The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” Makes Billboard Hot 100 History

The Weeknd
The Weeknd. Photo by Richard Isaac/REX/Shutterstock (3388491g)

The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” is one of the songs that defined 2020, and its success at the Billboard Hot 100 confirms its huge popularity. After reaching no. 1 on several occasions, this song set another major milestone and became the longest-running top five hit.

The record for most weeks in the top five was previously shared by Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” and “Closer” by The Chainsmokers and Halsey. Both tracks spent 27 weeks in the top five, but The Weeknd managed to break their record with 28 weeks logged in that same region.

“Blinding Lights” was released on November 29th, 2019 as the second single from The Weeknd’s fourth studio album After Hours. It recently won two trophies at the MTV VMAs, including the biggest award of the night—video of the year.

When it comes to the rest of the Billboard Hot 100 entries for this week, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion returned to no. 1 with “WAP”. BTS’ “Dynamite” took the no. 2 spot, while “Laugh Now Cry Later” by Drake and Lil Durk hit no. 3.