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The competition for the coveted No. 1 spot on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, which ranks the most-consumed songs in the U.S., is incredibly tight this week. In an unusual twist, not two but three songs are battling it out for the top position. BTS member Jung Kook, country artist Jason Aldean, and reigning chart-topper Morgan Wallen are all in the running, highlighting the diversity of America's musical tastes and the different paths a song can take to climb to the summit.
At present, Wallen holds the throne on the Hot 100 with his blockbuster single "Last Night." The tune has reigned supreme for much of 2023, enjoying an impressive 14 nonconsecutive weeks at the top. This time, Wallen faces fierce competition from two music industry superstars who are both riding high with their current viral singles.
For a time, it appeared that BTS's Jung Kook had a clear shot at debuting at No. 1 with his latest release, "Seven." The track marks his first venture as a soloist, and fans of both Jung Kook and BTS have been streaming and purchasing the song in astounding numbers since its release last Friday. What initially seemed like a surefire top 10 entry has now turned into a genuine possibility of claiming the top spot...though nothing is certain.
Country singer-songwriter Aldean, a late contender in the race, has also thrown his hat into the ring for the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100. His current release, "Try That in a Small Town," unexpectedly skyrocketed to become the hottest tune in America. The song and its music video have faced accusations of racism, sparking controversy and, in a somewhat unexpected (and depressing) twist, fueling its rise in consumption.
Both "Seven" and "Try That in a Small Town" are anticipated to surge up the Hot 100 with massive sales figures, likely some of the highest seen in years. However, Wallen's "Last Night" continues to dominate radio airwaves and streaming platforms, making it a formidable challenge for any newcomer to dethrone. Holding on to the top position is often easier than displacing one of the most significant and long-running chart-toppers in recent memory.
Billboard is expected to announce the final rankings later today, and music enthusiasts, fans, and industry insiders alike are eagerly awaiting the verdict. The close competition between Jung Kook, Aldean, and Wallen showcases the exciting dynamism of the music industry, and whichever one wins, it will say something about what it takes to create a chart-topper in today’s volatile and, in some ways, highly democratic business.
