Zara Larsson Achieves Unprecedented Chart Feat with Back-to-Back No. 1 Hits on Billboard Pop Airplay Chart

Zara Larsson’s "Midnight Sun" ascends to the pinnacle of the Billboard Pop Airplay chart, marking a significant achievement as the Swedish pop sensation becomes the first artist in history to secure two new No. 1 singles in consecutive weeks. This remarkable feat follows the recent chart-topping success of her collaboration with PinkPantheress on "Stateside," solidifying Larsson’s resurgent presence and artistic momentum in 2026. The latest chart week, dated June 27, sees "Midnight Sun" climb three positions to claim the top spot, a testament to its widespread appeal and the artist’s growing influence.

A Historic Chart Domination

The Pop Airplay chart, which tracks the most played songs on mainstream top 40 radio stations in the United States, has a rich history dating back to October 1992. Larsson’s consecutive No. 1s with "Stateside" and now "Midnight Sun" represent a unique accomplishment within this timeframe. She is the sole artist to have achieved this specific milestone: two new chart-toppers landing at No. 1 in a two-week span. This distinguishes her achievement from artists who may have held the top spot for multiple weeks with a single song or replaced themselves with songs that had previously hit No. 1.

Prior to Larsson’s achievement, only two other acts had managed to achieve their first two Pop Airplay No. 1s back-to-back overall. The first instance occurred in December 2003 when OutKast’s infectious hit "Hey Ya!" began a nine-week reign at the top. Their dominance continued when their follow-up single, "The Way You Move," featuring Sleepy Brown, took over the No. 1 position for three weeks in February of the following year. More recently, in June 2014, Iggy Azalea’s "Fancy," featuring Charli XCX, held the No. 1 spot for three weeks. Immediately after, Ariana Grande’s "Problem," featuring Azalea, ascended to the top for two weeks in July of the same year, marking another instance of artists replacing themselves atop the chart. However, neither of these sequences involved two entirely new No. 1s debuting in consecutive weeks as Larsson has now accomplished.

Other artists like Mariah Carey, Halsey, Ariana Grande, and Doja Cat have also achieved the feat of replacing themselves at No. 1 on the Pop Airplay chart. However, their successes involved songs that had previously reached the top position or were not two distinct new No. 1s within the narrow window of two consecutive weeks. Larsson’s current chart performance stands as a singular event in the history of the Pop Airplay chart.

"Midnight Sun" and Larsson’s Artistic Evolution

"Midnight Sun" is the titular track from Larsson’s fifth studio album, which was released earlier in 2026. The album itself has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, peaking in the top five on the Top Dance Albums chart and reaching the top 40 of the Billboard 200. The song’s ascent to No. 1 on the Pop Airplay chart signifies its broad appeal beyond genre-specific charts and underscores its impact on mainstream radio.

Larsson, who was recognized with the Breakthrough award at Billboard’s 2026 Women in Music event, reflected on her career trajectory and this recent success. She expressed her excitement about returning to the Billboard charts and reaching new heights a decade into her career. "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," Larsson stated in a recent interview.

She further elaborated on the creative shift that accompanied the creation of the Midnight Sun album. Larsson described her career as being in a car, where she knew the destination but had been in the passenger seat. With this album, she felt a strong urge to take control of the steering wheel. "This change really came with the creation of Midnight Sun," she explained. "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 suggests a newfound artistic agency and a deliberate effort to steer her music and career in a direction that resonates deeply with her vision.

A Multifaceted Chart Presence

Beyond her solo No. 1s, Zara Larsson is demonstrating an impressive sustained presence across the Pop Airplay chart. For the seventh consecutive week, she has four songs charting, a feat unmatched by any other artist on the chart this year. In addition to "Midnight Sun" (No. 1) and "Stateside" (which has now slipped to No. 2), her collaboration with Tyla on "She Did It Again" has climbed to a new personal best of No. 27, rising from No. 29. Furthermore, her enduring 2016 hit "Lush Life" continues to hold strong, remaining at its peak position of No. 28. This demonstrates the longevity of her music and her ability to connect with audiences across different eras and collaborations.

The chart dated June 27 will see its full updates reflected on Billboard.com on Tuesday, June 23. This upcoming update will provide further insight into the dynamic shifts within the Pop Airplay rankings and the continued impact of Zara Larsson’s music.

Context and Analysis of Implications

Zara Larsson’s remarkable chart performance in 2026 signifies a significant moment in her career and for the broader landscape of pop music. Her ability to achieve two consecutive new No. 1s on a major radio airplay chart highlights several key factors:

• Artistic Maturity and Evolution: As Larsson herself indicated, the creation of the Midnight Sun album marked a pivotal moment of artistic control and direction. This has seemingly translated into music that resonates strongly with both critics and a broad listening audience. The success of "Midnight Sun" suggests that this artistic evolution is being recognized and rewarded by the market.
• Strategic Collaborations: The success of "Stateside" with PinkPantheress and "She Did It Again" with Tyla showcases Larsson’s adeptness at choosing compelling collaborators. These partnerships not only broaden her reach but also demonstrate her willingness to engage with contemporary sounds and artists, keeping her relevant in a rapidly evolving music industry.
• Resilience and Longevity: Having achieved initial success several years prior, Larsson’s current chart dominance is a testament to her resilience and ability to reinvent herself. The continued charting of "Lush Life" alongside her new hits illustrates a dedicated fanbase that appreciates her older material while enthusiastically embracing her new work. This dual appeal is a powerful asset for any artist.
• Impact on Radio Programming: The sustained airplay of Larsson’s tracks indicates strong support from radio programmers. Achieving No. 1 on the Pop Airplay chart requires consistent rotation, suggesting that her music is being embraced by the gatekeepers of mainstream radio, a crucial element for widespread commercial success in the pop music sphere.
• Trendsetting Potential: By achieving this unprecedented chart feat, Larsson may inspire other artists to pursue innovative release strategies and creative collaborations. Her success could embolden artists to take more creative risks and explore new avenues for chart domination. The historical context provided by Billboard’s reporting emphasizes the rarity of such an achievement, underscoring its significance.

The implications of this achievement extend beyond chart positions. It solidifies Zara Larsson’s status as a leading figure in contemporary pop music. Her journey from a young Eurovision participant to a multi-platinum artist with a decade-long career, now achieving such a unique chart milestone, serves as an inspiring narrative of sustained artistic growth and dedication. The continued success of her album and its singles suggests a bright future, with potential for further chart impact and evolving artistic endeavors. As the music industry continues to navigate shifts in consumption and promotion, Larsson’s ability to command significant radio airplay and achieve historic chart records highlights the enduring power of well-crafted pop music delivered with authenticity and artistic vision.