The pop sensation’s single ‘As It Was’ ruled the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-breaking 15 weeks, setting a new bar for solo artists.
Harry Styles etched his name into music history in September 2022, when his hit single “As It Was” spent an astonishing 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the longest-running No. 1 single by a solo artist at the time.
The achievement crowned an already blockbuster year for Styles, as his third studio album Harry’s House continued to dominate charts globally. The 28-year-old British singer and former One Direction star proved his staying power in the pop music scene, achieving what few solo performers have managed in chart history.
Released on April 1, 2022, “As It Was” quickly caught fire, debuting at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and sustaining its reign through the summer months into early fall. Its hypnotic synth-pop beat, nostalgic tone, and introspective lyrics resonated widely, propelling it to commercial and critical acclaim.
A Landmark in Chart History
Prior to Styles’ milestone, the record for the longest-running No. 1 solo track was held by Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” which spent 19 weeks at the top—but that was a collaboration with Billy Ray Cyrus. In contrast, Styles’ “As It Was” is a solo effort, earning the distinction as the longest solo run at No. 1.
The previous solo artist record holder was Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together,” which spent 14 non-consecutive weeks at the top in 2005. With “As It Was,” Styles surpassed legends and etched his name beside pop royalty.
According to Billboard, the track also topped their Songs of the Summer chart for 2022, reflecting consistent radio airplay, streaming numbers, and digital sales.
Captivating Audiences Across the Globe
“As It Was” didn’t just perform well in the U.S. The single also reached No. 1 in over 35 countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
The music video, directed by Ukrainian filmmaker Tanu Muino, features Styles in a red jumpsuit dancing around an empty museum, symbolizing themes of isolation and transformation. The video amassed over 500 million views on YouTube within months of its release.
Speaking about the track in interviews, Styles described it as “the most personal song” on the album, reflecting on change, vulnerability, and the passage of time. Fans quickly embraced its emotional depth, creating thousands of covers, remixes, and TikTok tributes.
Album Success and Tour Triumph
The success of “As It Was” fueled massive interest in Harry’s House, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart in May 2022 and remained in the Top 10 for weeks. The album included other fan-favorites like “Late Night Talking” and “Music for a Sushi Restaurant.”
Styles also embarked on his global “Love On Tour,” which saw sold-out shows in North America, Europe, and Latin America. His residency-style multi-night performances at venues like Madison Square Garden in New York and The Forum in Los Angeles became headline-making events, drawing both longtime fans and curious newcomers.
What This Means for Pop Music
Industry insiders say Styles’ record-breaking run is a testament to the enduring power of well-crafted pop and the importance of artist authenticity. Music critic Jon Caramanica of The New York Times noted, “Harry has found the sweet spot between nostalgia and innovation.”
Moreover, the feat places Styles in the upper echelon of chart-topping artists, signaling a new era where former boy band stars can not only go solo but dominate in their own right.
What’s Next for Harry Styles?
As of mid-2025, Styles shows no signs of slowing down. He has since ventured into acting, starring in high-profile films like Don’t Worry Darling and My Policeman, and has hinted at new music in development.
While “As It Was” has left an indelible mark on music history, fans eagerly await his next evolution.