Taylor Swift Surpasses Ariana Grande for Most Billboard No. 1 Debuts

Taylor Swift passes Ariana Grande to claim the second-most No. 1 debuts on the Billboard Hot 100 as “I Knew It, I Knew You” launches in first place. NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 11: Taylor Swift attends the Songwriters Hall of Fame 55th Annual Induction and Awards Gala at Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 11, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

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Three musical superstars—Drake, Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande—are locked in a battle for the most No. 1 debuts on the Billboard Hot 100. The chart’s high‑stakes nature has evolved dramatically since Michael Jackson became the first artist to launch a song at the top spot. Today, massive streaming, digital sales and immediate radio adoption often enable ten or more releases to debut at number one each year.

Taylor Swift Rules With “I Knew It, I Knew You”

Swift tops the Billboard Hot 100 this week with “I Knew It, I Knew You,” the lead single from *Toy Story 5*. The track marks her 15th chart‑topping debut, pushing her into a three‑way tie for third place among artists with the most No. 1 launches. She now ranks ahead of Rihanna and Drake, each holding 14 chart‑topping entries.

Taylor Swift Surpasses Ariana Grande’s No. 1 Debut Record

“I Knew It, I Knew You” is Swift’s ninth song to debut at No. 1. Last week Ariana Grande tied Swift’s record with “Hate That I Made You Love Me,” preceding Grande’s forthcoming eighth album *Petal*. The two artists briefly shared the second‑most No. 1 debuts, but Swift’s latest hit breaks the tie.

Here are all of Taylor Swift’s No. 1 debuts on the Billboard Hot 100:

• “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)
• “Anti‑Hero”
• “Cardigan”
• “Fortnight” with Post Malone
• “I Knew It, I Knew You”
• “Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)”
• “Shake It Off”
• “The Fate of Ophelia”
• “Willow”

Drake Continues to Lead All Artists

Drake claimed the first double‑digit tally of No. 1 debuts late last month when he released three albums simultaneously—*Iceman*, *Habibti* and *Maid of Honour*. The surprise drop pushed more than 40 songs onto the chart, setting a new record for any act. One of those tracks, “Janice STFU,” gave Drake his tenth No. 1 start, briefly topping the list before Ariana Grande’s “Hate That I Made You Love Me” claimed the summit.

Taylor Swift Scores 2026’s Seventh No. 1 Debut

“I Knew It, I Knew You” is the seventh single to open at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2026 alone. Bruno Mars kicked off the year with “I Just Might,” followed by Harry Styles’ “Aperture,” which dethroned Mars’ song. BTS returned after a multi‑year hiatus with “Swim,” and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drop Dead” also debuted at the top.

Thanks to Drake, Grande and Swift, the most recent No. 1 entries have all arrived at the summit in their debut week.

Taylor Swift Has Hit No. 1 with Three Songs in 2026

“I Knew It, I Knew You” is Swift’s third chart‑topping release of the year. “The Fate of Ophelia” reclaimed the top spot in January after Mariah Carey’s seasonal hit concluded its annual run. In February, “Opalite,” the second single from her album *The Life of a Showgirl*, briefly reached No. 1.

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