Can Blake Shelton Beat A Country Music Legend With His New Single?

On Friday (May 9), Blake Shelton released his highly-anticipated new album For Recreational Use Only. The project — his first full-length in four years — was preceded by just one proper single, though a handful of tunes from the release arrived early. “Texas” is the standout hit thus far from the project, and as it rises again on the Billboard rankings, Shelton inches closer to making history.

“Texas” Climbs at Country Radio

“Texas” soars on the Country Airplay chart this frame. Shelton’s tune earns one of the greatest gains on the Billboard tally that is often considered the most competitive of all its radio-focused lists, as it tracks cuts that reach the largest total audience on country stations across the U.S. Radio remains a critical avenue for country music to reach its core audience, perhaps more so than for any other genre. That makes securing a No. 1 hit on the Country Airplay roster much more difficult than on other rosters.

This week, “Texas” jumps from No. 8 to No. 2. The single now has a very real shot at running the show sometime soon. Currently, only “I’m the Problem” by Morgan Wallen prevents Shelton from claiming another leader. That cut, set to appear on the country star’s upcoming album of the same name, has spent three frames at No. 1 and holds steady again.

Another Career No. 1 is Within Reach

If “Texas” manages to push past Wallen’s single and rise to No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart, Shelton will have another reason to celebrate. The superstar musician has thus far collected 29 leading hits on the tally throughout his career. He’s currently tied with Tim McGraw for the second-most rulers of all time. One more win would break that tie and he’d surge ahead of the genre legend, becoming only the second act to ever accrue 30 champions.

Kenny Chesney Holds the All-Time Record

The all-time record for the most leaders on the tally is still held by Kenny Chesney. He has thus far earned 33 No. 1s on the Country Airplay chart. For the moment, his title remains safe, even if Shelton manages to land another winner in the coming weeks.

“Texas” Rises on the Billboard Lists

“Texas” appears on four Billboard charts this week. It reaches a new peak on three of them and returns to its best showing on the fourth. The track shoots to No. 22 on the Radio Songs list and climbs to a new high of No. 61 on the Hot 100. At the same time, it dances up to No. 16 on the Hot Country Songs chart, a lofty space it’s already reached in the past.