The lengthy visit of Mariah Carey's We Belong Together to the pole position on The Billboard Hot 100, added to the reigns of Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl" and Carrie Underwood's "Inside Your Heaven," has resulted in the longest shut-out of men from the No. 1 position in the rock era.
It's been 20 weeks since a male artist has been No. 1. The 19-week streak by Stefani, Carey and Underwood beats the 16-week run of distaff No. 1s in 1999 that began with Brandy's "Have You Ever?" (two weeks) and continued with Britney Spears' "...Baby One More Time" (two weeks), Monica's "Angel of Mine" (four weeks), Cher's "Believe" (four weeks) and TLC's "No Scrubs" (four weeks).
Women are faring far better on the Hot 100 in 2005 than they did in 2004. One year ago this week, Ciara moved into lead position with "Goodies," which was only the second female No. 1 of the year, following "I Believe" by Fantasia. When "Goodies" advanced to No. 1, it was only the second week that a woman had been on top in 2004. This year, females have held the top spot for 28 weeks and males for 18 weeks. The number is greater than the number of weeks that have elapsed because the total credits the nine-week reign of "Candy Shop" by 50 Cent featuring Olivia to both genders.