May 4, 2018
We're unwrapping the five most popular songs in the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles chart, for the week ending May 5, 2018.
Last week, we had a Hot Shot Debut in the Top Five ... that doesn't happen this time, but we do get a new entry.
Number 5: Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey "The Middle"
It happens in fifth place, where Zedd, Maren Morris and the U.S. duo Grey jump a slot with "The Middle."
Current pop songs often travel a winding road to the countdown and this is no exception. Variety magazine reports that many singers auditioned for this song before Maren got the nod ... among them Charli XCX, Camila Cabello, Carly Rae Jepsen, Tove Lo, Bebe Rexha, Demi Lovato, Elle King and others.
Number 4: Post Malone & Ty Dolla $ign "Psycho"
Post Malone and Ty Dolla $ign chill in fourth place with "Psycho." Post dropped his second album "Beerbongs & Bentleys" on April 27, and it shattered some first-day streaming records. Spotify tweeted that the album posted record numbers both domestically, with 47 million streams, and globally, with 78 million. And that was only on the first day!
Number 3: Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line "Meant To Be"
Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line continue to dominate the Billboard Hot Country Songs list with "Meant To Be," while holding in third place on the Hot 100. On April 25, James Cordon's Carpool Karaoke Twitter page posted a selfie from Bebe and Wiz Khalifa ... meaning we should probably look for them both in the popular show's upcoming season. No release date has yet been announced.
Number 2: Drake "God's Plan"
It's no longer your Hot 100 champ, but "God's Plan" hasn't fallen far, spending another week in the runner-up slot. Drake's next album "Scorpion" won't appear for another month, but the roll-out points to an even bigger opening than "Views" in 2016. Forbes magazine writer Bryan Rolli credits Drake with using his stature to build up others through his music on this album cycle ... which benefits everyone.
Number 1: Drake "Nice For What"
We're not done with Drake yet: "Nice For What" spends a second week atop the Hot 100. Along with debuting atop the Hot 100, it also opened at No. 1 on the Streaming Songs Chart. It's Drake's fourth Streaming champ – tying him with Justin Bieber for the most victories on this list.
Will Drake keep his streak alive next week? We'll find out in seven days.