Latin Airplay No. 1: Shakira’s 24th Hit with ‘Soltera’
Shakira’s star power continues to shine brightly on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as her latest single, “Soltera,” ascends one spot to claim its first week at the pinnacle of the chart (dated Jan. 4, 2025). This notable achievement not only highlights her ongoing relevance in the music industry but also reinforces her status as a leading figure in Latin pop music. With each new release, Shakira captivates audiences worldwide, proving her artistic prowess and ability to resonate with fans across generations.
With the release of “Soltera,” Shakira has now achieved a remarkable total of 24 No. 1 hits on the Latin Airplay chart, solidifying her record for the most chart-toppers among female artists since the chart’s inception in 1994. This incredible feat is a testament to her enduring talent and influence, as she leads the pack. The nearest female competitor, Karol G, trails with 18 No. 1 hits, demonstrating the significant gap between these two Latin music powerhouses. In the broader context, Shakira ties with Maluma for the sixth-most No. 1 hits overall, showcasing her prominence in the music industry.
As “Soltera” ascends to the top of the Latin Airplay chart, it also continues its impressive run on the Latin Pop Airplay chart, where it has spent an astounding 12 weeks dominating. This track has garnered significant attention, achieving an impressive 11 million in all-format radio airplay audience in the U.S. during the tracking week from December 20 to 26, according to data reported by Luminate. Such numbers reflect not only the song’s popularity but also Shakira’s ability to connect with audiences through her music.
As “Soltera” rises to the top of the Latin Airplay chart, it surpasses Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” which had an impressive 23-week reign at No. 1, marking the second-longest duration for a single on the Latin Airplay chart. Shakira’s own “La Tortura,” featuring Alejandro Sanz, holds the record for the longest No. 1 run with an incredible 25 weeks in 2005. While “Soltera” has achieved a remarkable 23-week consecutive dominance, it’s worth noting that “La Tortura” had its No. 1 status interrupted twice during its run, emphasizing the challenges artists face in maintaining chart positions.
Here’s a quick overview of the artists who have achieved the most Latin Airplay No. 1 hits:
36, J Balvin
34, Ozuna
32, Enrique Iglesias
28, Daddy Yankee
25, Bad Bunny
24, Maluma
24, Shakira
Furthermore, with the triumph of “Soltera” at No. 1 on the Latin Airplay chart, it marks Shakira’s first solo No. 1 since “Loba,” which was her eighth No. 1 hit back in 2009. Out of her remarkable 24 career No. 1 hits, only six have been solo efforts, with her initial four chart-toppers occurring between 1998 and 2003, starting with the iconic “Ciega, Sordomuda.” This highlights her versatility as an artist who can thrive both as a solo performer and as a collaborator.
“Soltera” also made a significant impact on the Hot Latin Songs chart, peaking at No. 9 in October. This achievement adds to Shakira’s impressive record of having 37 top 10 hits, the highest among female artists since the chart began in 1986. Such accomplishments further underscore her exceptional career and ability to consistently deliver chart-topping music that resonates with fans worldwide.
All charts (dated Jan. 4, 2025) will be updated on Billboard.com tomorrow (Dec. 31). For the latest in music charts and news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts across social media platforms including X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.