Morgan Wallen, the country music sensation once mired in controversy, has climbed the charts to a pinnacle few could have predicted. His latest achievement even surpasses pop powerhouse Taylor Swift.

Wallen’s journey to the top has been anything but smooth. After facing significant backlash and cancellation over a year ago, many speculated that his career might be over. His controversy began in early 2021 when he was caught on video using a racial slur outside his Nashville home. The video quickly spread across the internet, sparking widespread condemnation. As a result, Wallen faced significant repercussions.

His record label, Big Loud Records, suspended his contract indefinitely, and his music was pulled from major radio stations and streaming service playlists, notably by iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, and CMT. Wallen issued a public apology, expressing his willingness to accept the consequences. The Country Music Association (CMA) declared him ineligible for solo performance consideration at their awards, although his music could still be nominated for awards involving multiple artists. Despite the industry backlash, Wallen’s music sales and streams initially surged.

But Wallen has defied the odds, proving that talent and determination can shine through even the darkest clouds. His collaboration with Post Malone, “I Had Some Help,” has rocketed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking Wallen’s 19th week at the No. 1 spot since 2020. The impressive feat edges out Taylor Swift, who has held the top position for 18 weeks this decade.

The competition between Wallen and Swift has been a headline-grabbing saga in itself. Swift recently dropped her 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” followed by a surprise double album, “The Anthology.” Both releases saw all 31 tracks hitting the charts.

However, Wallen’s 2023 album “One Thing at a Time” also made waves, with 30 of its tracks charting simultaneously, breaking a long-standing record previously held by Swift. Despite the competitive nature of their chart performances, Wallen and Swift share more than just chart-topping hits. Both artists have collaborated with Post Malone this year, and both have a knack for connecting deeply with their audiences. Wallen’s “I Had Some Help” and Swift’s “Fortnight” explore themes of loss and recovery, though with different emotional tones.

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Wallen’s track exploded onto the scene in May, debuting at the top of the Hot 100 with staggering first-week streams, sales, and radio plays. It’s quickly taken the lead in what has been a historically competitive summer. His recent concert at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis set another record as the most-attended show in the venue’s history. During the concert, Wallen showed his respect for Swift, asking his fans not to boo her when he mentioned her name.