A recap of the top 100 songs & top 50 artists of the Pop Songs airplay chart’s first 25 years.
After piling up record after record (musically and achievement-wise) on Billboard’s Pop Songs radio airplay chart, Rihanna reigns as the No. 1 artist over the first 25 years of the survey, which began with the list dated Oct. 3, 1992.
Rihanna roared onto the ranking, which reflects the most-played songs each week on pop radio, according to Nielsen Music, in 2005 with her debut hit “Pon De Replay,” her first of an unprecedented 30 top 10s. In 2006, she earned her first Pop Songs No. 1, “SOS,” of 11, a record she shares with Katy Perry, the chart’s No. 4 top artist.
Notably, Rihanna has reached historic heights despite having arrived on the chart more than halfway through its existence.
Rihanna’s highest-ranking song on the 25-year ranking is “We Found Love,” featuring Calvin Harris, at No. 17.