US singer Alex Warren has recently made headlines by achieving an impressive milestone in the music industry. His hit song “Ordinary” has officially become the longest-running number one single of this decade, securing its place at the top of the UK Singles Chart for an impressive twelve weeks. This milestone marks a significant achievement, as it is the longest reign at number one since Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” dominated the charts back in 2017. Warren’s journey into this remarkable status has been characterized by personal commitment and a deep connection to his art, moving beyond the mere numbers to resonate with listeners on a profound level.
“Ordinary,” a heartfelt ballad that Warren penned for his wife after their wedding in 2024, showcases his emotional depth and lyrical sincerity. The song has amassed over 107 million streams in the UK alone, as reported by the Official Charts Company. However, it is not just this sheer volume of streams that distinguishes “Ordinary”; it has also smashed the 70-year-old record for the most consecutive weeks at number one by a US artist. Previously, this record was held by Slim Whitman’s classic “Rose Marie,” which spent eleven weeks at the top of the charts in 1955. This accomplishment underscores Warren’s ability to connect with audiences in a way that transcends generations, breathing new life into a rich legacy of music that continues to shape the industry’s landscape.
As of now, “Ordinary” remains steadfast as the most popular track on platforms like Spotify, where it boasts 33% more streams than its closest competitor on the latest daily rankings. Yet, despite this formidable success, Warren’s current run at number one pales in comparison to some of the longest-running number ones in history. The records are still considerably higher, with Frankie Laine’s “I Believe” holding the top position at 18 weeks. Following closely are hits like Bryan Adams’ “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” and Wet Wet Wet’s “Love Is All Around,” both of which enjoyed 16 and 15 weeks of chart supremacy, respectively.
Warren initially garnered fame as one of the founders of the Hype House, a collective of TikTok influencers who captivated millions of teenagers during the pandemic. His prior successful single titled “Carry You Home” allowed him to break into the top ten of the charts last year, setting the stage for the meteoric rise of “Ordinary,” which has also clinched the number one spot in the US market. Commentators like James Masterton, who manages the Chart Watch UK blog, have highlighted the song’s remarkable crossover appeal, describing it as a “good old-fashioned” hit single that resonates with a diverse audience. This widespread acceptance is evidenced by its placement on playlists across mainstream radio channels like Radio 1 and Radio 2, although those platforms have since shifted their focus to his latest single.
The song “Ordinary” has also emerged as a popular choice for weddings, prompting Warren’s label to release a dedicated “Wedding Version.” This trend aligns the song with other enduring romantic tracks that have stood the test of time, drawing connections to classics like “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” and “I Will Always Love You.” In a digital age marked by a rapid shift in media consumption habits, however, “Ordinary” has not achieved the same level of ubiquity as its predecessors, despite its staggering chart success.
James Masterton observes that, historically, lengthy chart-reigning songs would quickly establish their artists as superstars, fostering recognition on a massive scale. Today, due to the fragmentation of media avenues, it’s becoming challenging for songs to monopolize attention and generate widespread recognition across the populace. The prolonged success of “Ordinary” reflects not only its composition but also the underlying changes in how music is distributed and consumed.
As it stands, “Ordinary” has not only broken records but has also demonstrated what is possible in a rapidly evolving music industry. It stands as the longest-running number one single since the chart rules were revamped in 2017 to minimize stagnant tracks directly affecting the top 40. Thus far, “Ordinary” has successfully maintained its velocity on the chart, evading the demotion that often follows songs that fail to maintain strong streaming numbers, a feat that highlights Warren’s talent and the song’s lasting impact.