Billboard Hot 100: A Review of the 2009 Chart Milestones
The Billboard Hot 100 serves as the definitive ranking of the best-performing singles in the United States. Published by Billboard magazine, the chart utilizes data compiled by Nielsen SoundScan, which aggregates weekly physical sales, digital sales, and airplay (the frequency with which a song is played on the radio) to determine a track's popularity.
The year 2009 was a period of significant shifts and record-breaking achievements in the American music landscape. While 13 songs claimed the top spot during the calendar year, only 12 are officially counted as 2009 number-one singles, as Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" reached its peak in 2008.
Key Facts
- 12 official number-one singles were recorded in 2009.
- Black Eyed Peas held the record for the most consecutive weeks at number one (26 weeks) across two different songs.
- Kelly Clarkson achieved the biggest leap to number one, jumping from 97 to 1.
- Britney Spears secured the only non-American Idol song to debut at number one in the 2000s.
Breakthrough Artists and First-Time Toppers
2009 marked a turning point for several artists who secured their first U.S. number-one single, whether as the primary lead or a featured guest. These breakthrough acts included Lady Gaga, Colby O'Donis, The Black Eyed Peas, Jay Sean, Jason Derulo, and Owl City.
A notable milestone was achieved by Jay-Z, who earned his first number-one single as a lead artist with "Empire State of Mind" (featuring Alicia Keys). This was a significant shift for the rapper, who had previously only reached the top spot as a featured guest on three other singles.
Dominant Forces of the Year
Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas emerged as the most dominant forces of the year, with each act securing two number-one singles.
Record-Breaking Performances
The Black Eyed Peas redefined chart longevity in 2009. Their track "Boom Boom Pow" topped the charts for twelve weeks, followed by "I Gotta Feeling," which spent fourteen weeks at number one. Together, these tracks allowed the group to spend 26 consecutive weeks at the top of the chart.
"I Gotta Feeling" stands as the longest-running number-one single of 2009 and the entire 2000s decade, sharing this distinction with Mariah Carey's 2005 hit "We Belong Together," though the latter's run was non-consecutive.
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Unprecedented Chart Movements
Beyond longevity, 2009 saw extraordinary volatility and debuts. Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You" set a record for the most dramatic ascent to the top, leaping from number 97 directly to number one. Additionally, Britney Spears' "3" made history as the only song in the 2000s not associated with the "American Idol" franchise to debut at the number-one position.
2009 Chart Summary
| Artist | Song | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Black Eyed Peas | I Gotta Feeling | Longest-running #1 of 2009 (14 weeks) |
| Black Eyed Peas | Boom Boom Pow | 12 weeks at #1 |
| Kelly Clarkson | My Life Would Suck Without You | Biggest leap to #1 (97 to 1) |
| Britney Spears | 3 | Only non-American Idol debut at #1 in 2000s |
| Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys | Empire State of Mind | Jay-Z's first #1 as lead artist |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Billboard Hot 100 calculated?
The chart is compiled by Nielsen SoundScan using a combination of weekly physical sales, digital sales, and radio airplay data.
Why were there 13 top songs but only 12 number-one singles in 2009?
While 13 songs hit the top spot during the year, Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" is excluded from the 2009 count because it reached its peak position in 2008.
Which song had the longest run at number one in 2009?
"I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas was the longest-running number-one single of the year, spending fourteen weeks at the top.
Who holds the record for the biggest jump to number one?
Kelly Clarkson holds this record with the song "My Life Would Suck Without You," which jumped from number 97 to number one.
Which artists achieved their first number-one single in 2009?
Artists who earned their first U.S. number-one as either a lead or featured artist include Lady Gaga, Colby O'Donis, The Black Eyed Peas, Jay Sean, Jason Derulo, and Owl City.