Josh Ross Achieves First Billboard Country Airplay No. 1 with "Hate How You Look" as Bailey Zimmerman Enters Top 10
Josh Ross has officially reached the pinnacle of country radio, securing his inaugural No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his hit single, "Hate How You Look." The track ascended to the top position in its 40th week on the chart dated July 4, a significant milestone for the emerging artist. The song garnered 32.7 million audience impressions between June 19 and June 25, marking a 4% increase, according to data provided by Luminate.
This achievement signifies a career-defining moment for Ross, whose previous single, "Single Again," peaked at No. 2 on the same chart last summer after an impressive 68-week run. "Hate How You Look," penned by Jessica Farren, Chris McKenna, Nicholas Sainato, and Christian Yancey, dethroned Ella Langley’s "Be Her," which had held the top spot for four weeks before descending to No. 3. Ross’s ascent to No. 1 underscores the growing momentum behind his artistry within the highly competitive country music landscape.
Ross’s debut at the summit of the Country Airplay chart positions him as the second artist in 2025 to earn their first No. 1 on the ranking, among a total of 12 different songs that have reached the top position this year. This represents a 16.7% success rate for first-time chart-toppers in the current year. For context, Tucker Wetmore’s "Brunette" also marked a career-first No. 1 in May. Looking back at previous years, 2025 saw three artists achieve their inaugural No. 1s out of 20 total chart leaders (a 15% success rate), including Corey Kent with "This Heart," Hootie & the Blowfish featuring Scotty McCreery with "Bottle Rockets," and Chase Matthew with "Darlin’." In 2024, nine artists achieved their first No. 1s, out of 27 total leaders, reflecting a 33.3% success rate. Since the beginning of 2016, a total of 54 artists have celebrated their first No. 1 hits on the Country Airplay chart, out of 314 songs that have reached the summit, indicating an overall success rate of 17.2% for debut No. 1s over the past decade. This statistical breakdown highlights the significance of Ross’s achievement in a chart that consistently introduces new talent to the forefront.
Keepin’ On Truckin’ with Bailey Zimmerman
Adding to the week’s notable chart activity, Bailey Zimmerman has extended his streak of top 10 hits on the Country Airplay chart. His latest single, "Chevy Silverado," has climbed to the No. 9 position, marking his seventh appearance in the top 10. The track accumulated 17.8 million in audience impressions, a 5% increase, during the tracking period and has been on the chart for 37 weeks. This latest top 10 follows his previous success with "Backup Plan," which reached No. 2 in September.
Zimmerman’s consistent presence in the top 10 demonstrates his strong connection with country radio audiences. On average, Zimmerman has reached the top 10 within 25 weeks across his charting singles. "Chevy Silverado" represents one of his more extended climbs to this tier, with only "Holy Smokes" requiring more time, taking 44 weeks to reach the top 10. In contrast, "Backup Plan" achieved this milestone in a swift 11 weeks, showcasing Zimmerman’s ability to generate rapid chart success. His sustained presence in the upper echelons of the chart solidifies his position as a significant force in contemporary country music.
Top Debuts and Emerging Talent
The Country Airplay chart also welcomed new entries from established and rising artists. Cole Swindell’s latest single, "Girl Dad," made its debut at No. 26 on the chart, registering 5.8 million in audience impressions. This entry highlights Swindell’s continued relevance and his ability to connect with listeners through relatable themes.
Simultaneously, Jelly Roll’s new track, "Hands Up," entered the Country Airplay chart at No. 28 with 5.6 million audience impressions. Both Swindell and Jelly Roll are decorated artists with substantial track records on the charts, boasting eight and nine career No. 1 singles, respectively. Their new releases signal their ongoing commitment to producing music that resonates with the country radio landscape and their dedicated fan bases. The successful debuts of these tracks suggest a healthy and dynamic environment for new music within the genre.
The performance of these singles on the Country Airplay chart is a crucial indicator of their success and reach within the country music industry. This chart, which measures radio airplay on country music stations across the United States, is a primary driver of song popularity and artist visibility. A No. 1 position signifies widespread rotation and audience engagement, while top 10 and debut placements indicate growing traction and potential for future chart success.
Charting the Landscape of Country Music Success
The Country Airplay chart serves as a barometer for the health and evolution of country music. The consistent introduction of new artists like Josh Ross to the No. 1 spot, alongside the continued success of established acts like Bailey Zimmerman, Cole Swindell, and Jelly Roll, reflects a vibrant and diverse genre. The data also points to the increasing significance of breakthrough artists achieving their first chart-toppers, suggesting a dynamic ecosystem where new talent can emerge and gain significant traction.
The longevity of songs on the chart, as seen with "Hate How You Look" and "Single Again," speaks to the power of sustained promotion, audience connection, and effective radio servicing. The gradual climb to the top often indicates a song that builds momentum organically, resonating with listeners over time. This contrasts with faster climbs, which can be driven by immediate radio impact, strong initial fan reception, or significant media attention.
The presence of artists like Ella Langley, whose song "Be Her" held the top spot for an extended period, highlights the competitive nature of the chart and the diverse range of artists capable of reaching the summit. Langley’s success, prior to being overtaken by Ross, demonstrates the ongoing talent infusion within the genre and the ability of artists to craft songs that capture the attention of both programmers and listeners.
The inclusion of statistics on first-time No. 1 artists over several years provides a valuable historical perspective. It illustrates how the landscape of chart success has evolved, and the increasing opportunities for new artists to break through. The fluctuations in the percentage of first-time No. 1s year-over-year can be influenced by various factors, including the overall number of songs reaching the top spot, the volume of new music released, and the promotional strategies employed by record labels and artists.
For Josh Ross, this No. 1 represents the culmination of hard work and dedication. His journey from emerging artist to chart-topper is a testament to the power of compelling songwriting, effective promotion, and a growing connection with country music fans. The success of "Hate How You Look" is likely to propel his career to new heights, opening doors for further opportunities, including increased touring, media appearances, and the potential for greater commercial success with future releases.
Bailey Zimmerman’s continued presence in the top 10 reinforces his status as one of country music’s most promising young stars. His ability to consistently deliver hits that resonate with a broad audience speaks to his authentic sound and relatable lyrical themes. The sustained popularity of "Chevy Silverado" indicates that Zimmerman’s music continues to find its audience, solidifying his place as a relevant and influential artist.
The debuts of Cole Swindell’s "Girl Dad" and Jelly Roll’s "Hands Up" signal the ongoing creative output from artists who have already established significant careers. Their ability to chart new material demonstrates their enduring appeal and the continued demand for their music. As established hitmakers, their new songs are likely to garner significant attention and could potentially climb higher on the charts in the coming weeks.
The Billboard charts are compiled based on data from radio airplay, streaming, and digital sales, providing a comprehensive measure of a song’s popularity. For country music, the Country Airplay chart, in particular, is a critical indicator of a song’s success in reaching the core audience through radio. The data collected by Luminate offers a granular view of audience engagement, allowing for analysis of song performance and trends.
The upcoming update of all Billboard charts on Tuesday, June 30, will provide further insight into the ongoing performance of these songs and artists. As the industry continues to evolve, the Country Airplay chart remains a vital platform for showcasing the best of contemporary country music, celebrating both established stars and the exciting emergence of new talent. Josh Ross’s No. 1 debut is a significant marker in his burgeoning career, signaling a bright future ahead.
