Can Bruno Mars Return To No. 1 With His Blockbuster Single?

Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga scored the hit of a lifetime with “Die With a Smile.” While the tune would rank as the biggest success in most artists’ catalogs, it’s just one of dozens of smashes produced by the two pop icons. Months after it first dropped, the cut remains one of the most popular tracks in America in terms of total consumption. And even after disappearing from the Hot 100’s summit not so recently, the composition is on the rise once again — and it’s making another play for the top space.

“Die With a Smile” Returns to No. 2

This frame, “Die With a Smile” climbs from No. 3 to No. 2 on the Hot 100. It continues to battle “Luther,” the hugely successful collaboration between Kendrick Lamar and SZA, for the throne. Last time around, Drake’s “Nokia” managed to hit a new all-time peak of No. 2, but it’s now fallen, swapping places with Mars and Gaga’s smash.

While Luther will likely continue to reign for at least another week or two, “Die With a Smile” should not be counted out. Not only is it sitting in second place, but it’s also performing well across all important metrics that dictate where a title lands on the Hot 100 — ones that could eventually push it back to No. 1.

Radio Play Keeps “Die With a Smile” in the Race

Perhaps most importantly, radio airplay is helping both “Luther” and “Die With a Smile” maintain their lofty standings. Just as is the case on the Hot 100, the two songs sit at Nos. 1 and 2 on the Radio Songs chart, respectively.

If “Die With a Smile” manages to return to the top of the Hot 100, it will earn its sixth stay at No. 1. At the moment, a reconquering doesn’t seem likely — at least not immediately — until “Luther” begins to slow down at radio.

Still, because “Die With a Smile” continues to sell and stream exceptionally well, in addition to its ongoing radio popularity, Mars and Gaga remain a major threat. The tune has now spent 35 weeks on the Hot 100, and while it’s rare for any song that’s held on that long to compete for the top spot, this is no average hit.

Other Hot 100 Hits to Watch

There are several other tunes growing on the Hot 100 that could give both “Luther” and “Die With a Smile” a run for their money in the coming weeks. Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” surges to a new high point of No. 4 this frame, matching the singer’s best showing ever.

At the same time, newcomer Alex Warren sees his breakout smash “Ordinary” break into the top five for the first time, as it pushes to No. 5 on the current Hot 100. It looks like he could ascend even higher in the coming weeks, and the single may have the makings of the next champion.