The Definitive List: 10 Artists With The Most Number One Hits On The Billboard Hot 100

The question of "who has the most number one hits" is one of the most fiercely debated topics in music history, representing the ultimate measure of commercial success and cultural impact on the world stage. As of today, December 14, 2025, the record for the most number one singles on the prestigious US Billboard Hot 100 chart remains a testament to the enduring power of a single, revolutionary group that changed the face of pop music forever.

The race for the top is a multi-generational battle, with classic rock legends and pop divas competing for chart dominance. While modern superstars like Taylor Swift and Drake continue to rack up chart-toppers, the all-time record is held by an iconic English rock band, with a legendary solo female artist close behind, demonstrating incredible longevity and consistent hit-making across multiple decades.

The All-Time Champion: The Beatles and Their Unbreakable Record

The definitive answer to the question of which artist has the most number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 is The Beatles. The legendary English rock band—comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—amassed an astonishing 20 number one singles during their relatively short career.

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Their dominance began in 1964 with the launch of the "British Invasion" and the single "I Want to Hold Your Hand," which propelled them to global stardom. The pace of their success was unprecedented; they achieved their 20 chart-toppers in just over six years, from 1964 to 1970. This phenomenal run cemented their status as the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed band of all time, a record that has stood for over half a century.

A Snapshot of The Beatles’ 20 Number One Hits

The Beatles’ chart domination was characterized by a rapid succession of singles that defined the sound of the 1960s. Their 20 number one hits include:

• "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1964)
• "She Loves You" (1964)
• "Can't Buy Me Love" (1964)
• "A Hard Day’s Night" (1964)
• "I Feel Fine" (1964)
• "Yesterday" (1965)
• "Help!" (1965)
• "Hey Jude" (1968)
• "Get Back" (1969)
• "Let It Be" (1970)
• ...and 10 more chart-defining singles.

The band also holds the record for the most cumulative weeks at number one by a group, spending a total of 59 weeks atop the Hot 100. Their impact was so profound that at one point in April 1964, The Beatles held all five top spots on the Hot 100 simultaneously—a feat no other artist has ever matched.

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The Queen of Pop: Mariah Carey and the Solo Artist Record

While The Beatles hold the overall record, the title for the solo artist with the most number one hits belongs to the incomparable Mariah Carey. With 19 number one singles, she sits just one hit behind The Beatles, a remarkable achievement that spans three decades.

Mariah Carey’s career is a masterclass in pop longevity and vocal prowess. Her debut single, "Vision of Love" (1990), immediately hit number one, setting the stage for a run of success that included 14 consecutive years with a number one hit (1990–2003). She is also the only artist to have a number one hit in four separate decades (1990s, 2000s, 2010s, 2020s), a testament to her enduring appeal and ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes.

Mariah Carey’s Most Iconic Number One Hits

Mariah’s 19 number one hits showcase her versatility across R&B, pop, and holiday music. Key singles include:

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• "Vision of Love" (1990)
• "Love Takes Time" (1990)
• "Emotions" (1991)
• "Dreamlover" (1993)
• "Hero" (1993)
• "Fantasy" (1995)
• "One Sweet Day" (with Boyz II Men, 1995)
• "We Belong Together" (2005)
• "All I Want for Christmas Is You" (2019)

The holiday classic "All I Want for Christmas Is You" finally reached the top spot 25 years after its release, securing her 19th number one and cementing her record as the female artist with the most number one hits. Furthermore, her collaboration with Boyz II Men, "One Sweet Day," held the record for the longest-running number one song for over two decades, spending 16 weeks atop the chart.

The Top 10 Artists Chasing the Hot 100 Crown

The Billboard Hot 100 has been tracking the most popular songs in the US since 1958. While The Beatles and Mariah Carey hold the top spots, a select group of legendary artists forms the upper echelon of number one hitmakers. This list includes both groups and solo performers, showcasing the incredible talent that has dominated the charts for decades.

The Artists with 10 or More Number One Hits (As of Late 2025)

The following artists represent the elite club of musicians who have achieved double-digit number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. The numbers for Elvis Presley often vary depending on whether pre-Hot 100 charts are included; for the official Hot 100 (1958–Present), his count is generally cited as 18, though some sources place him slightly lower.

The Modern Contenders: Will Anyone Break the Record?

In the current streaming era, the landscape of chart success has dramatically changed, making it easier for superstars to debut at number one, yet harder to sustain the career-long dominance required to match the totals of The Beatles or Mariah Carey. However, two artists stand out as the most likely challengers to the all-time record: Taylor Swift and Drake.

Taylor Swift: The Album-Driven Chart Queen

Taylor Swift has become a chart phenomenon in the 21st century, known for her record-breaking album sales and subsequent domination of the Hot 100. While her total number one singles count is lower than the artists above, her ability to command the charts with every release makes her a serious long-term threat. She holds the record for the most cumulative weeks at number one on the Billboard Artist 100 chart, demonstrating her unparalleled overall popularity.

Drake: The Streaming Powerhouse

Drake’s success is a direct reflection of the streaming era. He consistently breaks records for the most entries on the Hot 100 at one time. His total number one hits are rapidly climbing, often through collaborations and surprise releases. His consistent presence at the top of the charts makes him one of the most prolific hitmakers of the last two decades, and a key figure to watch in the race for the all-time number one record.

The record of 20 number one hits, established by The Beatles in 1970, remains one of the most hallowed and difficult achievements in music history. While Mariah Carey’s 19 singles prove that the record is not untouchable, the sustained dominance required in the modern, fragmented music market means that The Beatles’ crown is likely safe for the foreseeable future. The chart continues to evolve, but the legacy of these top artists—The Beatles, Mariah Carey, Elvis Presley, and Rihanna—will forever define the pinnacle of pop music success.