Madonna’s 40 Most Impressive Instants

Today’s Chart Beat entry on Billboard.com focuses solely on Madonna, who reaches a milestone in her legendary Billboard chart career. “Spotlighting another artist in light of Madonna’s latest feat would be, simply, immaterial,” Gary Trust writes.

26 years to the chart week after notching her first No. 1 on Dance/Club Play Songs, Madonna rules for a 40th time, rising 2-1 with “Celebration.” She easily extends her lead for most No. 1s in the chart’s history, pulling further ahead of runner-up Janet Jackson, who has 18.

Madonna first appeared on the tally with “Everybody” on the chart dated Nov. 6, 1982, eventually taking the cut to No. 3. Her follow-up, “Burning Up/Physical Attraction” (counted as one title in Billboard’s archives), also reached No. 3.

The third time was the charm for Madonna, as the double-sided “Holiday/Lucky Star” marked her first No. 1 stay beginning Sept. 24, 1983.

Comparing her chart champs by decade, Madonna scored nine Dance/Club Songs No. 1s in the ’80s and 13 in the ’90s. Since 2000, she has almost doubled her total, adding 18 No. 1s in that span.

At five weeks each, “Holiday/Lucky Star” and “Music” represent Madonna’s longest reigns. “Ray of Light” and “Hung Up” are next with four weeks each in charge.

Check out the full article on Billboard.com.

Thanks to our Community member RockSteady.