Stories by Stephen Thompson
Stephen Thompson
Writer/Editor, NPR Music and Host, Pop Culture Happy Hour
By Stephen Thompson
Ariana Grande's new song debuts at No. 1, keeping a streak alive
Stephen Thompson | Jun 11, 2026, 3:44 PM UTC
Ariana Grande is about to release her eighth album, Petal. With "Hate That I Made You Love Me," she continues an impressive and unusual streak on the charts.
By Stephen Thompson
As Drake rules the charts, the 'song of the summer' race heats upStephen Thompson | Jun 4, 2026, 7:47 PM UTC
By Stephen Thompson
'SNL' just wrapped its 51st season: It's time to cruelly rank its musical guestsStephen Thompson | May 18, 2026, 9:23 PM UTC
By Stephen Thompson
Michael Jackson's biopic has pushed his music up the Billboard chartsStephen Thompson | May 14, 2026, 8:17 PM UTC
Noah Kahan gets a No. 1 album at last, while Michael Jackson reenters the top 10
This week on the charts, Noah Kahan's coronation as an A-list superstar is complete, while another artist makes serious waves as well: the late Michael Jackson.
Stephen Thompson | May 7, 2026, 7:08 PM UTC
Olivia Rodrigo's 'drop dead' goes to No. 1 — and helps The Cure return to the charts
Olivia Rodrigo's third album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, doesn't come out until June. But it's already off to a tremendous start on this week's Billboard charts.
Stephen Thompson | Apr 30, 2026, 6:42 PM UTC
Ella Langley tops the charts — and Coachella gives Bieber a boost
The rising country star Ella Langley rules both the album and song charts this week, but Justin Bieber also sees a rise in popularity following his nostalgic performance at Coachella.
Stephen Thompson | Apr 23, 2026, 4:06 PM UTC
BTS stays at No. 1 on the charts — and thwarts Ye in the process
This week, no album can unseat last week's champion: BTS's Arirang, which holds on to the top spot thanks to another flood of sales.
Stephen Thompson | Apr 9, 2026, 4:11 PM UTC
