After Billboard takes down “Old Town Road” from the Hot Country Songs chart, it makes its debut on the Billboard Country Airplay charts.
Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” is currently the number one song in the country. “Old Town Road” has made waves over the past few weeks, largely due to Billboard’s controversial move to pull it from the country charts for not being country enough. The backlash is faced helped Lil Nas X gain international recognition and support, leading Billy Ray Cyrus to hop on the remix. After the success its remix, it looks like it’s been making a serious amount spins on the country radio stations across America.
According to Billboard, “Old Town Road” has entered Billboard’s Country Airplay chart at #53 with 1 million in audience, 140 plays on 35 reporters. The publication points out that its entry onto the chart has everything to do with actual stats regarding its radio spins on country stations rather than how the song is classified as a genre.
“The song’s prile first swelled thanks in part to TikTok videos and other viral memes, while subsequent attention has centered on its removal after a week on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart (dated March 16),” it reads. “Hot Country Songs, based on airplay, streaming and sales, requires Billboard to designate songs for inclusion based on genre fit; Country Airplay, however, as well as Rhythmic Songs and Pop Songs, purely reflects plays on reporting stations.”
There’s been speculation that the song will maintain its position on the Billboard Hot 100 next week as well.