“Royals,” which has reigned for several weeks as the top rock and alternative song, has extended its empire to include the most important chart of all: the Billboard Hot 100.
Billboard announced Wednesday that Lorde’s ubiquitous smash, which extended its run as the top-selling song in America and also became the most-played song at radio, has ascended to number one on the Hot 100. It had spent the past few weeks at number three.
Katy Perry’s “Roar,” which ceded its number one spot two weeks ago to Miley Cyrus’ buzzworthy “Wrecking Ball,” holds at two on this week’s chart. Despite making gains at radio, Cyrus’ ballad, thanks to its losses in digital sales and streams, falls to number three.
Drake’s “Hold On, We’re Going Home” claims the chart’s fourth position, while Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” settles for fifth.
Other top ten songs, in order, include Jay-Z’s “Holy Grail,” Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” Ylvis’ “The Fox,” Lady Gaga’s “Applause” and Lana Del Rey & Cedric Gervais’ “Summertime Sadness.”