When Coldplay and BTS’ paths converged on their collaborative single “My Universe,” the bands were on two very different paths. While BTS is in the midst of an impressive string of No. 1 singles, Coldplay’s last chart-topper came over 13 years ago, with 2008’s “Viva La Vida.” Now, though, both bands are back on top: On the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated October 9, “My Universe” debuts at No. 1.
Along with being Coldplay’s first No. 1 in 13 years and 3 months, “My Universe” is BTS’s sixth No. 1 in just over a year and a month. That’s the fastest an artist has ever racked up six chart-topping sings since The Beatles did so over the course of a year and two weeks from 1964 to 1966.
The #Hot100 top 10 (chart dated Oct. 9, 2021)
— billboard charts (@billboardcharts) October 5, 2021
.@coldplay last hit No. 1 on the #Hot100 in 2008 with “Viva La Vida” (a 13-year, three-month and two week gap between No. 1s).
That’s the longest gap between No. 1s since @Cher‘s “Believe” hit No. 1 in March 1999—her first since “Dark Breed” in 1974 (an almost 25-year gap).
— billboard charts (@billboardcharts) October 5, 2021
.@BTS_twt has achieved its six #Hot100 No. 1s over a span of a year and just over a month.
That’s the quickest accumulation of six leaders since @thebeatles scored six over a year and two weeks, in 1964-66.
— billboard charts (@billboardcharts) October 5, 2021
As BTS songs tend to do, this one made history. Aside from the aforementioned accolades, BTS has now had five songs debut at No. 1, tying them with Drake and Ariana Grande for the most ever. “My Universe” is Max Martin’s 23rd No. 1 song as a producer, tying him with George Martin for the most of all-time. Also worth noting is that “My Universe” is the first collaboration by two lead groups to ever go No. 1 on the Hot 100.
.@BTS_twt now has five career No. 1 debuts on the #Hot100.
They tie @ArianaGrande and @Drake for the most of all time.
— billboard charts (@billboardcharts) October 5, 2021
As Max Martin is a co-producer on “My Universe,” he ties George Martin for the most No. 1s on the #Hot100 of all time as a producer.
— billboard charts (@billboardcharts) October 5, 2021
.@coldplay & @BTS_twt‘s “My Universe” is the first collaboration by two lead groups to reach No. 1 in #Hot100 history.
— billboard charts (@billboardcharts) October 5, 2021
Coldplay is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.