The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’ Shatters Historical Billboard Record

This surely helps cushion his blow from the Grammys.

The Weeknd’s After Hours is working overtime this year — the album’s lead single Blinding Lights has spent a full year in Billboard Hot 100’s top ten. The synthy 80s-inspired pop jam was released in November 2019 as the lead single to The Weeknd’s fifth studio album After Hours, and currently holds the #3 spot on the chart.

Blinding Light’s record-breaking accomplishment runs laps around previous Billboard hit, Post Malone’s Circles. The previous record holder spent a mere 39 weeks in Billboard Hot 100’s top ten. The Weeknd’s song is also well on its way to breaking another record, having spent 65 weeks in Billboard‘s top five. Imagine Dragons’ 2012 Radioactive currently holds that spot at 87 weeks.

After Hours was always meant to be a very personal project. It’s a story I had to tell,” The Weeknd said in an interview with Billboard. “The fact I’ve been able to tell it with the world listening is incredible. This Billboard chart record is truly a result of the fans. I’m so humbled and forever grateful to them.”

The Weeknd performed the record-breaking song last month during his Super Bowl LV halftime performance. A lot of controversy surrounded the show, as it was rumored that the Grammys snubbed him for choosing to perform at the Super Bowl over the awards show. While the Weeknd won’t be celebrated at the Grammy Awards, airing this Sunday, his stellar career speaks for itself.

 

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