The Weeknd Just Matched a 30-Year-Old Mariah Carey Record – Can Anyone Stop Him?

The Weeknd has once again proven why he is one of the most dominant forces in modern music. With his latest hit, “Rather Lie,” he has officially entered an exclusive club that only Mariah Carey and Prince had previously belonged to.

With this new achievement, The Weeknd becomes the only artist of the 21st century to maintain a 12-year streak of having at least one song reach the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10. This is a milestone that solidifies his status as a true music icon.

The Weeknd Joins an Elite Group of Music Legends

Before 2025, only two artists in the 67-year history of the Billboard Hot 100 had achieved a 12-year consecutive streak of Top 10 hits.

• Mariah Carey (1990-2001) dominated the Billboard charts throughout the 1990s with her unmatched vocal ability and hit-making skills.

• Prince (1983-1994), a revolutionary artist, consistently delivered hits that shaped an entire era.

Now, The Weeknd has joined these two legendary names, marking his place in music history. His latest single, “Rather Lie,” a collaboration with Playboi Carti, debuted at #4 on the Hot 100, extending his streak to an incredible 12 consecutive years of chart dominance.

Rather Lie Becomes a Game-Changer for The Weeknd

“Rather Lie” is featured on Playboi Carti’s highly anticipated album “Music,” which has set multiple chart records. The album made history by securing 31 simultaneous entries on the Billboard Hot 100, the highest ever for a rapper.

For The Weeknd, however, this song means much more than just another hit. It represents a career-defining moment:

• His 20th Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100

• Tying Bruno Mars for the most Top 10 hits by a male vocalist of color this century

• Becoming the only artist since 2001 to maintain a 12-year Top 10 streak

The significance of this record cannot be overstated. No other artist since Mariah Carey and Prince has been able to sustain such a high level of success for over a decade.

From Underground to Global Superstar—The Weeknd’s Rise to the Top

The Weeknd was not always a mainstream sensation. His journey began in the underground music scene, where he released mixtapes for free and gained a cult following through word-of-mouth.

• 2011-2013: He released critically acclaimed mixtapes such as “House of Balloons,” “Thursday,” and “Echoes of Silence,” which showcased his dark, moody, and unconventional approach to R&B.

• 2014: His first mainstream breakthrough came with “Love Me Harder,” a collaboration with Ariana Grande, which became his first Hot 100 Top 10 hit.

• 2015-2016: The world took notice when he dropped chart-topping hits like “Can’t Feel My Face,” “The Hills,” and “Starboy,” all of which became global sensations.

• 2020: His megahit “Blinding Lights” broke records by spending the most weeks in the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, cementing his status as a chart powerhouse.

• 2024: He continued his dominance with “Popular,” featuring Madonna and Playboi Carti, which became another major success.

Now, with “Rather Lie,” he has added another chapter to his already legendary career.

The Most Successful Hot 100 Artists of the Century

The Weeknd’s recent achievement places him in an elite ranking among the most successful male artists on the Hot 100 this century.

Here are the male artists with the most Top 10 hits in the 21st century:

1. Justin Bieber—26 top 10 hits

2. The Weeknd – 20 Top 10 hits (tied with Bruno Mars)

3. Drake – 17 Top 10 hits

While Justin Bieber currently holds the record, The Weeknd is only six hits away from surpassing him. Given his incredible consistency, it would not be surprising to see him take the lead in the coming years.

How The Weeknd’s Impact Extends Beyond Charts

The Weeknd is not just a hitmaker; he is a cultural icon who has redefined modern R&B and pop music. His influence can be seen in multiple areas:

• Revolutionizing R&B: He introduced a darker, more introspective style of R&B, influencing a new generation of artists.

• Cinematic Music Videos: His visual storytelling, seen in videos like “Blinding Lights” and “Save Your Tears,” has set a new standard for music video production.

• Global Touring Success: His tours consistently sell out stadiums worldwide, proving his massive fanbase.

• Collaborations with Legends: Working with icons like Madonna, Kanye West, and Daft Punk, he continues to push creative boundaries.

His ability to constantly evolve while maintaining his signature sound is what sets him apart.

What’s Next for The Weeknd?

With 12 years of Billboard success, the question remains: Can The Weeknd extend his streak beyond 2025?

Industry insiders believe that with his current momentum, he has the potential to achieve even more. Rumors suggest that he is working on a new project that could be released later this year, possibly featuring more high-profile collaborations.

If his next single follows the trend of his previous hits, The Weeknd could extend his streak to 13 years or even beyond, breaking his own record.

Given his dedication, talent, and strategic collaborations, it is highly likely that we will continue to see The Weeknd dominate the Billboard charts for years to come.

Conclusion: The Weeknd’s Legacy as a Hot 100 Legend

With 20 Top 10 hits, a 12-year consecutive streak, and record-breaking success, The Weeknd has proven that he is one of the greatest artists of the modern era.

His recent achievement of tying Mariah Carey and Prince in Hot 100 history is not just a testament to his talent but also to his ability to evolve, adapt, and remain at the forefront of popular music.

As 2025 unfolds, the world eagerly awaits what is next for The Weeknd. Whether it is breaking new records, collaborating with more icons, or reinventing his sound yet again, one thing is certain—his legacy is far from over.

Will he break his own record and extend his streak to 13 years? Only time will tell.