A Historic Collaboration Reaches the Summit

In the ever-evolving landscape of pop music, few achievements are as coveted as a No.1 on Billboard's Pop Airplay chart. This week, that honor belongs to Jennie of Blackpink and Kevin Parker, the creative force behind Tame Impala, for their collaborative single 'Dracula.' The track's ascent to the top spot not only marks a career milestone for both artists but also cements Blackpink's place in chart history.

'Dracula' has been a global sensation since its release earlier in 2026, blending Jennie's distinct vocal style with Tame Impala's signature psychedelic rock production. The song dominated streaming platforms and digital sales, but its radio performance was particularly impressive. According to Billboard, the track climbed to No.1 on the Pop Airplay chart, which measures airplay on mainstream top 40 radio stations across the United States. This is the first time a solo single by Jennie has reached the pinnacle of this specific ranking, and it is also Tame Impala's debut at No.1 on any Billboard radio chart.

Blackpink's Growing Legacy on the Pop Airplay Chart

Perhaps even more significant than the individual achievement is what 'Dracula' means for Blackpink as a group. With Jennie's new No.1, Blackpink becomes only the fourth musical act in the 30-year history of the Pop Airplay chart to have multiple members score solo No.1s. The first was Rosé, another member of Blackpink, who reached the top spot in February 2025 with her smash hit 'Apt.,' a collaboration with Bruno Mars. That song spent four non-consecutive weeks at No.1, establishing a formidable standard.

Now, half of the Blackpink quartet—Jennie and Rosé—have achieved this solo feat. The remaining members, Lisa and Jisoo, have yet to score a Pop Airplay No.1, but both have individually charted on other Billboard lists. This accomplishment underscores the group's unique position in the industry: while maintaining a cohesive identity as Blackpink, each member has cultivated a powerful solo career that stands on its own merits. It also reflects the shifting dynamics of K-pop groups, where individual projects are increasingly prioritized alongside group activities.

The Exclusive Club: One Direction, Destiny's Child, and Fifth Harmony

To fully appreciate Blackpink's achievement, it's essential to examine the other groups that have reached this milestone. One Direction leads the pack with four of its five members reaching No.1 on the Pop Airplay chart. Only Louis Tomlinson has yet to attain that honor. Niall Horan ('Slow Hands'), Zayn ('Pillowtalk'), and Liam Payne ('Strip That Down' featuring Quavo) each have one leader, while Harry Styles is the most successful with four No.1s, including 'As It Was' and 'Watermelon Sugar.' Remarkably, Payne's 'Strip That Down' replaced Horan's 'Slow Hands' at No.1 in 2017—a rare moment of band members competing for the same chart spot.

Destiny's Child also boasts two solo No.1 artists. Kelly Rowland claimed hers in 2002 with Nelly's 'Dilemma,' a collaboration that spent five weeks atop the Pop Airplay chart. Beyoncé, the group's most commercially dominant member, has amassed seven No.1s on the same ranking, including her own 'Irreplaceable,' 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),' and collaborations like 'Crazy in Love' with Jay-Z. Fifth Harmony is the third group to join the club, with Normani's 'Love Lies' (with Khalid) and Camila Cabello's five No.1s, including 'Havana' and 'Señorita.'

Jennie's Solo Journey: From Blackpink to Global Icon

Jennie's ascent to the top of the Pop Airplay chart with 'Dracula' is the latest chapter in a solo career that began in earnest in 2023 with her debut single 'You & Me.' That track performed well globally, peaking inside the top 10 on several Billboard charts, including the Global 200. But 'Dracula' represents a leap forward, demonstrating her ability to cross genres and collaborate with artists outside the K-pop sphere. The collaboration with Tame Impala was initially met with surprise, given the stylistic differences, but the result has been a critical and commercial triumph.

In addition to its Pop Airplay success, 'Dracula' has been a dominant force on multiple Billboard lists. It holds at No.1 on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs, Hot Rock Songs, Hot Alternative Songs, Hot Dance/Electronic Songs, Rock Streaming Songs, and Dance Streaming Songs charts. This cross-chart performance is rare; few songs manage to top both rock and dance rankings simultaneously, further highlighting the track's broad appeal. For Tame Impala, 'Dracula' has also brought newfound radio success. Despite a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim, Kevin Parker had previously struggled to achieve mainstream top 40 radio play. The collaboration with Jennie has broken that barrier.

The Pop Airplay Chart: A Measure of Mainstream Influence

Billboard's Pop Airplay chart, which launched in 1992, tracks airplay on over 150 mainstream top 40 radio stations in the United States. It is a key indicator of a song's popularity with a wide audience, as these stations typically play a mix of pop, rock, and hip-hop. Reaching No.1 on this chart requires not only a catchy track but also significant promotional support and radio programmers' buy-in. For groups like Blackpink, whose core fan base is built online, conquering terrestrial radio represents a major achievement.

Historically, K-pop acts have struggled to break into the American radio market. BTS, for example, has had several top 10 hits on the Pop Airplay chart but only reached No.1 with 'Dynamite.' BLACKPINK as a group reached No.2 with 'Ice Cream' featuring Selena Gomez. Now, two of its members have individually topped the chart, a feat that even BTS has not managed (only Jungkook has a solo No.1 on Pop Airplay, with 'Seven' featuring Latto). This places Blackpink in a uniquely powerful position within the broader K-pop landscape.

What This Means for Blackpink's Future

The historic achievement is likely to have ripple effects within the group and the industry. With each member building their own brand, the potential for future collaborations and solo projects is immense. Lisa, who has focused on her solo music and acting, has yet to target the Pop Airplay chart, but her single 'Rockstar' reached No.2 on the chart last year. Jisoo, meanwhile, has concentrated on acting and her own solo releases in Korean. The fact that both Jennie and Rosé have now scored No.1s sets a high bar for the others.

Industry observers speculate that the success of 'Dracula' may encourage more cross-cultural and cross-genre collaborations. The track's blend of K-pop, psychedelic rock, and electronic dance music proved to be a winning formula. Other K-pop artists might seek similar partnerships with indie or alternative acts to expand their reach. For Tame Impala, the collaboration opens doors to a new audience in Asia and beyond.

As of mid-July 2026, 'Dracula' shows no signs of slowing down. It remains a streaming juggernaut and is gaining momentum on adult contemporary and rhythmic radio formats. Whether it can replicate its Pop Airplay success on the Billboard Hot 100—where it currently sits at No. 8—remains to be seen. Regardless, Jennie and Blackpink have added another milestone to their already impressive résumé, ensuring their legacy extends far beyond their group releases.

Source: Forbes News