Katy Perry’s New Single Misses The Biggest Chart — But It’s Still A Hit

For years, Katy Perry reigned supreme as one of the world’s hottest and most successful pop stars. While she chose to work in a genre known for quick turnover and short shelf lives, the singer and songwriter managed a historic run across multiple eras with No. 1 hit after No. 1 hit on the Hot 100.

As with all music careers, however, Perry’s winning streak had to slow, as nobody remains at the top forever. The superstar is hoping to change the story and regain her crown with her latest single “Bandaids.” While the tune has received a relatively warm reception, it does fail to become the chart smash Perry was likely hoping for – at least upon its arrival – even as it debuts across a variety of Billboard rankings.

Katy Perry’s “Bandaids” Misses the Hot 100

“Bandaids” launches on four Billboard charts this frame, but what is most notable is the list it misses. “Bandaids” fails to crack the Hot 100, the most competitive songs ranking in the United States, which tracks the most consumed tunes throughout the nation. When a powerhouse like Perry — who is still regarded as incredibly famous and one of the most popular artists working in top-40-leaning pop today — misses the Hot 100 with a properly promoted new single, it is a sign that her fortunes have not completely reversed course, at least not yet.

Katy Perry’s New Single Debuts on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100

While “Bandaids” does not reach the Hot 100, it does land on the Bubbling Under Hot 100. That tally lists the 25 most popular songs in America that have not yet reached the Hot 100. In some cases, a track finds space on the lesser roster for a time before improving its standing, while in other cases, the Bubbling Under Hot 100 is the best that it gets. “Bandaids” debuts at No. 15 this time around.

How Many Copies Did Katy Perry’s “Bandaids” Sell?

Sales are largely to thank for bringing “Bandaids” to any version of the Hot 100. Perry’s latest starts highest across any Billboard list as it opens just beneath the top 10, at No. 12, on the Digital Song Sales chart. Luminate reports that in its first seven-day tracking period of availability, the catchy pop tune arrives with a little more than 2,200 copies sold.

Katy Perry’s “Bandaids” Launches on Multiple Radio Charts

The Hot 100 is compiled using a methodology that blends sales, streams, and activity on the airwaves. As “Bandaids” becomes a strong seller, it also debuts on two radio rankings, which help it appear on the Bubbling Under Hot 100.

“Bandaids” arrives at No. 23 on the Adult Pop Airplay list and just a few spots lower at No. 34 on the Pop Airplay tally. “Bandaids” marks Perry’s milestone thirtieth placement on the Adult Pop Airplay chart, and as it kicks off its time at No. 34 on the Pop Airplay roster, she snags her thirty-third win.

Katy Perry Starts Her Post-143 Era

“Bandaids” marks Perry’s first single since “Ok,” which she dropped less than a year ago in December 2024. The pop icon re-released her most recent album 143, which initially became available in September, and the deluxe edition came with several new cuts… But “Okay” did not make much of a commercial impact.

Perry has not appeared on the Hot 100 since the summer of 2024. “Woman’s World,” the lead single from 143, only managed to climb as high as No. 63 and then fell away. Follow-up promotional tunes from the album, including “Lifetimes” and “I’m His, He’s Mine” with rapper Doechii, missed the mark entirely, but both spent short stays on the Bubbling Under Hot 100.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2025/11/22/katy-perrys-new-single-misses-the-biggest-chart—but-its-still-a-hit/