Alex Warren has achieved a rare chart feat on the U.K.’s Official Singles Chart with his song “Ordinary” (May 16).
With its ninth week at No. 1, he is now the longest-running U.S. male solo chart-topper in over 70 years, surpassing Elvis Presley in the process. The King had an eight-week stay at the summit in 1960 with “It’s Now or Never,” one of 21 No. 1 singles in the U.K.
Florida-born artist Slim Whitman earned an 11-week stint at the top spot in 1955 with “Rose Marie,” the title track from the 1954 western epic starring Ann Blyth and Howard Keel.
In its 13th week on the Billboard Hot 100, “Ordinary” is now up to No. 2, closely trailing Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” which has had a 12-week stay at the summit. “Ordinary” has also hit the top spot on the Global 200 for a second consecutive week.
Speaking to Billboard in January, Warren discussed using challenging moments in his personal life, including the passing of both of his parents and his stint of homelessness, in his material.
“I recently started doing this thing where I write about those [experiences], and I try to take control in a way,” he said. “For me, something really beautiful is taking something so sad and dark, and what most would view as something that ruined their life, and turn it into something that can help people.”
The remainder of the top five remains relatively unchanged with Ravyn Lenae’s “Love Me Not” (No. 2), Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” (No. 3), and WizTheMC and Bees & Honey’s “Show Me Love” (No. 4) all maintaining their positions from last week.
Sombr’s breakout hit “Undressed” is in the top five for the first time (No. 5), up one place from the previous week, while his song “Back to Friends” also rises three spots to No. 12.
The week’s highest new entry comes from Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas, as their collaboration “Blessings” lands at No. 8. The feat gives Harris his 45th top 10 hit.
