The global music landscape continues to be shaped by the infectious rhythm of "BbY WOW," the collaborative effort by Colombian superstar Karol G, alongside emerging artists Judeline and rusowsky. The track has solidified its reign atop both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts, marking its third consecutive week at the pinnacle of these prestigious rankings. This sustained dominance underscores the song’s widespread appeal and its significant impact on the international music scene.
A Global Phenomenon Sustains Momentum
"BbY WOW" has firmly established itself as the world’s most popular song, amassing an impressive 53.3 million streams globally during the tracking period of September 11-17. This figure represents a slight but significant increase of 1% week-over-week, demonstrating continued listener engagement. Furthermore, the track saw a substantial surge in sales, with 2,000 units sold globally, an increase of 22% compared to the previous week. Outside of the United States, the song garnered 39.5 million streams, experiencing a modest 1% decrease.
The song’s journey to the top has been a rapid ascent. It first claimed the No. 1 position on both charts two weeks prior to its current reign. Last week, "BbY WOW" achieved a significant milestone for Karol G, becoming her first multi-week No. 1 on these global surveys. Her previous chart-topping success came with the smash hit "TQG," a collaboration with fellow Colombian icon Shakira, which debuted at No. 1 in March 2023. For Judeline and rusowsky, "BbY WOW" represents their inaugural No. 1 hit on these influential charts, signaling a promising breakthrough for both artists.
Chart Performance Breakdown and Key Movers
The Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts are instrumental in measuring the popularity of music worldwide, aggregating data from over 200 territories. These rankings are meticulously compiled by Luminate, utilizing a weighted formula that incorporates official streams from both subscription and ad-supported tiers of audio and video music services, as well as download sales from full-service digital music retailers globally. Sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites are excluded from these calculations to ensure a standardized and equitable comparison.
On the Billboard Global 200, Ella Langley’s "Choosein’ Texas" maintains its strong position at No. 2. Dua Lipa’s 2024 hit "Training Season" has seen a resurgence, climbing to No. 3 for a new personal best on the chart. Shakira and Burna Boy’s "Dai Dai (FIFA World Cup Official Song 2026)" has slipped from No. 3 to No. 4, following an impressive seven-week tenure at the top, which began in July. Rounding out the top five is ADÁñLA’s "Ain’t in LA," which makes a significant leap from No. 10 to No. 5. This marks a notable achievement for the Slovak singer-songwriter, as it follows her first top 10 appearance on the chart just last week.
The Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart also reflects shifts among the top contenders. "Training Season" by Dua Lipa has ascended to No. 2, setting a new peak for the track. "Dai Dai" by Shakira and Burna Boy has moved to No. 3 after holding the No. 1 spot for ten weeks since July. Justin Bieber’s "Beauty and a Beat," featuring Nicki Minaj, holds steady at No. 4. This enduring track has consistently remained in the top 10 since late April, having previously enjoyed two weeks at No. 1 in May. BTS’s "Swim" continues its upward trajectory, climbing from No. 6 to No. 5, building on its eight-week run at the top of the chart during April-June.
The Significance of Global Chart Dominance
The sustained success of "BbY WOW" on both the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts is a testament to the power of cross-cultural collaboration in the digital age. Karol G, already a global superstar known for her innovative approach to reggaeton and Latin urban music, has once again demonstrated her ability to connect with a diverse audience. Her inclusion of Judeline and rusowsky, artists who are relatively newer to the international mainstream, has provided them with a significant platform, amplifying their reach and introducing their unique sounds to a much wider listener base.
The performance of "BbY WOW" also highlights the growing influence of Latin music on the global stage. Karol G’s consistent chart success, coupled with the increasing popularity of other Latin artists worldwide, indicates a fundamental shift in the global music industry, where regional genres are transcending geographical boundaries and achieving mainstream acceptance.
Context and Background of the Global Charts
The Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts were launched in September 2020, aiming to provide a more comprehensive picture of song popularity beyond individual national charts. The Global 200 aggregates data from more than 200 territories, offering a holistic view of a song’s worldwide performance. The Global Excl. U.S. chart, on the other hand, focuses on the international market by excluding data from the United States, thereby highlighting trends and popular tracks in markets outside of the U.S.
These charts are crucial for artists, labels, and industry professionals as they offer insights into global music consumption patterns, emerging trends, and the overall impact of a song. The data is compiled by Luminate, an independent data provider renowned for its comprehensive music analytics. Luminate conducts rigorous reviews and authentication of all data submissions, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the chart rankings. Any data deemed suspicious or unverifiable is removed before final calculations are made, upholding the credibility of the Billboard charts.
Chart Update and Accessibility
The latest charts, dated September 26, 2026, are scheduled to update on Billboard.com on September 23, a day later than the usual schedule due to the observance of Yom Kippur on September 21. For readers, the top 100 titles of both the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts are made available on Billboard.com. For those seeking the complete 200-title rankings, access is provided through Billboard Pro, Billboard’s premium subscription-based service. Updates and news regarding chart performance can also be followed on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram via @billboard and @billboardcharts.
Future Implications and Artist Growth
The continued success of "BbY WOW" is likely to have a lasting impact on the careers of all three artists involved. For Karol G, it reinforces her status as a dominant force in the global music industry. For Judeline and rusowsky, this chart-topping collaboration serves as a significant career accelerator, potentially opening doors to further international collaborations and broader recognition. The song’s sustained presence at No. 1 also indicates a strong appeal across various demographics and listening habits, suggesting a broad and engaged fanbase. As the music industry continues to evolve, the ability of artists to forge impactful collaborations and leverage global streaming platforms will remain paramount to achieving widespread and sustained success. The journey of "BbY WOW" is a compelling case study in this dynamic landscape.
