Which of This Week’s Big Chart Debuts — From Tate McRae, Olivia Rodrigo & Chappell Roan and Zach Bryan & Lana Del Rey — Will Stick Around Longest?
Tate McRae’s “Housewife” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, while Olivia Rodrigo’s remixed “Expectations” featuring Chappell Roan rose to No. 3 and Zach Bryan’s “Lies” featuring Lana Del Rey entered at No. 4. The crowded top five shows the impact of several major releases, though Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” held the top spot for a 25th week.
The article asks Billboard staff to assess which new hits could stay on the chart into the new year and whether “Choosin’ Texas” will be displaced before the holiday season. Staff describe McRae’s runner-up debut as a major career moment: it is her highest Hot 100 debut as a lead artist, and “Housewife” also debuted at No. 1 on both Billboard global charts. “Expectations” had previously peaked at No. 20 in its solo version before the remix helped it jump from No. 63 to No. 3.
In short
- Tate McRae’s “Housewife” debuted at No. 2.
- “Expectations” surged to No. 3 with Chappell Roan.
- Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” stayed at No. 1 for 25 weeks.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The high debuts and strong early chart positions suggest these songs have enough audience interest to remain competitive into the new year. The remix’s sharp rise, McRae’s career-best debut and the reach of the Bryan–Del Rey collaboration each offer reasons to expect sustained listening, even as the holiday season reshapes the chart.
The case against
A strong debut does not guarantee longevity: initial attention, a prominent release week or a remix can drive a temporary spike that fades as listeners move on. With “Choosin’ Texas” already holding No. 1 for 25 weeks and seasonal releases likely to alter listening patterns, the new entries may fall quickly or be displaced before the new year.
Explained simply
The Billboard Hot 100 ranks songs in the United States using measures including streaming, radio play and sales. A debut is a song’s first appearance on the chart, while a song’s position can change as listening and purchases rise or fall.
Tate McRae, Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, Zach Bryan and Lana Del Rey are established recording artists whose new releases or collaborations have drawn attention. Remixes can introduce an existing song to new listeners, and collaborations bring together the audiences of the artists involved.
Chart positions show how popular songs are at a particular time, but they do not tell us how long that popularity will last. Longer-running hits can shape artists’ careers and compete for listeners’ attention, including with seasonal favourites.