This Week in Billboard Chart History: In 2009, Kelly Clarkson Enjoyed ‘Life’ at No. 1
Six years ago, Clarkson topped the Hot 100 for the second time. Plus, remembering chart feats by Elton John, the Bee Gees and Tiffany.
Your weekly recap celebrating significant milestones from more than seven decades of Billboard chart history
Feb. 2, 2008
The combination of an R&B/hip-hop studio wizard and a pop/rock group resulted in a No. 1 hit, as Timbaland‘s “Apologize,” featuring OneRepublic, began a six-week rule on Adult Pop Songs.
Feb. 3, 1973
Forty-two years ago today, Elton John scored his first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1, as “Crocodile Rock,” his ode to classic pop and early rock & roll, spent its first of three weeks in charge. He’s added eight more leaders since; with nine total, he’s one of 14 acts with at least that many, a group that new Super Bowl star Katy Perry joined most recently (with “Dark Horse” last year).
Feb. 4, 1978
Hard to hear this one without picturing John Travolta’s famous moves: on this date in 1978, the Bee Gees took over atop the Billboard Hot 100 with “Stayin’ Alive.”
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Feb. 5, 1983
An ’80s classic topped the Billboard Hot 100, as Toto‘s “Africa” ascended 2-1. The band, formed in 1977, remains active: it kicks off a two-month European tour in May.
Feb. 6, 1988
Tiffany began a two-week stay atop the Billboard Hot 100 with her ballad “Could’ve Been,” the follow-up to her career-opening No. 1, “I Think We’re Alone Now.”
Feb. 7, 2009
Six years ago today, Kelly Clarkson scored her second of three Billboard Hot 100 No. 1s to date, as “My Life Would Suck Without You” rocketed 97-1. The vault remains the biggest in the chart’s history. She first reigned with her American Idol coronation song “A Moment Like This” in 2002 and notched her third leader with “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” in 2012.
Feb. 8, 1992
Before there was LMFAO and “Sexy and I Know It,” Right*Said*Fred similarly boasted “I’m Too Sexy,” which began a three-week Billboard Hot 100 command 23 years ago today.
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