18 popular songs that came real close to becoming flops

Kelly Clarkson has quite a few hit singles, so it’s hard to believe her No. 1 track, "My Life Would Suck Without You," debuted at No. 97 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

This Britney class entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart at position No. 96 in October 2008. The track shot to No. 1 the following week thanks to her loyal fandom and radio airplay. Since then, it’s become one of the singer’s most memorable and catchy songs.  

Do you remember this song from 2008? It’s one of T.I’s only No. 1 singles and features beautiful vocals from the one and only Rihanna. Due to the song’s popularity and position in the industry, it’s hard to believe it initially held the 80th spot on the Hot 100. 

When it comes to Eminem, there’s nothing this man can’t do. His 2009 rap single, "Crack a Bottle," held the 78th spot on the Hot 100 before rising to No. 1. 

As we patiently wait for Reputation (Taylor’s Version), we’ll reminisce on the debut of the album’s lead single, "Look What You Made Me Do." Although it’s now a chart-topping single, it first charted at No. 77. 

This Taylor Swift single hit the chart at No. 72 before climbing to No. 1 the following week. Don’t pretend to be surprised! She’s a living legend. 

"Whatever You Like" is another rap single released by T.I. It’s the lead single from his sixth album, Paper Trail, and is his second No. 1 song in the US. Believe it or not, it debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 99 before climbing to the top. 

Despite becoming the most streamed song on Spotify in a day and in a single week, this Adele song debuted on the chart at No. 68. However, like her other songs, it quickly rose to the top, claiming the No. 1 spot and becoming one of her biggest singles ever. 

"Makes Me Wonder" is the lead single from Maroon 5’s second studio album. It hit the chart at No. 64 before reaching No. 1 shortly after. In addition to its critical acclaim, the group won a Grammy for Best Pop Performance at the 50th Annual Awards. 

Rihanna’s popular single, "What’s My Name," is one of her most iconic, with over 6 million copies sold in the United States. But before the success, the song initially charted at No. 83 on the Hot 100. After three weeks of radio play, it became the singer’s eighth No. 1. 

Thanks to the popular social media app TikTok, "Heat Waves" by Glass Animals finally reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 in 2022 after a 59-week climb.

"All I Want For Christmas Is You" was initially released in 1995 but wasn't as popular as it is today. In 2019, the holiday track topped the Hot 100 for the first time in the US, with over 40 million streams and nearly 30,000 digital sales. 

In 2017, The Weeknd’s single "Die For You" peaked at No. 43 on the Hot 100. Like "Heat Waves," the song rose in popularity, causing it to peak at No. 6. After a remix with his good friend Ariana Grande, it topped the chart and became their seventh No. 1 hit. 

Even though this John Legend track is a fan favorite, it took 30 weeks to reach the No. 1 spot — peaking in May 2014.  

"Cruel Summer" was loved by many Swifties when it was released in 2019, but it didn’t blow up until her Eras Tour in 2023. When she re-released it as a single later that year, it skyrocketed to No. 1. 

"Beautiful Liar" didn’t peak at No.1 on the Hot 100, but it did rise 92 positions after debuting at No. 94 in 2007. 

Akon and Eminem’s single "Smack That" debuted at No. 95 in October 2006. After 67,000 digital downloads and increased radio play, it rose 88 spots to No. 7. Three weeks and 100,000 downloads later, this club track peaked at No. 2. 

Billie Eilish is already a rising star, so it’s no surprise her 2020 single "Therefore I Am" reached the No. 2 spot after debuting at 94.