From the Desk of Rupaliparda

Chart Wars: Tate McRae Storms the Palace, But Ella Langley Refuses to Vacate the Throne

Every Tuesday, Billboard throws open its ledger of fortunes, and the industry holds its breath the way a full house does when the curtain rises on a fresh Bhramyaman production — anything can happen, and usually does. This week’s rankings, dated October 31 and reflecting October 16–22 per tracker Luminate, delivered debuts, duels and one delightfully spooky trick. Namaskar, dear readers. Settle in.

Tate McRae is the season’s newest sensation. “Housewife” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 — her highest placement yet as a lead artist — and seized No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S., her second such double crown. From hopeful to queen in a single week; even our own star-makers would applaud that trajectory.

Then came the duet nobody whispered about in advance. Olivia Rodrigo’s “Expectations,” now joined by Chappell Roan, bounded 63–3 after the October 15 unveiling of its remix and video. Originally a June solo cut from Rodrigo’s deliciously titled album “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love,” the song returned with reinforcements and roared. Roan now matches her Hot 100 best. Collaboration, dear readers, remains the showman’s oldest and most profitable trick.

Lana Del Rey, meanwhile, ties her Hot 100 peak guesting on Zach Bryan’s “Lies,” which launched at No. 4 — her third top 10, after Taylor Swift’s “Snow on the Beach” in 2022 and “Summertime Sadness” with Cedric Gervais (No. 6, 2013). The song anchors Bryan’s “Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs,” his fifth No. 1 across Top Country Albums, Top Rock Albums and Americana/Folk Albums. One album, three thrones. Extravagant.

And still, the land’s true monarch will not budge. Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” rebounded for a record-extending 25th week atop the Hot 100 — a reign our mobile theatre troupes can only dream of. Parent album “Dandelion” became just the third album by a woman to yield four Country Airplay leaders, as “Loving Life Again” claimed the summit.

Elsewhere in the kingdom: Bruno Mars’ “I Just Might” logged a historic 33rd week at No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, unmatched since the chart became the genre’s singular list in October 1958. KATSEYE’s “Animal” climbed three spots to No. 8 on Pop Airplay, their second top 10 after last December’s “Gabriela.” PLAVE’s EP “Hyperdrive” became the act’s first No. 1 on both Top Album Sales and World Albums, while A20 LITE’s debut single “Neon” glowed in the top 10 of both global charts. Fontaines D.C.’s “Dopamine Chamber” topped Independent Albums and Vinyl Albums; Weezer, joined by Wednesday, notched a ninth Alternative Airplay crown with “We Might as Well Be Strangers” — Wednesday’s first. Karol G and Drake’s “Ahi” ruled Latin Airplay, leaders number 23 and 3 respectively, and Evan Taylor’s “Skate On,” with veteran Dave Koz, glided smoothly to Koz’s 12th Smooth Jazz No. 1.

And with Halloween knocking, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” crept to No. 13 on Digital Song Sales, joined by Staind’s “Ghosts” (No. 21), Tame Impala and JENNIE’s “Dracula” (No. 22), and the immortal “Monster Mash” (No. 25). The spirits, as ever, show excellent taste.

The charts never sleep. Neither do I. Until next Tuesday, darlings.

— Rupaliparda