The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” has earned him another accolade. On Tuesday (Nov. 23), Billboard named the Toronto-born star’s 2019 smash-hit the new No. 1 on its Greatest Songs of All Time Hot 100 chart, dethroning Chubby Checker’s “The Twist.”
According to the outlet, the Greatest Songs of All Time Hot 100 chart is based on songs’ Hot 100 history, including their total number of weeks on the chart and chart positions. Checker’s 1960 cover of “The Twist,” which was recognized in 2008 for its two separate chart runs, now resides at No. 2.
Featured on the cover of Billboard, The Weeknd discussed his record-breaking track with writer Heran Mamo.
“I feel like I’ve been making that record for a decade,” he told the outlet. “I don’t think [the success of ‘Blinding Lights’] has hit me yet. I try not to dwell on it too much. I just count my blessings and I’m just grateful.”
On Twitter, The Weeknd also reflected on the moment.
“What a journey,” he tweeted.
On Tuesday, Billboard also announced it will commemorate the song’s historic chart placement with a special collection of trading cards designed by Karvin Cheung.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to create trading cards for the music industry, especially cards celebrating some of the world’s most renowned artists,” Cheung said in a press statement. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with Billboard to highlight The Weeknd’s milestone, which will undoubtedly play a role in defining the future of music.”
“This collaboration highlights a momentous achievement and a very special moment in time for one of the most influential artists today,” Billboard President Julian Holguin added. “We’re thrilled to celebrate that moment and translate the most quoted rankings in music to innovative, new formats. The digital trading cards and NFTs launched in partnership with Autograph will truly capture the excitement that ‘Blinding Lights’ inspires and allow fans to own a defining moment in music history.”
See The Weeknd’s tweets below.