So far, 2025 has been a year full of tremendous music, with part of ithighlighted by the songs that have reached number one on theBillboardHot 100. Some of these tunes come fromthe biggest albums that have already been released this year. However, others will be part ofupcoming albums that are highly anticipated.
Additionally,some tunes have crossed over from the list in 2024. One is even from a long time ago, a song bya pop star with a Hall of Fame-worthy career. Throughout the list, there are even some surprise collaborations that may go down among the better ones of all time, given the pairing.
Of course, while each will be etched in music history,some stand out more than others. Given the number of platforms where music can succeed, it’s not easy for any tune to claim top supremacy for too long. As the year goes on, more songs may be added, or maybe some of these will resurface at number one.
8Morgan Wallen (Ft. Tate McRae) - What I Want
When it comes to artists collaborating, there is no rule stating they must be from the same genre. In the past, some of the best combinations havecome from musicians who were different from each other, as each could bring something special. This is exactly what occurred between country star Morgan Wallen and rising pop star Tate McRae.
Over the past few years, both artists have been working diligently to build their fan base. Each has had their own successes, which helped this song become huge when it debuted in May 2025. In less than a month, it reached number one on theBillboardHot 100 andwas a proven hit for Wallen’s fourth album,I’m the Problem.
7Travis Scott - 4x4
Over the past 10 years, since his debut recordRodeoin 2015, Travis Scott has continued building his empire. From releasing more albums to starting his own record label, he has done everything he can to make his name as big as possible. Before even releasing “4x4” as a single,Scott engaged in some major promotions for the song.
Scott teased the song on an episode of WWE’sSmackDown. He would then return to the promotion in January 2025 to perform the song live at theirMonday Night RawNetflix debut. He also performed the song at Rolling Loud andeven took the stage at the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Finally, on July 20, 2025, “4x4” was released as a single. Quickly, the tune reached number one. Although its time on top was short, its impact was felt asit marked his fifth time reaching the top of the chart. Based on everything he has done, this is likely not his last, but either way, “4x4” has a cemented legacy.
6Kendrick Lamar - Not Like Us
Following its release on June 06, 2025,Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” became a well-known hit. It then lasted for one week at the top of theBillboardHot 100 in mid-May before being dethroned. A couple of months later in July, it was back on top for another week’s stint before being surpassed yet again.
It would never regain the number-one position in 2024, but when 2025 came around,the song found a resurgence. After all his success at the 2025 Grammy Awards in February, Kendrick Lamar’s name was everywhere. This is when “Not Like Us” found its way back to being the number one song before another one of Lamar’s tunes beat it out.
5Sabrina Carpenter - Manchild
One of the biggest music superstars in 2024 was Sabrina Carpenter. Her albumShort n' Sweetbecame the number one record on theBillboard200. A major reason for this was the song “Espresso.” It was released as the lead single and reached as high as the third spot on theBillboardHot 100, nearly making it to number one.
What Carpenter would do to follow this up became highly anticipated. Finally, in June 2025, she released the song “Manchild,” which serves as the lead single from her upcoming record. This time around,Carpenter did reach the coveted number one spotand showed that her ambition to capitalize on her growing popularity paid off.
Much like “Espresso” did forShort n' Sweet, it’s expected that “Manchild” will helplead her new album,Man’s Best Friend, to the top of the charts. As the record drops on July 21, 2025, it’s possible Carpenter will take over the number one spot on the Hot 100 again. For now, she is off to another memorable year.
4Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You
The Christmas season is a magical time of year filled with traditions. Among them is listening to Christmas music. Some of the biggest artists have attempted to create their own hit tunes to become faces of the tradition. One musician who has been at the top of that list for decades is Mariah Carey,who created a classic in 1994.
Since “All I Want for Christmas Is You” debuted,Carey has done everything to elevate the song to new heights. From an updated music video to her turning the song into a duet for Justin Bieber’s Christmas album, she continues to reinvent the magical tune. All of her hard work continues to pay off as the song remains relevant.
Starting on August 17, 2025, Carey was back at the number one spot on theBillboardHot 100. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” stayed there all the way through December and into January 2025. Its four-week run at the top, 30 years after its debut,proved that this is one of the most legendary songs of all time.
3Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars - Die With A Smile
On Aug 11, 2025, a tremendous collaboration was unveiled when Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars released “Die with a Smile.” Their meeting brought togethertwo of the greatest voices. When the song was first released, it didn’t quite make it to the top of theBillboardHot 100, but as time went on, the appreciation for it grew.
Starting the week of January 11th, the tune would overtake “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and remain in the top spot until February 8th. During that time,it became revered as it was nominated for two Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and the award they would win, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
Following their Grammy win, the song was surpassed by Travis Scott’s “4x4,” but then it reclaimed the first spot for one more week. “Die with a Smile” is now part of Lady Gaga’s new album,Mayhem, which also became a number one. Given the success,hopefully this won’t be the last time these two team upfor a collaboration.
2Alex Warren - Ordinary
After being part of the Hype House,Alex Warren has started a new chapter as a solo artist. His song “Ordinary” has become a sensation. Helping the song succeed has been Warren’s appearances on major stages performing the tune. This includes teaming up with country superstar Luke Combs and a memorable appearance onLove Is Blind.
The song first reached the number one spot on June 19, 2025. It lasted for a couple of weeks before being surpassed. This only lasted for a week before it returned to the top on June 28. It has remained there since,continuing into August. With its achievements, it will be one of the biggest songs of the year.
1Kendrick Lamar & SZA - Luther
On March 1st, 2025, Kendrick Lamar’s “Luther” claimed the number one spot on theBillboardHot 100 and stayed there all the way until the end of May. This song also features SZA, who has become one of the most prominent figures in R&B. Together, the two made an amazing collaboration thatshowcases a smooth sound throughout.
They even created a music video that gives an old-school and new-school vibe, as it switches between color and black and white. Given how prominent the track is,it’s a crucial piece of Lamar’s number one record,GNX. As has happened with his past songs, it wouldn’t be surprising to see it make a run at the top spot again.
