Two of the most successful names in country music history claim the biggest hits at country radio this week. As Jason Aldean rises to the summit and earns a historic smash with "Don't Tell on Me," Morgan Wallen is forced to settle for second place, at least for the moment.

"Don't We" – incredibly the eighth single from his fourth full-length I'm the Problem – climbs to No. 2 on the Country Airplay chart. In the coming weeks, Wallen may very well snag another leader, and if he does, he will advance again on the list of artists that have dominated with the greatest number of tunes.

Morgan Wallen Almost Rules With "Don't We"

"Don't We" steps up from No. 4 to No. 2 on the Country Airplay chart, one of the busiest and most competitive radio rankings published by Billboard – and the longest, as it includes 60 spaces. It's a roster that Wallen has ruled multiple times in the past, and with only a handful of albums, he has made himself one of the most successful hitmakers of all time.

Wallen is steady with his 20 No. 1s on the Country Airplay chart. He has sent 37 tunes to the tally, 24 of which have reached the top 10. Only four of those cuts have failed to run the show. "Don't We" is his only hit to peak in the runner-up rung, though it will likely not hold there for very long.

Here are all of Morgan Wallen's No. 1s on the Country Airplay chart:

• "20 Cigarettes"
• "Chasin’ You"
• "Cowgirls" with Ernest
• "I Got Better"
• "I Had Some Help" with Post Malone
• "I’m the Problem"
• "Just in Case"
• "Last Night"
• "Lies, Lies, Lies"
• "Love Somebody"
• "Man Made a Bar" with Eric Church
• "Mamaw’s House" with Thomas Rhett
• "More Than My Hometown"
• "Sand in My Boots"
• "Thinkin’ Bout Me"
• "Thought You Should Know"
• "Up Down" with Florida Georgia Line
• "Wasted on You"
• "Whiskey Glasses"
• "You Proof"

Morgan Wallen Could Pass Luke Combs in a Week

For the moment, Wallen holds his tie with both Brad Paisley and Luke Combs, who have also racked up a milestone 20 rulers. If "Don't We" manages to rise again, which seems likely, he will pass both of those singer-songwriters and join Keith Urban and Thomas Rhett, who have snagged 21 rulers throughout the years.

The race to the top of the Country Airplay chart is always fierce, and Wallen's consistency is remarkable. Since his breakthrough with "Whiskey Glasses" in 2019, he has become a dominant force in country radio, with each new single from I'm the Problem extending his streak. The album has already spawned three No. 1s – the title track, "Lies, Lies, Lies," and "Love Somebody" – and "Don't We" is poised to become the fourth. If it does, Wallen will not only tie Urban and Rhett but also set a new benchmark for artists who have achieved such a high number of chart-toppers in a relatively short period.

Wallen's journey from breakout star to chart juggernaut has been marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success. His ability to blend traditional country storytelling with modern production has resonated with a wide audience, and his live performances consistently sell out arenas. The fact that he is now within striking distance of legends like Keith Urban and Thomas Rhett speaks volumes about his staying power and the loyalty of his fan base.

Jason Aldean Claims the Fourth-Most No. 1s Ever

Aldean earns another winner on the Country Airplay chart this week as "Don't Tell on Me" steps up one space. He has now accrued 27 No. 1s on the radio ranking, and this latest single is an important one. Only days ago, Aldean was tied with Alan Jackson, George Strait, and Luke Bryan, as all four men claimed 26 No. 1s. Now he sits alone and claims the fourth-most rulers of all time. Aldean lands behind Kenny Chesney (33 No. 1s), Blake Shelton (30), and Tim McGraw (29).

Here are all of Jason Aldean's No. 1s on Billboard's Country Airplay chart:

• "A Little More Summertime"
• "Any Ol’ Barstool"
• "Big Green Tractor"
• "Blame It on You"
• "Burnin’ It Down"
• "Dirt Road Anthem"
• "Don’t Tell on Me"
• "Don’t You Wanna Stay" with Kelly Clarkson
• "Drowns the Whiskey" with Miranda Lambert
• "Fly Over States"
• "Girl Like You"
• "Got What I Got"
• "How Far Does a Goodbye Go"
• "If I Didn’t Love You" with Carrie Underwood
• "Just Gettin’ Started"
• "Lights Come On"
• "Night Train"
• "Rearview Town"
• "She’s Country"
• "Take a Little Ride"
• "The Only Way I Know" with Luke Bryan and Eric Church
• "The Truth"
• "Tonight Looks Good on You"
• "Trouble with a Heartbreak"
• "When She Says Baby"
• "Why"
• "You Make It Easy"

Aldean's longevity in the country music scene is nothing short of extraordinary. Since his debut in 2005 with "Hicktown," he has consistently delivered hits that appeal to both traditionalists and modern listeners. His style, often called "bro-country" or "country rock," has evolved over the years, but his ability to connect with audiences remains unchanged. Reaching 27 No. 1s places him in an elite group, and many industry observers believe he could eventually challenge Chesney's record, especially given the staying power of his recent singles.

The song "Don't Tell on Me" has been particularly well-received, blending a catchy melody with lyrics that resonate with Aldean's fan base. Its rise to No. 1 came after several weeks of steady gains, ultimately surpassing Wallen's "Don't We" in a tight race. This marks the second time in 2026 that Aldean has notched a No. 1, following the success of "Trouble with a Heartbreak" earlier in the year.

"Don’t We" Hits New Highs on Multiple Billboard Charts

"Don't We" lives on five Billboard charts this week, and it establishes new high points on three of them. In addition to the Country Airplay tally, the latest focus track from Wallen ascends on the Radio Songs ranking and the Billboard Hot 100, pushing to Nos. 13 and 21, respectively. "Don't We" is steady in seventh place, its all-time high, on the Hot Country Songs rundown. It is only on the Country Streaming Songs chart where "Don't We" slips. Last frame, the single sat at No. 19 – its previously-established peak – and now it dips two rungs to No. 21.

The cross-chart performance of "Don't We" underscores Wallen's broad appeal. While country radio remains his stronghold, his music has also found a home on mainstream pop and streaming platforms. The single's climb on the Hot 100, for example, indicates that it is resonating with listeners beyond the traditional country format. This kind of crossover success is increasingly rare in the current music landscape, where genre boundaries are more defined than ever. Wallen's ability to straddle those lines has made him one of the most valuable artists in the industry.

With "Don't We" still rising on multiple charts, Wallen's camp is optimistic about its eventual ascent to No. 1 on Country Airplay. The single has been added to major playlists on Spotify and Apple Music, and its radio spins continue to increase. Industry analysts suggest that if current trends hold, "Don't We" could top the Country Airplay chart within the next two weeks, finally giving Wallen that 21st leader.

Meanwhile, Aldean is already looking ahead to his next single, rumored to be a collaboration with a prominent pop star. If that project lands as expected, he could further extend his lead in the all-time No. 1s race. For now, both artists are riding high, each in their own lane but both contributing to the vibrant landscape of country music in 2026.

Source: Forbes News