Most artists can only dream of reaching No. 1 on a Billboard chart, but for Bruno Mars, it’s become something of a routine throughout the years. The singer-songwriter manages another impressive feat this week, one that would serve as a career highlight for nearly anyone else — but for him, it’s actually a continuation of what’s become a defining pattern in 2025.
Mars is once again in control of the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. This time around, he earns the top spot by dethroning… himself – again.
“Apt.” Returns to No. 1
This week, Mars’s his collaboration with Blackpink’s Rosé, returns to No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. The chart ranks the most-consumed tracks in the world, excluding all data from the United States, and it is powered by both sales and streaming activity.
“Apt.” remains a historic hit as it collects its eighteenth week at No. 1. The cut extends its lead over Mariah Carey’s perennial holiday smash “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which has earned 14 weeks in charge.
Bruno Mars Ousts Himself From No. 1 — Again
Last week, the No. 1 spot belonged to “Die With a Smile,” Mars’s other major hit at the moment. That tune, which is a duet with Lady Gaga, slips slightly this frame, but only to the runner-up spot.
“Apt.” and “Die With a Smile” have been taking turns wearing the crown for weeks now. Rosé and Gaga may appear to be in competition, but Mars wins no matter which track is in control.
Bruno Mars Has Swapped No. 1s Several Times This Year
Mars is making a habit of replacing himself at No. 1 on the chart, which is extremely rare for any other act. In fact, this is the fourth time in 2025 alone that he’s beaten himself atop the Billboard Global Excl. U.S.
After Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” wrapped up its seasonal domination in early January, “Apt.” bounced back to No. 1. That kicked off a series of changes at the summit, as “Die With a Smile” returned to the throne for two weeks. Then “Apt.” took over again, followed by yet another frame ruled by “Die With a Smile” — and now, the pendulum has swung back in favor of “Apt.”
Bruno Mars Started This Run Months Ago
Mars began this incredible run last September, when “Die With a Smile” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. That collaboration, which ultimately won the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, held steady at the summit for eight straight weeks. It was then bested by “Apt.,” which kicked off its initial reign in November.
During its first turn in charge, “Apt.” kept “Die With a Smile” at bay for nine frames in a row. That initial run marked the first time Mars had replaced himself at No. 1 on the chart, but it proved not to be the last.
