Shakira earns first Number 1 in over six years and tenth overall

Supported by a massive increase in streaming figures, Shakira takes over Number 1 with her eponymous collaboration with Bizarrap. The song is a very clear and upfront response song directed towards Shakira her ex-husband Gerard Piqué, who very foolishly cheated on her. It has become an immediate success upon release, earning 14.39 million streams on Spotify in its first day. Argentinian young talent Bizarrap produced the record during one of his Bzrp Music Sessions, a series of popular independent tracks which he records with a wide variety of Latin artists. As the break-up anthem soars to the top, Shakira collects her tenth Number 1-hit. She scored her very first chart-topper in 2002 with “Whenever, Wherever”, and continued her streak into the 2000s and 2010s. She last topped the charts over six years ago with 2016’s “Chantaje” featuring Maluma. This was also the last time a fully Spanish song topped the charts. Rolf Sanchez did peak at Number 1 in 2019 with “Pa Olvidarte”, but that song also featured Emma Heesters in Dutch. Producer Bizarrap earns his first chart-topper and becomes the first ever Argentinian to score a Number 1-hit. Additionally, Shakira becomes the second artist in chart history to earn a Number 1-hit in three consecutive decades: “Whenever, Wherever” in the 2000s amongst others, “Can't Remember To Forget You” in the 2010s amongst others, and now “BZRP Music Sessions #53” in the 2020s. The record was first accomplished by Beyoncé last year when “Break My Soul” went to Number 1.

Dutch independent artist Froukje jumps into the Top 10 with her latest single “Als Ik God Was”, peaking at #7 this week. The up-tempo pop song sees Froukje fantasizing about being God and how she would perhaps do things differently. The new single is boosted by rapidly increasing streaming figures and a stellar music video. Ever since her breakthrough in 2020 with “Groter Dan Ik”, Froukje has become the voice of a generation. Her live sets at Best Kept Secret and Lowlands were widely praised, while her first two EPs became chart hits. Last week, Froukje won an Edison for Best Alternative Act, one of the Netherlands its most prestigious musical awards. On my personal list, “Als Ik God Was” marks Froukje her fourth Top 10-song. It marks her highest-peaking solo entry to date, surpassing “Ik Wil Dansen” its #10-peak.

Further down inside the Top 20, Irish newcomer Cian Ducrot his breakout “I’ll Be Waiting” moves up to #11. The single is supported by viral success on TikTok and is also steadily climbing the international charts. Colombian pop princesses Karol G and Shakira move up to #14 with their collaboraiton “TQG”, boosted by Shakira her new Number 1-peak. The Weeknd & Ariana Grande break the Top 20 with their “Die For You (Remix)”, while Niall Horan earns his highest-charting solo entry in fiyears as “Heaven” peaks at #18 this week.

British pop darling Mimi Webb extends her string of hits as her latest single “Freezing” earns the highest debut of the week, entering the chart at #13. The single is supported by the release of her new eponymous first album, Amelia. Its previous hit singles “Red Flags” and “Roles Reversed” are also boosted by the release of the album, finishing at #6 and #9 this week, respectively. Mimi Webb now collects her ninth Top 40-entry on my personal list with “Freezing”. It marks the second time this year Webb collects the top debut of the week, as “Roles Reversed” debuted at #15 just two weeks ago. “Red Flags” had an even higher opening week, debuting at #7, but it was outperformed by Miley Cyrus’s Number 1-debut with “Flowers”.

Further down, The Netherlands its Eurovision representatives Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper debut at #26 with “Burning Daylight”. The song is written by Duncan Lawrence, who won Eurovision in 2019 with “Arcade”. Brighton-based newcomer Caity Baser debuts at #31 with her single “Pretty Boys”. She has been up-and-coming since last year, ever since she performed at Reading and Leeds Festival in 2022. Demi Lovato rounds out the debuts with “Still Alive”, entering at #38. It is the official promotional song for the new Scream VI, which was released in theatres this week. It marks Lovato their first appearance in my personal Top 40 since 2020’s “I’m Ready” with Sam Smith.

Newly certified songs

“Flowers” – Miley Cyrus PLATINUM

“Anti-Hero” – Taylor Swift 2 X PLATINUM