 weeks. The song became a celebration anthem and continues to be a constant presence at parties and events.

3. Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk!

In 2015, the collaboration between Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars resulted in a huge success with “Uptown Funk!”. The song rose to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 on January 17, 2015, and stayed there for 14 weeks. The music is still recognized today for its irresistible groove and has become one of the most iconic tracks of the decade.

2. Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men – One Sweet Day

The second place (tied with the first) belongs to the collaboration between Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men. “One Sweet Day” reached the number one spot on December 2, 1995, and stayed there for an impressive 16 weeks. This emotional ballad speaks about the loss of loved ones and held the record for the longest stay at the top for over two decades.

1. Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber – Despacito

Finally, we reach the top spot with “Despacito”, the success of Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, and Justin Bieber. This song, which dominated the summer of 2017, tied the record of “One Sweet Day”, staying at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for 16 weeks. The remix with Justin Bieber helped catapult the song to a global audience, making it one of the biggest hits of all time.

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This list shows us how music has the power to transcend generations and leave a lasting mark on popular culture. From emotional ballads to party anthems, these songs have proven their impact and continue to be remembered by fans.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Billboard Hot 100?

A: The Billboard Hot 100 is a music popularity chart that ranks the most popular songs in the United States.

Q: How are the rankings determined?

A: The rankings are determined by a combination of sales, streaming activity, and radio airplay.