Ariana Grande reacts to tying Taylor Swift’s hot 100 record

When it comes to Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 debuts, Ariana Grande is not alone at the top.

The 31-year-old pop queen had a cute response when she learned that she and Taylor Swift share the record for the most songs by female artists to reach the top of the U.S. chart, with seven apiece, in a new TikTok video posted by MTV UK on Friday, November 22. “Really? She was sitting next to Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo when she stated, “I didn’t know that.”

Grande, “That can’t be true,” she said.

When the reporter mentioned that the singer of “Cruel Summer” is the only other female artist with seven Hot 100 No. 1 debuts, the founder of R.E.M. Beauty and the Pinocchio actress began tapping their nails in reverent appreciation. “Good company!” Erivo nodded in agreement, and Grande grinned as she spoke about Swift.

This April, when “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone peaked at the top of the Hot 100, the 14-time Grammy winner tied the Victorious alum’s record. Swift’s songs “Is It Over Now?,” “Anti-Hero,” “All Too Well (10 Minute Version),” “Willow,” “Cardigan,” and “Shake It Off” were among her past top-charting debuts.

When “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” by Eternal Sunshine took the top spot in its first week on the chart in March, Grande achieved her eighth No. 1 debut. Some of her previous No. 1 debuts include “Yes, And?,” “Positions,” “Rain on Me” featuring Lady Gaga, “Stuck With U” featuring Justin Bieber, “7 Rings,” and “Thank U, Next.”

Drake has nine No. 1 debuts, more than any other artist. Swift has reached the top of the Hot 100 twelve times, compared to nine times for Grande.

At the time of the MTV UK interview, both women were experiencing significant career milestones. After three years of development and months of promotional build-up, Grande and Erivo’s film Wicked made its theatrical debut on Friday. Meanwhile, Swift is about to wrap up her two-year Eras Tour in December.

Despite their few interactions, the two artists have always respected each other. Swift wrote, “Oh my God, she couldn’t be cuter,” about Grande on Instagram when they co-starred in the 2014 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. In 2019, Swift praised the project on Instagram Stories after Grande’s “You Need to Calm Down” music video featured a drag performer channeling Ari.

Thank you for including me in your video. At that moment, Grande joked, “I was amazing, @taylorwift.” Congratulations on YNTCD, Taylor. I absolutely adore it and the message.