Bebe Rexha’s Independent Single “New Religion” Tops Billboard Dance Charts

On May 5, singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha announced that her single “New Religion” reached No. 1 on both the Billboard Dance/Airplay and U.S. Dance Radio charts. The achievement marks the first chart-topping record for Rexha since she ended a twelve-year partnership with Warner Music and began releasing music through the independent distributor Empire.

Rolling Stone

Rexha’s departure from Warner was disclosed in a January 2023 Instagram video in which she described the news as “the day I found out that the label I was signed to for 12 years officially decided to part ways with me.” Following the split, she signed a deal with Empire, an independent distribution company that also provides label and publishing services. In March she released “New Religion,” her first single as an independent artist, and announced the forthcoming album Dirty Blonde, slated for release on June 12.

Rolling Stone

• “New Religion” entered the top-40 on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales, Pop Airplay, and Hot Dance/Pop Songs charts.

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• The track secured the #1 spot on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay and U.S. Dance Radio charts on the week of May 5.

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• Prior to “New Religion,” Rexha issued three additional tracks—“I Like You Better Than Me,” “Çike Çike,” and “Hysteria”—as part of the promotional rollout for Dirty Blonde.

People Magazine

Rexha’s Instagram caption framed the chart success as a collective win, emphasizing that the achievement belongs to fans as well as herself. She thanked Empire, calling it “my backbone,” and described her independent era as a “rebirth,” saying she feels “free” and surrounded by people who “celebrate and uplift” her. No comment from Empire or Warner was provided.

Rolling Stone

• “First I wanna say to the fans this isn’t just my win. This is our win,” — Bebe Rexha, Instagram

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• “Going independent was so scary, I honestly thought it was over for me. I know that sounds dramatic but the last 7 years were a battle and I was suffering in silence.” — Bebe Rexha, Instagram

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• “But now I'm free and I'm surrounded by people who celebrate and uplift me. Thank you @empire for being my backbone.” — Bebe Rexha, Instagram

People Magazine

• “Thank you @empire for being my backbone. This feels like a rebirth and the sick thing is, we’re just getting started.” — Bebe Rexha, Instagram

Rolling Stone

• “I'm happy, finally. I see the light on the other side of the tunnel,” — Bebe Rexha, People interview

People Magazine

All sources consistently report the chart positions and the timeline of Rexha’s label transition. No contradictory figures or missing data were identified within the provided material.

People Magazine

Rexha’s album Dirty Blonde is scheduled for release on June 12. The artist has indicated that “New Religion” is the lead single and that additional tracks from the album will continue to be promoted throughout the summer. She expressed optimism about future projects, noting that “we’re just getting started.”

Rolling Stone