Kaylah Walton
Taylor Swift has etched her name in history once more, overtaking Madonna‘s classic album Music on the Billboard 200 chart with her new release, The Tortured Poets Department. This exciting news, revealed on Thursday, sent her fans into a whirlwind of celebration online. Swift’s latest album has achieved 12 weeks at the top spot, surpassing Music’s previous 11-week hold in 2000, further cementing her status in the music scene.
Billboard’s official X account shared the news, highlighting Swift’s success as proof of her lasting popularity. The Tortured Poets Department, featuring popular tracks like “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone, has sold 3.2 million equivalent album units in the U.S., according to Billboard statistics.
“Taylor’s consistency is unreal—she’s rewriting the record books,” a fan expressed in a tweet, showcasing the buzz. Swift celebrated the achievement on Instagram, stating, “This album means the world to me, and seeing it connect with you all is everything.”
This accomplishment adds to her impressive record of 13 No. 1 albums in the U.K., as noted by Billboard in February, placing her alongside Elvis Presley. In the U.S., she now holds 12 No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, surpassing Madonna’s 11, although she still follows Barbra Streisand’s 14 among female artists. The all-time leaders remain The Beatles with 19. Madonna’s Grammy-winning album Music was a cultural phenomenon, yet Swift’s current streaming success, bolstered by 1.8 billion global streams of The Tortured Poets Department, has propelled her ahead.
Taylor breaks Madonna’s chart record
Fans on X were ecstatic, with one commenting, “Taylor surpassing Madonna feels so poetic—she’s the queen of this era!” This achievement comes after a quieter period for Swift following her Eras Tour ending in December 2024, yet she has remained active in the public eye with notable appearances like the Grammys in February. Her relationship with Travis Kelce also continues to garner attention, inspiring fanfiction online as noted by Yahoo.
Swift’s capacity to break records while forging deep connections with fans keeps her at the peak of pop culture. The Tortured Poets Department, with its profound lyrics and varied tracklist, has deeply resonated with listeners, reflected in its lasting presence on the charts. As her fans celebrate this victory over Madonna’s legacy, the music industry is left in awe of Swift’s undeniable reign.
