On last week’s Hot 100, BTS and Coldplay debuted their first single together, the arena-sized “My Universe,” at No. 1. In its second frame on the ranking of the most-consumed songs in the U.S., the track falls outside the top 10 entirely, slipping to No. 12. While the planetary cut might not be the longest-running winner for either act, it did help the groups that created it make history when it arrived, and in more ways than one.
Here’s a look at the history “My Universe” made as it launched at No. 1 on last week’s Hot 100.
Third No. 1 Debut In A Calendar Year
While the number of songs that debut at No. 1 on the Hot 100 is increasing all the time, it’s still uncommon for artists to collect more than one immediate ruler in a calendar year. In fact, only a handful of artists have managed to see more than a single tune launch atop the tally in one year, and just two have managed three quick winners in the same span of time.
When “My Universe” launched atop the Hot 100 last week, it made BTS just the second act in U.S. history to debut three songs at No. 1 in a calendar year. The band collected their first ruler in 2021 with “Butter,” which easily conquered the tally in early summer. The septet then replaced themselves on the throne as “Permission to Dance” stepped in and took over for one frame.
Only Ariana Grande has also started a trio of tunes in first place on the Hot 100 in a single calendar year, and she managed the feat in 2020. Her first two wins were collaborations, as she and Justin Bieber launched “Stuck With U” at No. 1, and then a very short time later, the singer earned another smash alongside Lady Gaga on “Rain on Me.” Before 2021 arrived, her solo track “Positions” opened at No. 1 as well.
Fifth No. 1 Debut
In addition to being their third No. 1 debut of 2021, “My Universe” was also BTS’s fifth single to begin its time on the Hot 100 as high as a title can climb. They collected their first two immediate rulers in 2020, as both “Dynamite” and “Life Goes On” kicked off their time on the tally in first place.
With five No. 1 debuts on the Hot 100, BTS tied both Grande and Drake for the most instant champions in history. Grande has ruled with her aforementioned trio of 2020 winners, as well as earlier cuts “Thank U, Next” and “7 Rings.” Drake has seen the following five titles arrive at No. 1 on the all-encompassing chart: "God's Plan," "Nice for What," “In My Feelings,” “Toosie Slide” and “Way 2 Sexy” with Young Thug and Future.
First No. 1 Hit By Two Groups Sharing Lead Billing
It may be difficult to believe, but “My Universe” is the only single in U.S. history to hit No. 1 that credits two different groups as lead acts. Coldplay and BTS share lead billing, which sets the catchy cut apart from all other tunes. According to Billboard, two tracks that are credited to one lead group and a featured one—"Like a G6" by Far East Movement featuring the Cataracs and soloist Dev and "Maria Maria" by Santana featuring The Product G&B—have ruled in the past.
