Bruno Mars dominates Billboard charts by dethroning himself repeatedly

In 2025, Bruno Mars has demonstrated remarkable consistency in topping the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, having returned to the No. 1 position with his collaboration titled "Apt." This success is particularly notable as it marks his eighteenth week leading this chart, positioning it among the longest-running hits in its history. The previous reigning song was "Die With a Smile," which managed to claim the No. 1 spot multiple times throughout the year, including a significant stretch where it reigned for 11 weeks before being interrupted once again by Mars's hit. Both songs have been locked in a competitive battle at the top of the charts since the beginning of the year, showcasing the intense rivalry and fluctuating nature of popularity in the music industry. Mars's dominance is further emphasized by the statistical achievements of his tracks. "Apt." has extended its lead over other significant hits like Mariah Carey’s famous holiday song "All I Want for Christmas Is You," which has spent a total of 14 weeks at No. 1. Meanwhile, Harry Styles’s "As It Was" and Miley Cyrus’s "Flowers" managed 13 weeks each on top. This year alone, Mars has outshone even himself, having unseated his own previous hits to reclaim the No. 1 position multiple times. This phenomenon of self-replacement at the top of the chart has become quite routine for the artist, as he has successfully executed this impressive feat at least four times just in 2025. The competition between Mars and songs like "Die With a Smile" illustrates the ever-evolving landscape of the music charts, where a single artist can frequently alternate between hits while battling against the same musical pieces. Although "Die With a Smile" first ascended to No. 1 back in late 2024, it wasn't until the arrival of "Apt." that a significant shift occurred in the charts. Their competition reflects not only the artists’ talents but also the changing tastes of the audience over the months. The situation has kept audiences engaged and kept both tracks relevant in conversations about current music trends. This entire run commenced around late 2024 when "Die With a Smile" made its debut at the summit of the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. As both songs continued exchanging the top position, it became apparent that 2025 would be a historic year for Bruno Mars. The ebb and flow between these hits underscore a fascinating period in Mars’s career, showing that while other artists may only dream of achieving No. 1 status, for him, it's a common occurrence, exemplifying his staying power and appeal in the competitive music industry.