Every Song in History That Debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100

1. “You Are Not Alone” by Michael Jackson

The Hot 100 is widely considered the definitive all-genre singles chart in the US. Although it was officially launched in 1958, Billboard began using modern airplay and sales data in 1991 — allowing for more time-sensitive calculations and accurate rankings.

Although more than 1,000 songs have reached the coveted No. 1 spot, it’s far more difficult for a song to debut in the top position; it typically means a much-promoted single has met high expectations, or at least that an artist is supported and beloved by a legion of fans.

Michael Jackson was the first-ever artist to accomplish this feat when “You Are Not Alone” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated September 2, 1995.

It was the second single from Jackson’s ninth studio album “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I.”