Zara Larsson’s "Midnight Sun" Ascends to Pop Airplay Chart Summit, Securing Historic Back-to-Back No. 1s with PinkPantheress Collaboration "Stateside"
In a remarkable display of chart dominance, Swedish pop sensation Zara Larsson has etched her name in music history by becoming the first artist to achieve two brand-new No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart in back-to-back weeks. This unprecedented feat was accomplished as her latest single, "Midnight Sun," climbed three positions to claim the top spot on the chart dated June 27, following closely on the heels of her previous No. 1, "Stateside," a collaboration with PinkPantheress. The achievement marks a significant milestone for Larsson, underscoring her resurgent presence and enduring appeal in the contemporary music landscape.
A New Benchmark in Pop Airplay History
The Pop Airplay chart, which measures the most played songs on U.S. radio stations that format to Top 40, serves as a crucial barometer for mainstream radio success. Larsson’s dual ascent to the pinnacle of this influential chart is not merely a personal triumph but a historic moment for the chart itself, which has been tracking radio airplay since its inception in October 1992. By securing two entirely new chart-toppers in consecutive weeks, Larsson has surpassed previous benchmarks set by other esteemed artists.
This accomplishment distinguishes itself from artists who have consecutively held the No. 1 position with the same song or had a prior No. 1 precede their new chart-topper. Larsson’s achievement is specifically about introducing two new songs to the No. 1 spot within a two-week span, a testament to the immediate and widespread impact of both "Midnight Sun" and "Stateside" on radio programmers and listeners alike.
Historical Precedents and Larsson’s Unique Position
While the concept of artists replacing themselves at the top of charts is not entirely new, Larsson’s achievement represents a unique dynamic. Prior to her, only two acts had managed to claim their first two Pop Airplay No. 1s in consecutive weeks overall: OutKast and Iggy Azalea.
OutKast achieved this feat in late 2003 and early 2004. Their infectious hit "Hey Ya!" began a dominant nine-week run at No. 1 in December 2003. This was followed by their equally successful track "The Way You Move," featuring Sleepy Brown, which took over the top spot in February 2004 for three weeks. This marked a period of significant radio saturation for the hip-hop duo, demonstrating their broad appeal across different facets of the pop music spectrum.
More recently, in June 2014, Iggy Azalea, featuring Charli XCX, celebrated the success of "Fancy," which held the No. 1 position for three weeks. Swiftly thereafter, Ariana Grande’s "Problem," featuring Azalea, ascended to the summit, leading for two weeks in July of the same year. These instances highlight periods where specific artists or collaborations commanded an exceptional level of radio attention, but Larsson’s current achievement is distinguished by the "newness" of both chart-topping singles within such a compressed timeframe.
Other artists like Mariah Carey, Halsey, Ariana Grande, and Doja Cat have also experienced the phenomenon of replacing themselves at No. 1. However, their successes typically involved a more established song followed by a new one, or a song that had already reached No. 1 and then returned to the top, rather than two entirely fresh entries debuting at the summit within a single two-week window. Larsson’s achievement, therefore, stands as a singular event in the Pop Airplay chart’s history.
"Midnight Sun" and the Resurgence of Zara Larsson
The success of "Midnight Sun" signifies a significant moment in Zara Larsson’s career. The song, which is also the title track of her fifth studio album, has resonated strongly with audiences and radio programmers. The album itself has seen considerable success, peaking within the Top 5 on the Top Dance Albums chart and reaching the Top 40 of the Billboard 200 in May. This renewed chart presence marks a potent resurgence for the Swedish artist, who has been a prominent figure in the pop music scene for nearly a decade.
Larsson herself has expressed her excitement and gratitude for this career milestone. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, "For the first time in a long time, I’m on the Billboard charts. I’m reaching so many new heights 10 years into my career, which is exciting and a testament to never giving up." She further elaborated on the creative shift that fueled this success, drawing a powerful analogy: "This change really came with the creation of Midnight Sun. Sometimes I think of my career like this car I’ve been sitting in. I’ve known where we’ve been heading, but I’ve been in the back seat. With this album, I was like, ‘Guys, I feel like I should drive.’" This sentiment underscores a newfound artistic control and vision that has clearly translated into tangible success.
A Multifaceted Chart Presence
Beyond her two No. 1 singles, Zara Larsson is currently demonstrating exceptional chart longevity and breadth. For the seventh consecutive week, she has maintained four titles on the Pop Airplay chart, a feat unmatched by any other artist this year. This sustained presence highlights the widespread appeal and consistent airplay of her recent work.
In addition to "Midnight Sun" at No. 1 and "Stateside" now at No. 2, Larsson is featured on Tyla’s "She Did It Again," which has climbed an impressive 29-27, marking a new personal best for the track. Furthermore, her earlier hit from 2016, "Lush Life," continues to hold strong, remaining at its peak position of No. 28. This multifaceted chart presence showcases Larsson’s ability to connect with audiences across different eras of her career and through various collaborations.
The Impact of "Midnight Sun" and Future Implications
The titular track from her latest album, "Midnight Sun," has clearly struck a chord with the public. Its ascent to No. 1 on the Pop Airplay chart, coupled with the album’s strong performance on genre-specific and overall album charts, signals a significant chapter in Larsson’s discography. The album’s critical and commercial reception, combined with her chart-topping singles, suggests a renewed momentum for her career, positioning her for continued success.
Larsson’s recent recognition as Billboard’s 2026 Women in Music Breakthrough award winner further contextualizes this achievement. It signifies that her current chart success is not an isolated event but part of a broader narrative of artistic growth and recognition. Her proactive approach to driving her career, as evidenced by her "driving the car" analogy, appears to be paying dividends, leading to unprecedented chart milestones.
Chart Update and Broader Context
The charts referenced are dated June 27 and will be updated on Billboard.com on Tuesday, June 23. This provides a timely snapshot of the current music landscape. Larsson’s record-breaking achievement on the Pop Airplay chart not only solidifies her status as a leading pop artist but also provides inspiration for aspiring musicians, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and artistic evolution. The industry will be watching closely to see how she capitalizes on this historic moment and continues to shape the future of pop music. Her ability to generate two new No. 1 hits in such close succession is a rare feat that underscores her potent connection with the contemporary music audience and the critical role of radio airplay in achieving widespread popularity.
