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Taylor Swift’s hit song “Cruel Summer” has been steadily climbing the charts over the past few months. While it reached as high as number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, it has yet to capture the top spot as many new releases continue to debut at number 1.
Currently sitting at number 5, “Cruel Summer” slipped down from its previous position this week. It seems the song may fall short of becoming Swift’s next number 1 single as more highly promoted new music gains traction.
In recent weeks, surprise hits have denied “Cruel Summer” the top spot. Country artist Oliver Anthony debuted his viral song “Rich Men North of Richmond” at number 1 for two weeks straight. When Swift’s song appeared poised to reach a new peak, Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves achieved their first Hot 100 leader with “I Remember Everything”.
Next week, Doja Cat’s “Paint the Town Red” seems destined to take over at number 1. Already rising to number 3 in its short time on the charts, the track is benefiting from the promotion of Cat’s upcoming album, Scarlet.
More blockbuster releases are also looming that could generate new top-10 entries. Olivia Rodrigo’s acclaimed album Guts may spawn several top hits. Later in the month, Drake and Doja Cat will both drop full-lengths that are practically guaranteed to spawn at least one major single each.
While it’s still possible for “Cruel Summer” to reach number 1, the odds appear to be decreasing as competition mounts. Sitting at number 5 rather than higher puts it at a disadvantage. Swift may need to unleash renewed efforts to keep the song in the public conversation if she hopes to see it achieve her first number 1 from the Lover era. Only time will tell if upgraded promotion can help “Cruel Summer” overtake the next wave of new contenders eyeing the chart’s summit.
