Lola Young‘s “Messy” has bagged a fourth week at No. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart (Feb. 14). The song first claimed the top spot in January, dethroning Gracie Abrams’ “That’s So True,” which held the No. 1 position for eight non-consecutive weeks.
By earning her fourth week at No. 1, Young is now the longest-running British female artist to be at the top spot since Adele’s “Easy on Me” in 2021. It breaks a tie with Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” (2022) and Kenya Grace’s “Strangers” (2023), which both had three-week stints at the top.
This achievement also coincides with Young’s continued success on the Billboard Hot 100, where “Messy” currently sits No. 19, a slight fall of five places week-on-week. “Messy” is featured on her sophomore studio album, This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway, which was released in May 2024; the song has now crossed 300 million streams on Spotify.
In March, Young will compete for a BRIT Award in the pop act category against Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, Jade Thirlwall and Myles Smith. She also appeared on Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia as a guest vocalist on “Like Him.”
Speaking to Billboard U.K., Young discussed the success of “Messy” and why the message of self-acceptance had resonated with fans. “For a long time, I wanted to represent this ideal of Westernized beauty – but then I realized I’m not that,” she said. “I now choose to give realness and truth. I’ve got a bit of a belly out, I f–king swear a bunch and I have fun. And that’s what people are resonating with.”
Following his Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” finishes the week at No. 2 and gives the Compton rapper his highest ever placing on the U.K. Singles Chart; the song initially landed at No. 6 upon release last year.
Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” rises three spots to No. 3, while Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” makes moves up to No. 4. Chrystal’s “The Days” rounds out the week at No. 5, and there’s post-Grammys boosts for Benson Boone (“Beautiful Things,” No. 6) and Doechii (“Denial Is a River,” No. 9).
