Madonna makes UK chart history with 'Popular'

Madonna justifies her status as Queen of Pop once again as 'Popular', her collaboration with the Weeknd and Playboi Carti, creates an impressive piece of UK chart history.

“Popular” (via Interscope/Republic Records/XO) climbs 14-10, a new high on Official UK Singles Chartreleased on Friday, February 2, for Madonna's 64th top 10 single, extending her lead as the female artist with the most top 10s in official chart history.

Only the late Elvis Presley (with 76) and legendary English singer Cliff Richard (with 68) have more.

Fifteen years have passed since Madonna last topped the UK chart. The last time was with “Celebration” in 2009, which reached No. 3.

“Popular” is the Weeknd's 16th UK top 10 single and Playboi Carti's first.

Madonna sets chart records for entertainment. According to the Official Charts Company, the American pop superstar has amassed 12 No.1 albums in the UK – a record for a female solo artist. Taylor Swift is close behind with 10, a number that will likely rise to 11 when her next album is released Department of Tormented Poetswhich was announced during the 2024 Grammy show.

Topping the latest UK chart, Noah Kahan remains at No.1 for a fifth week.

The Vermont singer-songwriter's folk hit “Stick Season” (via Republic Records) dominates the Official UK Singles Chart and is the UK's most streamed song on the chart circuit with 8.8 million plays, OCC reports . Midweek stage leader “Stick Season” completes longest consecutive run at No. 1 since Doja Cat's “Paint The Town Red” also notched five weeks at the summit in 2023.

Meanwhile, American singer-songwriter Teddy Swims hits a new career high with “Lose Control” (Atlantic), 6-3.

The highest climber this week belongs to YG Marley, with his debut single “Praise Jah in the Moonlight”, (YG Marley Music) rising 51-20. Marley is the son of Ms. Lauryn Hill (who is credited as a co-writer of the song) and the grandson of the late reggae hero Bob Marley.

Also making a UK Top 40 debut is Last Dinner Party, winner of the BRITs Rising Star Award and the BBC Sound of 2024 Poll. The quintet's “Nothing Matters” (Island) jumps 41-22 on the tally for their first Top 40 appearance. The Last Dinner Party made its American late-night TV debut last month with a performance of “Nothing Matters” on The Late Show. “Nothing Matters” appears on the debut LP Prelude To Ecstasyreleased last Friday.

The highest new entry on the latest list belongs to Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion with “Hiss” (Hot Girl Productions), new at No. 31, for her sixth top 40 hit. Close behind is her British artist hip-hop Skepta, with “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” (Big Smoke/Epic), new at No.32 for his 22nd UK top 40 single.

Finally, Justin Timberlake marks his return as a recording artist with his 27th appearance in the UK Top 40 singles. Timberlake's “Selfish” (RCA) bows at No. 37 and is the first track off his sixth solo album, titled Everything I thought it was. EITIW is expected to be released on March 15.