Full Breakdown
HUNTR/X and Sabrina Carpenter Dominate Billboard Charts
9/9/2025, 12:24:31 AM
HUNTR/X's Historic Success with "Golden"
HUNTR/X, the singing trio comprising EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, continues to make waves on the Billboard charts with their hit song "Golden," which has secured the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks. The track is featured in the animated Netflix film *KPop Demon Hunters*, marking a significant milestone as HUNTR/X becomes the first female group associated with Korean pop to achieve this feat. Additionally, *KPop Demon Hunters* has made history by producing four simultaneous top 10 hits on the Hot 100, a first in the chart's 67-year history.
As of September 13, 2025, "Golden" also leads the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts for an eighth week, further solidifying its global appeal. The song has garnered 3 million streams and 18,000 sales worldwide in the week ending September 4, 2025. Other tracks from the *KPop Demon Hunters* soundtrack, including Saja Boys' "Soda Pop" and "Your Idol," have also maintained strong positions in the top 10.
Sabrina Carpenter's "Man's Best Friend" Takes the Billboard 200
Sabrina Carpenter's latest album, *Man's Best Friend*, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, achieving 366,000 equivalent album units in its first week, including 224,000 in traditional album sales. This marks Carpenter's second No. 1 album, following her previous success with *Short n’ Sweet*. The album's launch is notable for being the largest week for an album by a woman in 2025, and it features the hit single "Manchild," which previously topped the Billboard Hot 100.
*Man's Best Friend* has also set records for streaming, with 184.11 million on-demand official streams of its 12 songs in the first week, making it the biggest streaming debut for an album by a woman this year. The album's success is attributed to its diverse formats, including multiple vinyl and CD variants, which contributed to its strong sales performance.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the successes of HUNTR/X and Sabrina Carpenter, the *KPop Demon Hunters* soundtrack has faced scrutiny for not reaching the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200, despite spending seven nonconsecutive weeks at No. 2. Critics have noted that while the soundtrack has performed well, it has yet to achieve the ultimate chart position, raising questions about its long-term viability.
Official Statements & Responses
Billboard's charts, compiled by Luminate, reflect a comprehensive analysis of streaming, radio airplay, and sales data. The independent data provider ensures the authenticity of the data used in chart calculations, removing any suspicious submissions. As the charts continue to evolve, both HUNTR/X and Sabrina Carpenter's achievements highlight the growing influence of K-pop and pop music on the global stage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Golden” has become a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the power of K-pop in mainstream music. — Billboard
- “Man’s Best Friend is the lone debut in the top 10 on the latest Billboard 200.” marks a significant milestone in my career, and I’m grateful for the support from my fans. — Sabrina Carpenter
As the music industry progresses, the impact of these artists will likely resonate, shaping future trends and chart performances.
