An Aussie rock legend holds TMN Hot 100’s longest-serving #1 single
In light of Lil Nas X’s record-breaking run atop the US Billboard Hot 100, TMN turns its attention to the song that holds the most weeks at #1 on the TMN Hot 100 Airplay Chart.
The title in question goes to former Powderfinger frontman-cum-solo-act Bernard Fanning.
Powderfinger announced their hiatus in 2005, after two #1 airplay hits and nine Top 10s. Having been a familiar voice on radio throughout the ‘90s and early ‘00s, Fanning had no problem making it on his own as a solo artist.
Debut record, Tea And Sympathy, was released on October 31, 2005 through Aussie indie label Dew Process. ‘Wish You Well’ was the lead single, complete with upbeat vibes, an irresistible melody, and distinct roots in the pop-rock soundscape.
The track went on to become Australia’s summer anthem of 05/06, coming in at #1 on triple j’s Hottest 100.
It also spent an unbroken 13 weeks at the top of the airplay chart, stealing the crown from Delta Goodrem’s ‘Innocent Eyes’ to become the longest-reigning song in TMN Hot 100 history.
Fanning’s chart record still stands today, despite valiant efforts by Fergie, James Blunt, The Fray, Daniel Powter, and a particularly impressive run by Maroon 5 in 2011.
The Christina Aguilera-featured smash hit ‘Moves Like Jagger’ spent 12 weeks unmatched at the top of the chart, eventually falling to Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Mr. Know It All’ before it could reach the record-tying 13th week.
Without further ado, here are the longest-reigning singles of all time on the TMN Hot 100:
13 weeks
Bernard Fanning – ‘Wish You Well’ | DEW
12 weeks
Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera – ‘Moves Like Jagger’ | UMA
10 weeks
Missy Higgins – ‘Scar’ | EMI
James Blunt – ‘Wisemen’ | WMA
Fergie – ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ | UMA
9 weeks
Delta Goodrem – ‘Innocent Eyes’ | SME
Daniel Powter – ‘Bad Day’ | WMA
The Fray – ‘Over My Head (Cable Car)’ | SME
Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna – ‘This Is What You Came For’ | SME
8 weeks
Hoobastank – ‘The Reason’ | UMA
Youth Group – ‘Forever Young’ | WMA
Delta Goodrem – ‘Lost Without You’ | SME
P!NK – ‘Blow Me (One Last Kiss)’ | SME
Carly Rae Jepsen – ‘Call Me Maybe’ | UMA
Pharrell Williams – ‘Happy’ | SME
Katy Perry – ‘Roar’ | EMI
Ed Sheeran – ‘Thinking Out Loud’ | WMA
Dean Lewis – ‘Be Alright’ | UMA