After a week of strong competition online and only debuting at No.2, last week, Beyoncé’s Texas Hold ‘Em finally climbed to No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This is the singer’s 9th No.1. superstar and her first since 2022’s Break My Soul.

A week earlier, Texas Hold ‘Em was Beyoncé’s first No. 1 single in the multi-dimensional survey of the Hot Country Songs chart. Before Texas Hold ‘Em, there were no black or mixed-race female artists topping this chart.

Belongs to music legends

The song Texas Hold ‘Em is one of two singles that Beyoncé released on February 11 (with instrumental, a cappella versions sans lyrics released on February 14), along with 16 Carriages. The appearance of both was heralded through advertisements during the broadcast of Super Bowl LVIII. The parent album, currently titled Act II, will be released on March 29, following Renaissance (2022).

According to Luminate, in the week ending February 22 in the US, Texas Hold ‘Em attracted 29 million streams (up 51%) and 16.1 million radio audiences (up 233%) and sold 29,000 downloads (down 25%).

In total, on the Hot 100, this is Beyoncé’s 9th No.1, after Break My Soul (2 weeks, 2022), Savage (with Megan Thee Stallion, 1 week, 2020), Perfect (with Ed Sheeran, 6 weeks, 2017), Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) (4 weeks, 2008), Irreplaceable (10 weeks, 2006), Check on It (5 weeks, 2006), Baby Boy” (with Sean Paul, 9 weeks, 2003) and Crazy in Love (with Jay-Z, 8 weeks, 2003).

Beyoncé’s cowboy image in the album “Texas Hold ‘Em”

In addition, as a member of Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé also had 4 more No.1s: Bootylicious (2 weeks, 2001), Independent Women (Part 1) (11 weeks, 2000-01), Say My Name (3 weeks , 2000) and Bills, Bills, Bills (1 week, 1999).

Thus, Beyoncé has had a successful solo career spanning more than 20 years, since her first No.1 was Crazy in Love in 2003. Above her are Brenda Lee (more than 63 years), Mariah Carey (33), Cher ( 28), Elton John (24), Beach Boys (24), Michael Jackson (22), Stevie Wonder (22) and Rod Stewart (22).

When considering the entire career with the group, Beyoncé has more than 24 years at the top. Currently, Beyoncé and Mariah Carey are the only artists to have topped the Hot 100 for all four recent decades. In total, Beyoncé alone had 45 weeks at No.1, only behind Mariah Carey (93 weeks), Rihanna (60), The Beatles (59), Drake (56), Boyz II Men (50) and Usher (47).

Not only is she an outstanding singer, Beyoncé is also a talented author and producer with 9 No.1s as a songwriter and 6 No.1s as a producer. (She also co-wrote 3 and co-produced Destiny’s Child’s 2 No.1s).

Beyoncé’s power in the streaming era is also evident when Texas Hold ‘Em ranked No.1 on the Streaming Songs chart. This is her fourth No.1 (and first as a solo artist), following Savage, Perfect and Drunk in Love.

This is a double victory: Beyoncé sheds more light on the history of black country music and, conversely, country music creates newness and appeal for her image.

Historical step

Beyoncé’s tribute to the state of Texas and country music was not a surprise to the audience. She was born and raised in Houston, Texas (USA), where cowboy heritage and zydeco music played an important role in her development.

She has listened to country music since she was a child, especially from her grandfather. She attended the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo every year with her family and later performed at the Rodeo four times between 2001 and 2007.

Throughout her career, Beyoncé has repeatedly honored her Southern country roots. For example, since 2006, she has implemented elements of country music in B’Day. She performed a country version of Irreplaceable with Sugarland in 2007. Country and Southern identity are also evident in Formation (2016), or Daddy Lessons (2016), Black Parade (2020) and especially at the Coachella show her illustriousness.

Beyoncé succeeds with a new image in country music

In 2021, Beyoncé also launched the “Rodeo” Ivy Park x Adidas clothing collection, inspired by “the forgotten history of America’s black cowboy”. She shares: “Many of them were originally called cattlemen – people who suffered heavy discrimination and were often forced to work with the worst, most hot-tempered horses. They discovered took their talents and founded the Soul Circuit. Over time, these cowboys of color introduced incredible performers and helped us reclaim our place in Western history and culture. West”.

Not only does it have a lot of meaning, this Texas Hold ‘Em is also highly praised by critics. They assessed this as a song that “embraces and transcends” country music, like Beyoncé’s radical adventure into uncharted territory, affirming country music as the music of people of color.

Beyoncé’s presence in country music could also “signal the birth of a new era” in which “those who continue to carry on the legacy from the heart and soul of country music” are revered. honor.

Although she has had many No.1s before, Beyoncé’s win this time is considered illustrious by Billboard commentators. She needs No.1 in this comeback, but in country music, it’s overwhelming.

This is a double victory: Beyoncé sheds more light on the history of black country music and, conversely, country music creates newness and appeal for her image.

However, it will take a long time to know whether country music can change thanks to Beyoncé. The question now is whether Texas Hold ‘Em can stay at No.1 for long? Commentators believe it will stay in office for a few to 10 weeks. It is difficult to predict that at the same time, there are many other artists approaching No.1 such as Jack Harlow, Kanye West, Ariana Grande and especially Taylor Swift.