Every year, May 13 consistently serves as the backdrop for some of the most impactful moments in Top 40 — chart-topping hits, unforgettable performances, cultural landmarks, and groundbreaking moves in the industry (for better or worse). Let’s look at some of the incredible moments that have happened on this day in musical history.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
May 13 has seen major breakthroughs on the Billboard charts, with Top 40 artists achieving career-defining No. 1 hits that helped shape the sound of a generation:
- 2006: Rihanna’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 was “SOS,” marking the beginning of her ascent as a global pop icon.
- 2011: Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the year’s most acclaimed and best-selling singles.
- 2011: Katy Perry’s “E.T.,” featuring Kanye West, continued its strong chart performance, contributing to Perry’s record of five No. 1 singles from her album Teenage Dream.
- 2015: Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again,” featuring Charlie Puth, maintained its No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100, resonating with audiences worldwide as a tribute to actor Paul Walker.
Cultural Milestones
On May 13, several notable events have marked the cultural landscape of music in the 21st century:
- 2011: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon dedicated the week of May 9-13 to commemorating the 30th anniversary of Bob Marley’s passing. The tribute performances included Ziggy Marley, Jennifer Hudson, Lauryn Hill, Lenny Kravitz, and The Roots.
- 2014: Michael Jackson’s second posthumous album, Xscape, was released by Epic Records. The album featured eight previously unreleased tracks and sold over 1.4 million copies worldwide within its first four months.
- 2015: Nick Fradiani was crowned the 14th season champion of American Idol. The finale included performances by The Jacksons, Chic, Steven Tyler, Michael McDonald, and New Kids On The Block.
- 2022: The Kilby Block Party music festival in Salt Lake City expanded to a two-day event on May 13-14. The lineup featured artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Mac DeMarco, Clairo, and Steve Lacy.
Notable Recordings and Performances
On May 13, many top 40 artists and global pop acts have given memorable live performances and brought in massive crowds, illustrating the global impact of the genre:
- 2022: Coldplay performed to over 42,000 fans at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, during their Music of the Spheres World Tour.
- 2023: KCON Japan featured major K-pop acts, such as The Boyz, STAYC, and NiziU, reflecting K-pop’s surge into the Top 40 markets.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Big industry events from past May 13s provide insight into challenges and innovation reshaping the music industry in an ever-changing digital ecosystem:
- 2021: Synchtank hosted the Data, Rights & Royalties Summit to address the industry’s persistent data management and standardization issues.
- 2025: For the first time, the Music Business Association held its Music Biz Conference in Atlanta, focusing on the future of the music business.
May 13 has always showcased the imagination, tenacity, and unstoppable spirit behind Top 40 music, from chart-topping anthems to concerts that rocked global stages. As the artists and industry continue to break down barriers and redefine the rules, one thing is sure — the magic of May 13 is just another reminder that music’s influence will continue to get bigger, bolder, and louder.
