Imagine a song so captivating that it reigns supreme on global charts for over three months—a feat that’s both rare and remarkable. That’s exactly what HUNTR/X’s ‘Golden’ has achieved, holding the top spot on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts for an astonishing 12th week. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this track, featured in Netflix’s animated sensation KPop Demon Hunters, isn’t just a chart-topper—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Voiced by the talents of EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, ‘Golden’ became HUNTR/X’s first-ever No. 1 hit on both charts back in July, proving that the fusion of K-pop and animation can create something truly magical. And this is the part most people miss: its dominance isn’t just about streams and sales—it’s about how a song from an animated film has transcended genres and borders to become a global anthem.
But the charts don’t stop there. Tate McRae’s ‘Tit for Tat’ makes a bold debut at No. 6 on the Global 200, showcasing her continued rise as a pop powerhouse. Meanwhile, Kenshi Yonezu and Hikaru Utada’s ‘Jane Doe’ leaps from No. 30 to No. 10 on the Global Excl. U.S. chart, marking Utada’s first-ever top 10 entry and Yonezu’s third. Is this the beginning of a new era for Japanese artists on the global stage? It’s a question worth exploring, especially as ‘Jane Doe’ gains traction outside the U.S. with 21.6 million streams in its first full tracking week.
For context, the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts are no ordinary rankings. They’re a comprehensive snapshot of streaming and sales activity across more than 200 territories worldwide, compiled by Luminate. The Global 200 includes data from every corner of the globe, while the Global Excl. U.S. chart focuses on regions outside the United States. These charts aren’t just numbers—they’re a testament to a song’s universal appeal. And here’s the kicker: they’re calculated using a weighted formula that includes official streams, downloads, and even excludes direct-to-consumer sales to ensure accuracy. But does this formula truly capture the essence of a song’s impact, or is there more to the story?
Diving deeper into the numbers, ‘Golden’ maintains its lead with 126.4 million streams and 14,000 sales worldwide in the week ending October 2. Meanwhile, Alex Warren’s ‘Ordinary’ holds steady at No. 2 after a 10-week reign at the top, and Saja Boys’ ‘Soda Pop,’ another track from KPop Demon Hunters, remains at No. 3. Olivia Dean’s ‘Man I Need’ climbs to No. 4, marking her first top five hit, while Kenshi Yonezu’s ‘Iris Out’ stays strong at No. 5. But what’s the secret sauce behind these songs’ longevity? Is it the storytelling, the melodies, or the cultural zeitgeist they tap into?
On the Global Excl. U.S. chart, ‘Golden’ leads with 95.5 million streams and 7,000 sales outside the U.S., while ‘Iris Out’ and ‘Ordinary’ maintain their positions at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. ‘Man I Need’ rises to No. 5, solidifying Olivia Dean’s breakthrough. And let’s not forget ‘Jane Doe,’ which surges into the top 10, thanks to its connection to the film Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc. But here’s a thought: Are collaborations like Yonezu and Utada’s the future of global music, or just a passing trend?
As we await the updated charts on Billboard.com (dated October 11, 2025), it’s clear that these rankings are more than just data—they’re a reflection of our shared musical landscape. Luminate’s rigorous review process ensures that every stream and sale is authenticated, but what about the emotional connection fans have with these songs? Can that ever be quantified? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you think ‘Golden’’s reign will continue, or is there another song waiting to take its place? Let us know in the comments below!
