Justin Bieber returns to the top as “Yukon” lands No.1 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay, marking his big radio comeback

Justin Bieber is officially back on top. After three years without a radio No.1, the Canadian pop superstar has made a major comeback with his single “Yukon,” which just reached the No.1 spot on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart. For Beliebers everywhere, this is more than just a hit—it’s proof that Bieber’s music still has the power to dominate the airwaves and capture the spotlight, no matter how competitive the industry has become.

The track marks Bieber’s sixth No.1 on this specific chart, placing him alongside the heavyweights of modern pop and R&B. And while his absence from radio’s upper tier had left fans wondering if he could reclaim his place, “Yukon” has silenced the doubts. The single, included on his latest album Swag, quickly became a favorite across U.S. radio, registering the highest weekly spins between August 29 and September 4.

This is Bieber’s first radio No.1 since 2022’s “Ghost,” which dominated both the Pop Airplay and Adult Pop Airplay charts at the time. Since then, speculation grew about whether he could keep up with newer artists and maintain his hitmaker status. But “Yukon” has answered with a resounding yes.

Interestingly, Bieber’s rise to the top wasn’t fueled by a massive jump in radio plays. Instead, his competitors stumbled. “What Did I Miss?” by Drake, which had been holding the crown, dropped to No.3. Chris Brown’s “Holy Blindfold” slipped from No.2 to No.5, while Leon Thomas’s “Mutt” slid to No.4. Meanwhile, “All the Way” by BigXthaPlug featuring Bailey Zimmerman climbed to No.2 despite also losing spins. In the chaos of falling competitors, Bieber’s “Yukon” stood firm, grabbing the No.1 spot.

That victory makes “Yukon” Bieber’s sixth Rhythmic Airplay No.1, joining his previous chart-toppers: “As Long as You Love Me” (feat. Big Sean), “Sorry,” “I’m the One” (with DJ Khaled, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, and Lil Wayne), “No Brainer” (again with DJ Khaled and crew), and the unforgettable “Peaches” (feat. Daniel Caesar and GIVÄ’ON). It’s a powerful reminder that Bieber has a track record few in his generation can match.

The single’s success isn’t limited to Rhythmic Airplay. “Yukon” jumped into the Top 20 of the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, climbing from No.23 to No.19. It also improved on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, moving from No.22 to No.21, with an audience reach of 3.7 million. On the all-genre Radio Songs chart, it leaped from No.47 to No.41, amassing 13.5 million total plays across U.S. radio formats.

This shows that “Yukon” isn’t just a quick radio smash. It’s steadily spreading across formats, proving its staying power. The more stations add it, the clearer it becomes that the track is resonating with a wide audience. For Bieber, it’s a confirmation that he’s not just making songs that go viral online—he’s still capable of creating tracks that dominate traditional airplay too.

What makes this moment even more impressive is the context. The music landscape in 2025 is filled with fierce competition. Drake continues to rule as one of the world’s biggest artists, Chris Brown remains a consistent hitmaker, and fresh names like Leon Thomas and BigXthaPlug are climbing the ranks with viral success. And yet, amid this crowded scene, Bieber has managed to rise above and prove that his presence remains unmatched.

For fans, the success of “Yukon” feels like a long-awaited win. Beliebers took to Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram with hashtags and memes celebrating the track’s climb to the top. Many described it as “the comeback we needed,” turning the single into a cultural moment as much as a musical one. For them, this isn’t just another song—it’s a reassurance that their idol is thriving again.

Bieber’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Over the past few years, he’s taken breaks from the spotlight, faced personal challenges, and at times stepped away from the relentless pace of the industry. But his return with Swag and now with “Yukon” suggests he’s entering a new phase of his career. One where he doesn’t have to prove his worth but instead focuses on making music that feels true to him—and, as always, connects instantly with his fans.

The rise of “Yukon” also sets the stage for what’s next. With his new album generating buzz and his name back in major headlines, all eyes are on Bieber to see whether this is just the beginning of another hit streak. If history is any guide, this could be the launchpad for a new wave of global smashes.

What’s certain is that Justin Bieber remains one of the defining artists of his generation. Whether it’s delivering emotional ballads, infectious pop anthems, or genre-crossing collaborations, he has a way of creating music that resonates across borders and generations. “Yukon” proves that even after years away from the top of the radio charts, Bieber still knows how to deliver a song that becomes impossible to ignore.

And for Beliebers worldwide, this feels like a promise: the best is yet to come.