BTS’s "Swim" Claims Fourth Consecutive Week at Global Charts’ Summit as Justin Bieber and Ella Langley Surge
BTS’s latest chart dominance continues as their track "Swim" secures a remarkable fourth consecutive week at the pinnacle of both the Billboard Global 200 and the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts. This enduring success underscores the South Korean septet’s unparalleled global appeal, extending their record as the artist with the most weeks at No. 1 on these influential worldwide surveys. The song, which initially debuted at the top three weeks ago, has now solidified its position as a formidable contender in the international music landscape.
The latest chart week, ending April 16, saw "Swim" amass 73 million streams and 22,000 downloads worldwide, according to data from Luminate. While these figures represent a slight decrease from the previous week—12% in streams and 51% in sales—they were sufficient to maintain their leading positions. Outside the United States, "Swim" commanded an even stronger presence, logging 63.4 million streams and 10,000 downloads, also reflecting a modest decline of 12% and 50% respectively. This consistent performance highlights the track’s broad and sustained popularity across diverse global markets.
Beyond BTS’s continued reign, the upper echelons of this week’s charts are buzzing with significant activity from other prominent artists. Justin Bieber’s enduring hit "Beauty and a Beat," featuring Nicki Minaj, has experienced a dramatic resurgence, catapulting into the top five of both global tallies. Simultaneously, Ella Langley’s country-infused anthem "Choosin’ Texas" has also achieved a top-five position on the Billboard Global 200, signaling a growing international appetite for her distinctive sound.
Bieber’s Classic Reaches New Heights Through Live Performance Influence
Justin Bieber’s 2012 collaboration with Nicki Minaj, "Beauty and a Beat," has achieved an impressive No. 4 ranking on the Billboard Global 200 and a No. 3 position on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. This resurgence is largely attributed to a highly anticipated and talked-about performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 11. Bieber’s set was a unique hybrid, blending live renditions of his current material with curated clips of his iconic early hits played directly from YouTube. The nostalgic appeal of "Beauty and a Beat," which originally peaked at No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, was significantly amplified by its inclusion in this high-profile festival showcase.
The impact of the Coachella performance is evident in the dramatic surge in "Beauty and a Beat’s" streaming numbers. The track garnered 44.2 million streams worldwide in the tracking period, a substantial leap from just under 10 million streams the week prior. Download sales also saw an uptick, contributing 3,000 units globally. This revival marks Bieber’s ninth top 10 appearance on both global charts, a testament to his enduring star power and ability to re-engage audiences with his extensive catalog. The strategic integration of past hits into his live performances continues to prove a potent formula for chart success, demonstrating the lasting legacy of his early work.
Ella Langley’s "Choosin’ Texas" Continues Its Ascent
Meanwhile, Ella Langley’s "Choosin’ Texas" continues its impressive climb, reaching a new peak of No. 5 on the Billboard Global 200. The track accumulated 36.7 million streams, an increase of 18% from the previous week, and sold 12,000 downloads, up 13%. This sustained growth is particularly noteworthy given the song’s concurrent dominance on the U.S.-based Hot Country Songs chart, where it has now held the top spot for 21 consecutive weeks.
The crossover appeal of "Choosin’ Texas" is a significant development in the global music landscape. It has become only the tenth song since the inception of the Billboard Global 200 in September 2020 to achieve both a No. 1 position on the Hot Country Songs chart and a top-five ranking on the Global 200. This statistic highlights the increasing ability of genre-specific hits to transcend national and stylistic boundaries, resonating with a broader international audience. The success of "Choosin’ Texas" suggests a growing global appreciation for country music, a genre traditionally rooted in specific cultural contexts, and points to the effectiveness of Billboard’s global charts in reflecting these emerging trends.
Global Top 5 Dynamics: "Dracula" and "Babydoll" Shift Positions
The competitive landscape of the Billboard Global 200’s top five also saw notable shifts. Tame Impala and JENNIE’s collaboration, "Dracula," has ascended to a new peak, moving from No. 3 to No. 2. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the track, further solidifying its position as a major international hit. Conversely, Dominic Fike’s "Babydoll" experienced a slight dip, falling to No. 3 from its previous No. 2 peak.
On the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, "Dracula" maintained its strong performance, holding steady at its No. 2 highpoint. "Babydoll" also saw a decline on this tally, dropping to No. 4 from its No. 3 peak. Adding to the intricate chart dynamics, BTS’s other track, "Body to Body," moved from No. 4 to No. 5 on the Global Excl. U.S. chart, after having previously reached the No. 2 position. These shifts illustrate the dynamic nature of the global music market, where songs continuously vie for attention and chart positions, influenced by a multitude of factors including streaming trends, new releases, and promotional activities.
Understanding the Billboard Global Charts Methodology
The Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts are comprehensive rankings that measure the popularity of songs worldwide. They are compiled by Luminate, an independent data provider, and incorporate data from over 200 territories. The Global 200 includes all available global data, while the Global Excl. U.S. chart specifically excludes data from the United States.
The methodology behind these charts is designed to provide an accurate reflection of a song’s global performance. Chart ranks are determined by a weighted formula that considers official audio and video streams from both subscription and ad-supported music services. Download sales from authorized digital music retailers worldwide are also factored in. Notably, sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites are excluded from these calculations to ensure a standardized and equitable measurement. This rigorous approach ensures that the charts represent genuine consumer engagement and popularity across the international music ecosystem.
The latest chart rankings, dated April 25, 2026, are scheduled to update on Billboard.com tomorrow, April 21. While the top 100 titles on both charts are accessible to all readers on Billboard.com, the complete 200-title rankings are exclusively available to subscribers of Billboard Pro, the publication’s premium service. For ongoing chart news and updates, fans and industry professionals can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Luminate, in its role as the independent data provider for the Billboard charts, conducts a thorough review of all submitted data. This meticulous process involves authenticating and verifying data to ensure the integrity of the weekly rankings. In collaboration with Billboard, any data deemed suspicious or unverifiable is removed based on established criteria before the final chart calculations are published. This commitment to data accuracy underscores the credibility and authority of the Billboard charts in reflecting global music trends.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The continued success of BTS on the global charts, coupled with the resurgence of established hits like Justin Bieber’s "Beauty and a Beat" and the rise of emerging artists like Ella Langley, paints a vivid picture of the current global music landscape. It highlights the increasing interconnectedness of music markets, where viral trends, impactful live performances, and diverse genre offerings can all contribute to international chart success.
The sustained popularity of "Swim" demonstrates the enduring appeal of BTS’s artistry and their ability to consistently deliver music that resonates with a massive global fanbase. Their record-breaking achievements on the Billboard Global charts serve as a powerful indicator of their status as one of the most influential musical acts of the current era.
Justin Bieber’s re-emergence in the top tier of global charts through a strategic integration of his legacy with contemporary performance practices offers valuable insights for artists seeking to maintain relevance. The Coachella performance not only provided a platform for his current work but also reignited interest in his back catalog, showcasing the potent synergy between live events and digital consumption.
Ella Langley’s achievement on the Global 200, particularly its correlation with her success on the Hot Country Songs chart, signals a potential shift in global music consumption patterns. It suggests that genre-specific music, when delivered with authenticity and compelling storytelling, can find a broader audience beyond its traditional borders. This trend could encourage more artists from diverse genres to explore international markets and for global charts to become more inclusive of a wider range of musical styles.
The dynamic shifts within the top five of the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts, including the strong performance of "Dracula" and the slight dips for "Babydoll" and "Body to Body," underscore the highly competitive nature of the global music industry. These movements are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including promotional campaigns, radio airplay (where applicable in different territories), social media virality, and the release of new material from other major artists.
As the music industry continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors, the Billboard Global charts remain a critical barometer of worldwide musical taste. The ability of artists to achieve and sustain success on these charts is a testament to their ability to connect with audiences on a global scale, transcending geographical and cultural barriers. The data-driven approach of Luminate and Billboard ensures that these rankings provide an accurate and reliable reflection of who is captivating listeners around the world. The ongoing performance of artists like BTS, Justin Bieber, and Ella Langley, alongside the constant flux of the top rankings, promises a dynamic and exciting future for global music consumption and chart analysis.
