Harry Styles debuted at the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with his new single “As It Was” this week. In the process, he helped make additional chart history for One Direction.
Billboard confirmed that “As It Was” — the lead single to Styles’ forthcoming third album Harry’s House — clinched top honors on the Hot 100. The track marks the hit-maker’s second No. 1 on the chart; he previously claimed the honor with “Watermelon Sugar” in 2020. However, this is his first time debuting at the top.
“As It Was” also topped the publication’s Streaming Songs chart and notched the best first-week streaming numbers since Adele dropped “Easy On Me” in late 2021.
It was an impressive showing for Styles altogether, but it almost made history for One Direction.
Billboard noted that the boy band is now the first group to have two members debut at the top spot on the Hot 100.
Former member Zayn Malik pulled off the feat with his debut solo single “Pillowtalk” in 2016.
Styles is the first member of the boy band to hit No. 1 more than once. He’s also collected two additional Top 10 hits: “Adore You” and his debut single “Sign of the Times,” which peaked at Nos. 6 and 4 respectively.
Meanwhile, Malik bowed in at the No. 2 position with his Taylor Swift-assisted “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever.”
Liam Payne broke into the Top 10 with his track ”Strip That Down” in 2017. Niall Horan just missed out and hit No. 11 on the chart with “Slow Hands.” Louis Tomlinson’s highest charting release — “Back To You” with Bebe Rexha and Digital Farm Animals — peaked at No. 40.
Interestingly, One D never landed a chart-topper on the Hot 100 as a group. They did, however, amass six Top 10 hits.
Styles is set to drop Harry’s House, which he announced on Instagram, May 20. Fans don’t know much about what to expect from the album just yet. However, anticipation is sky high.
Meanwhile, the hit-maker recently opened up about the atmosphere on tour during an interview with PopCrush Nights.
“Everyone wants to feel free and have fun and that really gives me space to just have fun and have the best time,” the singer said of his fans. “I’m really happy that everyone else feels like they can do that as well.”